Goats, call ducks, broilers, health and games made for a full agenda when Mount Vernon’s Clever Clovers 4-H Club met May 1, at the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.
President James Bonnette called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Avari Schlairet led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge. Secretary Phoebe Hults called roll: Nine members, two Cloverbuds and four advisors were present. Minutes of the April 17 meeting were read by Hults and approved, and Treasurer Jasper Bruff reported on club finances.
Bruff gave one demonstration about goats and another about call ducks. First, he explained the protocol and importance of vaccinating goats against tetanus and enterotoxemia (“overeating disease”). Next, he described call ducks, explaining that the birds’ small size and high-pitched call led to their past use as live decoys in the Netherlands. Bruff brought along one of his project birds, resembling a petite mallard, to show the club.
For her demonstration, Reagan Stump talked about raising broiler chickens: They need shelter, water and high-protein feed. Chicks and pullets should be watched for illness, especially avian flu. It’s important to track feeding, growth, any medications and expenses. Stump will pick up her chicks June 1, and the fast-growing birds will be mature by fair time, in late July.
Vice President and Health Officer Lilly Schlairet talked about various vitamins and their impact on our health. The night’s activities ended with a game of “Would You Rather,” led by Stump, and refreshments were provided by the Schlairets.
The Clever Clovers’ next meeting was on May 15, with demonstrations given by Hunter Gutheil and Jesse Staggers.
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