June 7th 9-11am
Raising Chicks 101 is your essential introduction to successfully raising happy and healthy laying hens from day one. In this focused two-hour session, you'll gain practical knowledge on setting up a safe and comfortable brooder environment, including understanding the critical needs for heat, water, and food for those first few weeks. We'll cover best practices for chick care, recognizing signs of common health issues, and ensuring your chicks get the best possible start to life.
Transitioning your growing chicks to their outdoor coop is a key step, and we'll guide you through this process. Learn about the appropriate time for the move, predator-proofing your coop and run, and introducing them to their new, larger space. We'll also touch upon the changing nutritional needs of your birds as they grow from chicks into pullets and eventually into laying hens, ensuring they receive the proper diet for optimal health and future egg production.
Finally, we'll prepare you for the exciting milestone of your hens starting to lay eggs. Understand the typical timeline for when laying begins, how to encourage consistent egg production through proper nutrition and lighting, and how to collect and handle your farm-fresh eggs. This class provides a solid foundation, equipping you with the confidence and knowledge to successfully raise your chicks into productive members of your backyard flock.
