New Ulm High School freshmen FFA members John Sondag and his brother Tracker Clemon presented several of their red leghorn chickens and two-week old turkey chicks to the delight of small children.

Sondag and Clemon’s exhibit included detailed information about their turkeys and Red Leghorns, known to be good egg producers. The pair noted that chickens can recognize about 100 human faces, bathe by covering themselves with dirt, and make sounds relating to such things as finding food, mating and alerting calls.

Turkey gobbling can be heard for up to a mile and the birds can fly at speeds up to 55 mph, according to Sondag and Clemon’s exhibit.

“I’ve been raising chickens for five years,” said Clemon. “I like their color and personalties. Some are calm and let you pet them. Others don’t.

Holstein and Black Angus calves were on display on the New Ulm Middle School parking lot on Thursday during Spring Ag Day.

“Chickens keep us busy on weekends. We have 43 chickens and sell eggs on the farm,” said Sondag. “We’re building a 20 by 28 foot chicken coop. Our chickens have an open door to the outside.”

Sondag said Spring Ag Day is a highlight of the school year.

Both boys said they are interested in agricultural careers including farming.

The average chicken may live for 5-10 years.

When a rooster finds food, he may call other chickens to eat first by high-pitched clucking, picking up and dropping food. Roosters may also crow in response to sudden disturbances in their surroundings.

Raising chickens in the city is popular in a number of places. Challenges may include limiting the number of chickens, getting the approval of neighbors and government officials plus consideration of urban predators.

Large farm implements were part of Spring Ag Day. Roping was exhibited by several people.

Other animal exhibits included Holstein and Black Angus calves.

Students toured the show in class groups to prevent large gatherings. New Ulm FFA advisors called the show a wonderful chance to expose students to agriculture, providing a unique learning opportunity, especially to those who have not visited a farm before.