A one-day introduction to looking after your own hens
If you’re considering keeping chickens, curious about what’s involved or are new or inexperienced and would like to gain confidence, this informal course provides an eggs-cellent (sorry!) introduction to the popular hobby of poultry keeping. The course is designed for beginners, so no previous experience or knowledge is required.
Led by John Shepherd, an experienced chicken-keeper and smallholder, the course aims to cover all aspects of keeping poultry so that you leave feeling confident about caring for your birds.
The course will cover:
- A brief introduction to the origin and history of poultry-keeping and breeds
- What you’ll need to get started
- Where to purchase your birds
- Types of housing
- Management strategies
- Feed and daily routine
- Welfare and health
- Common problems and treatments
- Selling eggs and the law
You’ll practise handling chickens through a practical session where you will learn how to perform an examination and administer simple treatments.
A light lunch will be provided along with tea and coffee. Please note any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Please arrive at 9:45am for tea/coffee, for a 10:00am start.