Chickens are a favorite farm animal for adults and children alike. They are a great introduction into the world of small farming. Almost anyone can successfully raise chickens both in town and in the country with a little knowledge. This class will explain everything you need to know to start your own backyard flock with no prior experience!

During this 4 week class you will discover:
how to get and raise day old chicks
how to hatch eggs
chicken breeds and gender
housing options
care
collecting eggs
safety from predators
nutrition

Course overview:

Week 1: Getting Started
Breeds
   Heritage vs Commercial
Gender
Acquiring eggs
Hatching eggs
  Incubators
  Turning
  Humidity
  Timing

Week 2: Brooding
Heat
Water
Feed
Predators
Escape
Space
Bedding

Week 3 : Growing
Changing Housing Needs
Feed
Interaction with humans
Parasite control
Predators

Week 4: 
Adulthood
Egg Laying
  Timing
  Seasons
Gender Differences
Breed Differences
   Body shape
   Feed requirements
   Hardiness
Parasite control
Retirement


Each week will allow plenty of time for question and answer, and hopefully a live tour of our own several hundred chicken flock. By the end of class you should be able and confident to purchase your own chickens and start a flock.