Over the last couple of years we’ve met lots of people who wished to keep chickens but just didn’t know where to begin.
Initially, we posted information on the website but found there is nothing like ‘hands on, practice’. Poultry enthusiasts liked to see our setup, see how our birds were kept, ask questions about our methods, hear about problems that we’d encountered, discuss how best they would go about setting up in their particular circumstances, get ideas about how to begin.
Out of this need, we became aware a more ‘hands on’ approach was necessary and now run a regular Chicken Keeping Workshop for beginners, introducing them to all aspects of poultry keeping with an emphasis on the particular the needs of the participants.
As a qualified and experienced adult education tutor, I understand the value of a well devised and delivered workshop. I’m aware of the need beginners to chicken keeping have, to acquire this knowledge and skill, by understanding what informs our practice as we breed poultry for a hobby and as a means of providing wholesome food for ourselves, in the form of eggs as our hens mature and meat as our cockerels gain weight.
We will hold regular workshops on Saturday mornings for groups along with a more personalised workshop for individuals, couples and families by arrangement. This is to accommodate those who, through work commitments, etc. are unavailable on Saturdays. Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult are welcome and we provide a special family rate.
These workshops are a friendly, informal introduction to all aspects of poultry keeping, including a walk-round the Breeding Pens and a visit to the Brood House, with Q & A over a cup of tea or coffee before you leave.
Some of the topics covered are… basic needs of poultry, feeding, housing, health, disease, pest, parasite and vermin control, choice of breeds, breeding, processing for the table.
As this is a family home, you are likely to meet our dogs and possibly other family members as they go about their own business. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for the workshop is advised.
