A Red Star is a hybrid chicken developed from a cross of a Rhode Island Red rooster and a Delaware hen, known for its prolific brown egg production. Red Stars can lay over 300 large, brown eggs per year.
2026 Coastal Plains Chicken Project Registration Is Open
The 2026 Coastal Plains Chicken Project is an opportunity for 4-H'ers to learn how to raise chickens while learning showmanship and record-keeping skills. Participants have the opportunity to choose between layers (Red Star) or broilers (meat birds). Those who raise broilers must return all birds to Extension staff at the end of the show. All layers may be kept. The project is open to active 4-H'ers (ages 5-18 as of January 1, 2026) and middle and high school FFA/agricultural education classes. Please note that this year there will be separate shows for FFA/Ag and 4-H youth.
Each bird cost $5 and there is a minimum order of 2 birds of the same breed. Checks can be made out to NCCE – Onslow County Center. Please note "2026 Chicken Project" on the memo line of checks. Registration forms
All first-time participants must attend an orientation and a showmanship/project record book training. Schools should schedule a time for training with Extension staff.
This is a multi-county project so dates may vary from county to county.
Important Project Dates:
Registration and Payment Due: December 10, 2025, to the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Carteret County Center. We will turn all of Carteret County's registrations in at one time.
Orientation: January, 2026 (Date to be Announced) - CMAST for first-time Carteret County participants
Anticipated Layer Chick pick-up: February 9-13, 2026 - Parents will be notified when chicks will be available for pick up.
Anticipated Broiler chick pick-up: March 9-13, 2026 - Parents will be notified when chicks will be available for pick up.
Showmanship workshop: TBA
Poultry Project Record Books: Submit completed books to your County Extension agent. Youth who do not turn-in books by the deadline will not be eligible for premiums/prizes. Deadline will be announced at a later time.
Coastal Plains Chicken Show: May 5, 2026 - Lenoir County Livestock Arena, 1791 NC-55, Kinston, NC 28504.
