Workshops

 Introduction to Chicken keeping

Autumn 2015 dates tbc

All Saturday courses will run from 10 - 12am

Beginner’s chicken keeping course:

·         Know the difference between a hybrid and pure breed and have an understanding as to which type of birds may suit your requirements

·         Understand the basic equipment needed for keeping chickens: different types of housing, food, supplements, how to ‘dress’ your house ie: bedding - hemp, straw, shavings, hay, newspaper etc.

·         Care for your chickens: How to hold your chickens, daily/weekly checks – scaly leg mite, comb care in the winter, vent checks, red mite checks, worming, dust baths, how much to feed your chickens, the importance of fresh water and grit.

·         Wing clipping and how to if you decide to.

·         The difference between a pullet, a POL and a fully grown layer and when to expect the first eggs – what to expect. Looking after your eggs! Egg production and continuity throughout the year.

·         Broodiness in chickens

·         Children, pets and chickens

·         Predators and chickens – mice, rats, foxes and your own pets!

·         Rules and regulations surrounding keeping chickens.

·         Where to buy and where to get help.

·         Questions

Price for 2 hours session including refreshments with home made cakes at question time: £15 per person, maximum 10 people.

Suitable for children over 8 years old when accompanied by an adult (children £2.50 you can pay for children on the day). Please wear wellies and waterproofs if it is wet and old clothes whatever the weather, as we will be in the runs with my girls and you will get muddy. Bring a notebook if you wish although I will give out handouts.