Learn more about keeping backyard chickens

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 13, 2019

By Morgan Watts

Rowan Cooperative Extension

Starting in October, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center, will have a series of monthly workshops titled “Backyard Poultry Lunch N’ Learn.”

These workshops will be great for anyone who has backyard chickens or for anyone who is thinking of getting some come spring time.

The workshops will be on Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 11, and Jan. 8, 2020, from noon-1 p.m., at the Rowan County Center, 2727 Old Concord Road. There will be no cost for the workshops. Lunch will not be provided, but feel free to bring your lunch to eat during the class.

Each class will cover a different topic. The October class will be “Breeding and Brooding.” We will go over different breeds and what they are used for. We will also cover all the aspects of bringing a new chick home.

The November meeting is “Housing and What to Feed.” We will cover what type of housing you need and what it needs to provide. The “What to Feed” portion will cover what type of nutrition your bird will need.

The December meeting is “Health and Diseases.” This will cover how to protect your flock from diseases, types of diseases, and signs to look for.

Last but not least is the January 2020 meeting on “Egg Handling/Laws/Codes.” This will be a valuable meeting for anyone who is considering chickens in city limits or if you are thinking about selling eggs (even if you only sell a few dozen a week).

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please call the Rowan County Center at 704-216-8970. Pre-registration is required by the Monday preceding the workshop.