The KY 4-H Poultry-related activities include more than the raising of poultry for meat, eggs or exhibition. Several judging and demonstration contest opportunities are available including poultry judging, egg preparation demonstration, avian bowl, and chicken/turkey barbecue.  The skills developed and knowledge acquired in the these programs make for well-rounded, responsible young people.  They learn to evaluate based on a criterion and to defend their decisions in oral reasons.  They learn scientific information about the systems and have an opportunity to apply science and math concepts in real life situations. They experience working in teams to be successful and emphatic to different-learners. Four youth competed in the state BBQ contest, one senior member was first in the state, and placed 7th in the national competition.  Perry County had three County Avian Teams this year competed in both state Poultry Judging and Avian Bowl events.  One senior member placed in both the state Avian Team as well as the State Poultry Judging team.  She competed at the National 4-H Poultry Conference this past November. Her team placed 1^st in Market Eggs, 4^th in Egg Production, and 3^rd in the Overall Team scores.  One junior county team was state champion, with one member of that team finishing individual first place. One teen member designed the team tee shirt and tied for first place in the KY Poultry Federation sponsored contest and received a plaque for the county.  It is being displayed in the courthouse along with the state traveling trophy in Poultry Judging and the teams pictures. Our county team shirt was also chosen to become the KY team shirt for national 4-H poultry conference.  Parents have relayed how surprised they have been on the increased dedication their child is showing in participating in these practices and workshops.  It is not all about raising chickens, there is one member who raises chickens, maybe two have grandparents with poultry, but for the most part, the live chickens in the contest are their first up-close-and-personal experiences with hens.   The contests make it fun to learn and challenge them to be their best, to study their materials, and to show up for the practices.  They belong to a team and they are proud of each other.