Chicken Keeping For Beginners

Having kept poultry for over 10 years now, I am often asked for advice by novice and 'soon to be' poultry keepers. In response to this I now offer introductory courses [I was a college lecturer pre children!] for those thinking of getting their first hens.

 Courses are held outside on my little registered smallholding, and are very 'hands on'.

On the course we will discuss:

Different breeds that may suit you

Purchasing birds - what to look for

How to be prepared before you bring your hens home

Types of housing, runs and fencing

Predators

How to handle chickens

Daily / weekly routines

Where to position your hen house

Pests and diseases

Cockerals

Chicken behaviour - broodiness, pecking orders, introducing new birds

Types of feed 

 Q & A over tea / coffee and homemade cake

Printed notes and a little goody bag to take home!

Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing as you may get wet and / or muddy!

 Children over 8 are welcome but must book and pay for a place and be accompanied by an adult.

I am a member of The Poultry Club of Great Britain

I have kept various types of poultry for over 10 years now, including pure breed chickens, hybrids, ex battery hens, ducks, geese quails and even a few turkeys! Ive hatched many many chicks and - yes - I do eat the odd spare cockeral, dispatching, plucking and dressing it myself.  I DO NOT cover the dispatching of chickens on my courses!

My favourite breeds are buff orpingtons and jersey giants but I find even the ugliest most dishevelled bird very lovable!

I live on a little registered smallholding in Lancashire on the Border or Bury & Bolton with my family and animals including Shaun and Timmy our easycare sheep / eco lawnmowers.

I run my own celebration cake business using the eggs from my ducks and hens.

My chicken keeping courses are very informal and relaxed and are based on my 10 years experience with my feathery girls and boys.