There are no hard and fast rules on how to keep chickens and what is best for them, there are many companies running courses on keeping chickens all of whom should provide you with a good basic understanding of hen keeping and the rewards that come with them.  Our knowledge is based on our own experience and information gained from suppliers who have the best interest of the hen and her welfare at heart.

Our courses are designed for the complete beginner and novice keeper, not only are they informative but we have a very hands on approach with photographs to look at and different samples of feeds, bedding, housing etc so you can get a greater understanding of what we are discussing. 

We aim to have a very relaxed atmosphere and will encourage your involvement throughout the course; after all keeping hens should be a hobby not a chore.

The course should last about 2- 2 ½ hours with a coffee break and time at the end for any questions.  A free information & goodie bag will be given out at the end of the course (one bag per couple/family).

A brief idea of what the course will cover:-

Purebreds, Hybrids & Bantams

Q. My family wants to have chickens, what would be the best breed to go for?

Discussing the difference between them all.

Housing & Outdoor Space

Q. What sort of house and how much space do they need?

What to look for when purchasing a hen house and run.

How it can be adapted to make life easier.

Different types of bedding that can be used.

Handling

Q. How do I hold a chicken?

Hands on time!

How to handle a hen correctly and look for signs of good and ill health.

Care & Wellbeing

Q. What sort of commitment will they need from me?

Going through their daily routine and what is needed on a weekly and monthly basis.

How to keep them in good health easily.

Possible problems and illnesses

Q. What do I do if one of my hens is ill?

Looking at what could go wrong and how it can be prevented.

What to look out for.

Basic first aid for hens.

Feed & Supplements

Q. What do they eat and how much does it cost to keep a hen?

Discussing the different types of feed – cheap and expensive.

Looking at the different types of supplements – do they need them? If so, when?

Mites & Parasites

Q. What is the most common mite?

The creepy crawlies of the hen world and how prevent or get rid of them.

Eggs

Q. Why will my eggs be better than the ones in the shop?

Looking at the real difference between your eggs and the ones from the shops.

How to get the best from your hens.

Additional Hens

Q. How do I introduce new hens into my original group?

There are many different ways to do this, we’ll discuss them all!

Question Time

I will try my best to answer any questions you may still have on hen keeping.

There will be a simple registration form to complete before the course begins, this information will not be passed on to a third party, instead  it will be used to build up a better understanding of what people are looking to achieve from the course and any constructive comments will be welcome.

Cost per person                       £25.00

Cost per couple                       £40.00

Each additional person           £15.00

Children under 12 are free.

Payment in full must be made prior to the course date, cancellation less than 48 hours will result in a 25% charge.  Payment is non refundable but may be used to book another date. Should the course need to be cancelled due to low numbers, you will be contacted no less than 48 hours prior to the date when another suitable date will be arranged.

To book a space on one of the courses please contact me with your telephone number and the best time to call, I will contact you to take your details and payment.

Next Course Date

Once the course has finished you are welcome to look at and purchase the pullets and goods for sale.