Showing chickens is a family affair for Mattawa 4-H family

Othello — Six-year-old Mahtahya McLean has two goals — to show a duck and sell a chicken. But she will have to wait a couple of years before her dream can be fulfilled. Those under the age of eight are not allowed to sell their animals.

This year, Mahtahya showed Cookies and Cream, a four-month old rooster. She got a blue ribbon. Next year she hopes to show her duck.

Her nine-year-old older brother Jonathan also showed a chicken. He got Reserve Grand Champion in Junior Fit and Show. There were approximately six other competitors, including his older sister Samantha, who was awarded Grand Champion.

When asked if there was any pressure, he answered, “A little bit.”

Jonathan is planning to stick with showing chickens for a while.

“They’re easy to handle,” Jonathan said. “I don’t like showing big birds. I like to keep it easier.”

The family owned chickens prior to showing their birds.

Jonathan thinks that if he is still showing when gets into the higher 4-H ranks, he will join FFA. Currently, the family is part of the Mattawa 4-H group, the Buckshot Buckaroos. The children’s other brother, Prestton, also showed a chicken at this year’s fair.

Before this year’s fair started, the entire McLean family completely cleaned repainted the poultry barn.

“The barn looked totally different last year,” Julie Reed, poultry barn superintendent said.

As part of their thanks to the McLean family, a picture collage of the painting project was hung in the poultry barn.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@columbiabasinherald.com