The clock is fast ticking to 4 p.m. Friday, which is the midnight hour for Pike County 4-H’ers who plan to participate in the 2017 Cackle Club or the Pig Pen projects.

Those who miss the deadline will have absolutely nothing to cackle about, said Heath Wesley, Pike County Extension coordinator.

“The deadline is getting near and the 4-H’ers who want to participate in the Cackle Club or the Pig Pen project have to get registered,” Wesley said. “The chickens will arrive in May and pigs won’t be here until June so there’s plenty of time to get ready for the chickens and pigs but you have to register by 4 p.m. Friday.”

Wesley said the Pike County 4-H Cackle Club and Pig Pen projects are designed to help 4-H’ers learn to produce healthy animals, become aware of business practices, develop record keeping skills and realize the pride of accomplishment.

“Children ages nine to 18 are eligible to become members of the Pike County 4-H Cackle Club,” Wesley said. “There is a $60 registration fee, which includes the chickens along with a show cage.”

Wesley said 4-H’ers who participated in the Cackle Club project last year may use the same cage and should call the Extension office at 566-0985 for the amount due.

“4-H’ers who participate in the Cackle Club may select from several chicken breeds –Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red or Plymouth Rock,” Wesley said. “Each 4-H’er will receive six pullets of the breed they select.”

There will be a mandatory meeting for the Cackle Club 4-H’ers and their parents at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 18 at the Pike County Extension Office.  Chick delivery will be around May 13. The 4-H’ers will show their best two pullets at the 2017 Pike County Fair, which is scheduled for the first week in October.

Wesley said the Pig Pen project is open to 4-H’ers, ages nine to 18.

“The cost of the pigs is $75 each and there is a maximum number of two pigs for each 4-H’er,” Wesley said. “But, of course, they can choose just one pig.”

There will be a mandatory meeting for 4-H’ers, who participate in the Pig Pen project, and their parents at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at the Pike County Extension Office.

“Project details and expectations will be covered at the meeting,” Wesley said. “Pigs will be available for pickup on June 2 at Cattlemen Park. Pigs will weigh around 45 to 65 pounds when they arrive.”

For more information, call the Pike County Extension Office at 566-0985.