At the heart of the Lancaster County Super Fair, a remarkable young entrepreneur, 14-year-old Lathan Huntley, has transformed his profound passion for poultry into a thriving small business, earning him the affectionate moniker ‘Chicken Dude.’ His dedication extends beyond a mere hobby, manifesting as a significant commitment to aviculture and animal keeping.

Huntley’s recent appearance at the fair saw him exhibiting 14 chickens and two turkeys in the highly anticipated 4-H poultry show, demonstrating not only his skilled animal keeping but also his emerging role as an agricultural ambassador. This showcase provided a platform to assess the quality of his domesticated animals against others, fostering a competitive yet educational environment for fair exhibits.

With approximately 20 to 30 chickens and two turkeys under his care, Huntley operates his own venture, Fluffy Cheek Farms, where he sells poultry, predominantly Ameraucanas and Modern Games, alongside various hybrids. His business model encompasses buying, breeding, hatching, and selling, illustrating a comprehensive approach to poultry farming.

Inspired by his grandmother’s lifelong engagement with chickens and chick hatching, Huntley began raising birds seven years ago. He actively encourages peers to source high-quality birds from reputable breeders rather than commercial supply stores, advocating for improved genetic quality within competitive poultry circles, showcasing strong youth entrepreneurship.

The distinctive ‘Chicken Dude’ nickname originated during his volunteer work at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, where his extensive time spent with birds solidified the appellation. Remarkably, Huntley manages most aspects of Fluffy Cheek Farms independently, funding new bird acquisitions through his sales, showcasing early entrepreneurial acumen.

The care of domesticated birds, especially during summer’s elevated temperatures, demands meticulous attention. Huntley employs practical techniques, such as providing cold water bowls for the birds to stand in and maintaining muddy yard conditions, both crucial for regulating their body temperature and ensuring their well-being.

Despite not placing all his competitive hopes on one animal, Huntley showed particular excitement for Millie, his feather-legged d’Uccle, sourced from recognized breeders. His future plans include exhibiting poultry at the Nebraska State Fair and the Nebraska State Poultry Association show, further cementing his presence in the aviculture community.