02—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 23,1983 BY LAURA ENGLAND LITITZ When it comes to 4-H participation, the Glenn Shenk family of Lititz, has dipped its hands and energies into a variety of projects, ranging from sewing and cooking to strawberries and dairy. But one project that each of the six Shenk children, along with Mom and Oad, have found a rewarding pleasure in is raising flocks of capons. The Shenks began raising capons about nine years ago when sons Bud, now 21, and Jeff, 19, bought their first flocks for 4-H. Bud and Jeff no longer raise the birds for projects, but sisters Melanie, 15, Daphne, 14, Lisa, 12, and Monica, 9, have picked up where their brothers left off. Members of the Elm Penryn community club, the Shenks have found that raising capons takes a total family effort. During the summer and fall, the girls are responsible for feeding and watering the birds twice daily, in addition to keeping their project books up-to-date. When November rolls around, Mr. Shenk, his wife Audrey,and the children all pitch in to dress the birds for the county 4-H round-up. This year’s project began June 9 when the Shenks received their flock of 75 capons. At that time, the birds were three to four weeks old and weighed about three fourths of a pound. Now, six weeks later, each capon weighs between three to four pounds and will reach ipoi jgi om three to four pounds each. Melanie said the birds will weight between eight to 12 pounds at dressing and will resemble a turkey. sides raising capons for 4-H projects, the Shenks also grow strawberries. This year, the girls planted 200 new plants and are shown with their mother, second from left, as they check for any possible problems. Raising capons: a finished weight of eight to 12 pounds by November. To get these results, a good feeding program is essential. The Shenks begin with a 16 percent protein pacemaker starter and then switch to a complete grower feed. Towards the end of October, the capons are fed a little shelled com to help put the finish on. Also, water is available at all times. Raising the flock, Mrs. Shenk said, involves a minimum of daily care, but housing maintenance such as bedding, checking the amount of ventilation and making sure the automatic watering system is working properly, should be routinely checked. Health is also important, and an eye must be alert to any problems. When outside chores are com pleted, the girls can concentrate on keeping their record books in order. This involves keeping track of all expenses - cost of the birds, housing, equipment, feed, and miscellaneous expenses such as dressing and marketing. The receipts are entered after the county round-up In 1982, the girls made a $270.33 profit. Their initial investment was: 75 birds, $114.00; feed, $383.67; and miscellaneous ex penses, $7.00; for total expenses of $504.67. In selling the capons at round-up, the girls grossed $775.00, for a net profit of $270.33. This profit, however, did not include the labor cost, Mrs. Shenk said. The bulk of the labor comes A family affair for the Shenks **•*- ■, j / '■ («Wk. -- -mm' "' J > ■