How I Got Started with Rhode Island Reds
I got my first Rhode Island Red bantams in the spring of 2022. Before that, I had Silkie bantams, and to be honest, I absolutely hated them. I wanted to try something different and more traditional.
At one of our 4-H meetings, I saw some Rhode Island Reds, and Lacy Greer, a breeder, offered to give me a couple of birds. They were about six weeks old, and that’s how I got started with the breed.
I didn’t really have a big plan when I started, but I’ve kept raising and showing Rhode Island Reds since then. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and there’s still plenty to learn.
My Flock Today
Right now, I have 4 Rhode Island Red bantam roosters and 8 hens. I don’t have any large-fowl Rhode Island Reds, just bantams.
I have multiple coops to keep my birds separated, including my ducks, large-fowl egg layers, and Rhode Island Red bantams.
My main goal is to enjoy breeding and showing Rhode Island Reds through 4-H while working toward the breed standard. I want to keep learning about the breed and improve my birds as I go.
Showing
- Chicken Showmanship: Won five years in a row at the Apache County Fair.
- Turkey Showmanship: Won Grand Champion once and Reserve Champion once.
- Single Comb Clean Legged Class: Won four years in a row.
- Overall Poultry: Won twice.
- Reserve Champion Overall Poultry: Won once.
- Four Corners Poultry Show: Won Best of Breed and Best of Class with my Rhode Island Reds twice.
My 4-H Story
I started 4-H in 2022 and have spent most of my time in the Apache County Small Stock Club. I served as one of the youth leaders and became the club’s first president. I’ve also been an Apache County 4-H Small Stock Junior Leader since February 2024.
In summer 2025, I worked on the program team at Grand View Camp, helping design, lead, and run activities and games for more than 1,100 youth over the summer.
In October 2025, I became an Arizona 4-H State Ambassador through the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. I’ve continued in that role for the 2026–27 year, and this year I’m also serving as the State Ambassador team’s treasurer. Through these roles, I help promote 4-H and represent the program.
In 2026, I attended 4-H Ignite in Washington, D.C., on the Citizenship Washington Focus track. While there, I met with Representative Eli Crane’s office for over an hour.
I also attended the 4-H National Conference in spring 2026, where I worked with Roundtable 18 and presented to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on building the next generation of leaders in agriculture. We also visited USDA headquarters.
4-H has given me opportunities to develop my leadership skills, meet people, and learn more about agriculture and public service. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and getting more involved.
What I’ve Learned the Hard Way
Raising chickens might seem easy from the outside, but I’ve learned that it takes real dedication. You have to make sure every day that your birds are healthy, have everything they need, and are well protected. It’s not something you can just do when you feel like it. Raising Rhode Island Reds has taught me that being a good poultry breeder takes more than just having good birds. It takes time, consistency, and a willingness to put in the work every day.
