Raising Backyard Chickens (2 Courses)

The American Poultry Association recognizes over 50 large chicken breeds and that is not including the bantam breeds recognized by the American Bantam Association.  We have experience with over 17 breeds, both show and barnyard, from chick to Heaven. Our flock is pasture raised in a free range environment on organic feed and treats producing a variety of beautiful colored eggs with bright yolks from happy, healthy chickens.

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Intro to Chickens (1.5 Hours)

Thinking of adding chickens to your backyard? Maybe just want to know more? This visit is for anyone desiring general knowledge on chickens and is a requirement for anyone considering raising backyard chickens.  This visit will explore the different purposes and breeds of chickens, general care, and costs.

 

Barnyard or show? Meet or egg? What type of vet care is needed? How long do they live? How many do I need? What do they eat? How much do they cost? How to tell a boy or a girl? What chickens prefer hot/cold weather? Why are eggs different colors? How many do they lay? Requirements of egg sales?

               

These are just a few of the questions you will know the answer to at the end of this visit. This information is not only useful to individuals considering raising backyard chickens but also to anyone who eats eggs!

 

 

Caring for Chickens (2 hours; Pre-requisite: Intro to Chickens)

So you’ve decided to adopt those chicks!  This visit will build on the information from your visit for Intro to Chickens and cover in depth the responsibilities of raising health, happy chickens.

 

This information is key to raising healthy, happy chickens from chick to senior, thru changing weather of the seasons, and in a variety of environments while also providing pros/cons for cost and time related to care.

 

This is a hands on experience where you will hold, examine, and participate in care of chickens, eggs, and coops. Discussions and demonstrations will: allow for further exploration of breeds to identify best fits based on your specific farm goals and assist with locating breeders; seasonal feed and nutrition requirements; feed and water systems (custom and manufactured options); coop and yard buying/building, care, and winterization; predator proofing; diseases, prevention, medical care and emergency preparedness; wing and foot care; egg storage and sharing; and more.