What the Alabama 4-H Fur and Feathers Show Is
The 4-H Fur and Feathers Show lets Alabama 4-H members who have rabbits or raise poultry show off their showmanship knowledge and skills. It has two showmanship contests, rabbit and poultry, plus costume contests and a set of creative arts classes. The most recent edition was held December 5-6, 2025, at the Autauga County Cooperative Extension Office in Autaugaville.
Who Can Enter
- Alabama 4-H members who have rabbits or raise poultry.
- Juniors, ages 9-13, and Seniors, ages 14-18.
- Members must be enrolled in 4-H Online at least 90 days before the contest day.
How the Show Works: The Timeline
- Friday, December 5, 2025: Rabbit Showmanship.
- Saturday, December 6, 2025: Poultry Showmanship.
- 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. both days: check-in.
- 11:00 a.m.: educational exhibit judging begins.
- 1:00 p.m.: showmanship begins, Junior Division first.
Rabbit showmanship follows the Alabama 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship Guide. Poultry showmanship follows the National Standard 4-H Poultry Showmanship Manual.
Costume Contests
Rabbit and chicken costume contests each have two categories, knit or crochet and sewn. Each contestant may enter one garment, with a separate entry form for each garment, and the animal must be brought to the show. Chickens must have their throat swabbed for testing and should be displayed in a wire cage. Judges look at fit and comfort on the animal, plus stitching or knitting off the animal.
Creative Arts Classes
Classes are artwork, artistic expression, creative writing, photography (black and white including sepia, and color), digitally altered photography, a poster contest on Consumer Choices, woodwork or metalwork, rabbit fiber spinning and egg artistry. All have Junior and Senior divisions, with the top three placings in each division.
- Work must be the member's own and completed within the previous 12 months.
- Each exhibitor may enter one item per rabbit or poultry selection. Photography allows one entry per species per color or black-and-white class.
- Artwork and photos cannot be framed or under glass. Photos are laid flat for judging, with no easels or props.
- Size limits: artwork and artistic expression up to 3 ft by 3 ft; photos and digitally altered photos up to 16 in by 22 in (digitally altered entries need the unaltered original and a written explanation); posters on a 22 in by 28 in board.
- Fiber spinning: up to three skeins per class, tied in at least four places. Egg artistry: up to three blown-out chicken eggs per class.
Key Deadlines
- December 1, 2025: creative writing entries, submitted to Brigid McCrea at Auburn University.
- December 1, 2025: record books for the Supreme Showman Award, sent to the State 4-H Office.
Awards: Supreme Showman
The Alabama 4-H Junior and Senior Rabbit and Poultry Supreme Showman Awards are presented at the show. To qualify, a member must sign up through 4-H Online, select Fur and Feathers Showmanship for rabbits or poultry, submit a completed record book by the deadline and compete in four or more creative arts categories. Points for showmanship, record book and creative arts are based on placement, and classes with more entries offer more points.
Where
Autauga County Cooperative Extension Office, 2226 AL-14 West, Suite E, Autaugaville, AL 36003.
Questions
Can my 8-year-old enter?
No. Juniors are ages 9-13 and Seniors are 14-18.
Can I frame my photograph?
No. Artwork and photos cannot be framed or under glass.
Do I have to bring the animal for the costume contest?
Yes. Chickens also need a throat swab and a wire cage.
Who handles accommodations and questions about poultry?
Brigid McCrea, Extension Specialist for poultry at Auburn University, is the named contact.
Official Links
- 4-H Fur and Feathers Show Rules for Participation: eligibility, classes and deadlines
- 4-H Fur and Feathers Show, Alabama Extension
- Alabama 4-H state events calendar
Alabama Cooperative Extension System: The Essentials
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System carries out the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, in cooperation with Tuskegee University, and lists 67 county offices, per its A Ready Partner flyer.
What it covers
Program areas include agriculture, forestry, wildlife and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, 4-H and urban affairs. The state office is at Duncan Hall, Auburn University, phone (334) 844-4444.
Soil tests and 4-H
Soil sample boxes come from your county office or a garden center, per Auburn's sampling guide. Alabama 4-H is open to ages 9 to 18, with Cloverbuds at 5 to 8, per the eligibility page.
Next steps
Call your county office before you visit, and ask which agent covers your question. The Master Gardener Helpline is 1-877-252-4769.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- National Peanut Festival
Held each year in Dothan and tracked on the Alabama Farmers Federation calendar; the most recent dates were November 6 to 15, 2026.
- Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, held in Montgomery on the organization's events calendar for December 6-7, 2026.
- Gulf States Horticulture Expo
Horticulture trade expo in Mobile for Gulf Coast growers, shown on the Alabama Farmers Federation events calendar for January 6-8, 2027.
Mobile, AL | Organizer: Alabama Farmers Federation Official event details - Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show
Held each year in Gulf Shores by the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; the most recent dates were February 3 to 5, 2027.
- SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week
Southeastern Livestock Exposition rodeo and livestock week at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, posted on the Bama Beef calendar for March 19-21, 2027.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.