Chickens and Eggs 

This course provides an introduction to the science and management of backyard birds.  Students will study current management practices for backyard chicken flocks such as proper housing, nutrition, breeding, and care.  The course will also examine important issues in avian health including biosecurity, diseases, parasites, and welfare.  Important processes such as egg production, reproduction, and digestion will also be covered.    

Topics that will be covered:  

Benefits of Keeping a Backyard Flock for Egg Production, Avian Biology, Physiology, and Internal Structures. 

Avian Reproduction

• Mating
• Incubation
• Female Reproductive system
• Male Reproductive system

Digestion

Other Body Functions

Nutrition

Feathers

Behavior

Housing

• Flock size
• Coop Design
• Keeping birds warm/cool, proper ventilation

Factors affecting egg production

• Molting
• Daylength
• Parasites
• Disease
• Overall Health
• Breeds

Flock Health and Diseases – Protecting your birds

• Biosecurity
• Rodents
• Wild Birds
• Dogs
• Flock aggression
• Predators

Eggs

• Egg Structure
• Egg Grading
• Candling
• Proper Egg Storage

Date: September 26 - October 17, 2022

Schedule: Mondays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Facilitator: Allisaon Breedveld

Fee: $89