School chicken club collects Show prizes | Photos

Vasse Primary School’s Chicken Club has marked another fantastic year, with a slew of wins at the Busselton Show over the weekend.

“This was a wonderful way to provide the students with a practical learning experience outside of the classroom,” Chicken Club Coordinator Kylie Van Ranzow said.

“This year’s turnout was remarkable, with 15 students entering 28 chickens in the show and earning 7 first place wins and 6 second-place awards.”

The club held its annual Wash Day event held ahead of the Show last week.

The day included a visit from Nancy McKinnon, a Pekin Bantam breeder from Perth, who gave an in-depth demonstration on chicken grooming, poultry care and pet responsibility.

Club Coordinator Kylie Van Ranzow said an impressive group of 38 students came together to wash 19 differing breeds of chickens.

“This was a wonderful way to provide the students with a practical learning experience outside of the classroom,” she said.

Five new families also joined the event this year, adding their own entries to the Show.

Standout winners included Krispy, a Barred Plymouth Rock, who won first in the open division, while Sunflower, a Gold Laced Wyandotte, took first in the junior heavy soft feather division, and Honey’s eggs placed second in the white egg section of the produce competition.

“Parents’ support has been invaluable, helping foster the students’ dedication to chicken care and welfare,” Kylie said.

“The students themselves have shown great commitment, putting in time and effort to ensure their pet chickens were show-ready and comfortable while penned at the event.”

Kylie said the club had brought much joy to the students since it was founded in 2023.

“Not only does it enrich the students’ learning, but it also offers emotional support-students can bring chickens in backpacks for comforting classroom visits.”

The club runs three lunchtime groups: Chickens, Chess, and Checkers; Chicken Enthusiasts; and Chicken Friends.

Kylie said the chickens were conversation starters for students who are shy or may struggle socially.

“This strengthens student’s social skill development with student-to-student interactions and adult educators as students can find this difficult.

“The chickens support students in regulating their emotions whilst giving students that incentive to attend school when enduring academic struggles.

“It’s invaluable having a special feathered friend to console you with no judgment and solely there for you.”

A special mention also went to Marshmallow, the club’s Pekin/Silky mix and a Show favourite, sporting rainbow-coloured feathers and sharing cuddles with many junior showgoers as she toured the grounds in her chicken backpack.

“Thank you to everyone, especially all the Vasse Primary School families who made this year’s event such a success,” Kylie said.