Does the idea of having a hyper-local source of fresh eggs year round sound appealing? You can’t get much more local than your own backyard! Add a small flock of egg-laying hens to your homestead for power-packed protein.

This lecture-style class will cover the basics for keeping small flocks of backyard chickens for the purpose of egg production. The presenters will share personal knowledge from their experience securing coops, maintaining healthy hens and handling the challenges of urban chicken tending. You'll leave feeling empowered to care for backyard chickens and troubleshoot challenges that arise.

This class is geared toward beginners, though those with experience are welcome to participate (and share their success stories!). Children ages 8 and up are welcome to attend with their guardians.

Meet Your Instructors:

Dominique Ellison has enjoyed the benefits of raising backyard chickens since 2019. An avid gardener, she believes no yard is complete without a flock of free-range chickens roaming around. Dominique has raised happy, healthy flocks from chicks to adulthood, giving them everything they need to thrive. In return, she enjoys the most delicious eggs and natural, rich fertilizer to improve the productivity of the garden. Keeping backyard chickens has been a never-ending learning adventure.

Mary Dudley has been keeping chickens since 2021. A reluctant chicken owner but passionate composter, Mary's fondness for laying hens grew over the years until one fateful day, she was offered the opportunity to adopt a flock. She has been enjoying fresh eggs ever since. There have been challenges with keeping predators at bay and maintaining a happy flock—topics for discussion as she continues to learn and grow.

Cost: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers