Editor’s note: This is the seventh and final in the series “State Fair Stories,” where we visited with youth exhibitors at the Missouri State Fair from Aug. 11 to 21 about their projects and experiences.

Taylor McCarty is following a family tradition by exhibiting poultry. However, the 16-year-old high school junior is already going beyond raising show birds and is creating her own legacy in the small town of Doe Run, Mo.

“My dad showed chickens when he was younger,” the member of The Wild Bunch 4-H Club says. “So, I started raising and showing them as well.”

BLUE RIBBON: For Taylor McCarty of St. Francois County, Mo., it was her first time exhibiting chickens at the Missouri State Fair. The St. Francois County 4-H member won her county fair and decided to see how her birds compete at the state’s largest poultry show.

McCarty is the daughter of John and Jessica McCarty. This is her first year showing chickens at the Missouri State Fair. “Some of my birds won at the county fair, so I wanted to see how they would compare to others at a bigger show,” McCarty says.

Turns out, fairly well, with one receiving Best of Breed and a blue ribbon.

Eye on business

Over the years McCarty’s chicken flock grew to include Rhode Island Reds, Silkies, Dominique, Plymouth Barred Rocks, Ameraucana and more. She also dabbles in ducks. But it is her venture into quail that expanded into a business for the teen.

“I run a hatchery,” she explains, “where I raise and sell Coturnix quail chicks to local farm stores.”

McCarty Hatchery focuses on the Coturnix quail. This breed offers gentle birds that come in many varieties and are easily raised in small spaces.

YOUNG CHICK: Coturnix quail chicks are part of McCarty Hatchery. It is operated by 16-year-old Taylor McCarty of Doe Run, Mo. She sells chicks at local feed stores.

They are known for both meat and egg production, and grow quickly, with many reaching maturity at six weeks. They begin laying eggs at eight weeks. McCarty says that one hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year.

“People like them because they are a small bird, which requires a smaller pen space, and they have cheaper feed bills,” she explains.

Right product, right market

McCarty sees demand for her birds continue increasing. “I sell out ever time I bring some to the local feed store,” she says.

While some of her customers purchase the birds for either egg or meat production, McCarty says one of her niche markets is for the pet industry. “Some buy to feed them to their reptiles,” she says. “I don’t ask.”

RAPID GROWTH: It takes about six weeks for a Coturnix quail to be mature enough to produce eggs. Buyers often like the smaller breed to raise in backyards or on small acreage.

McCarty has goals for her budding business and credits her parents for their guidance and encouragement to dream big in her small town.

“I want to be as big as Cackle Hatcher someday,” she says. “That is my goal; that is what I’m working toward.”