Would you advise a chicken keeping course?

[MrsDaffy]

We're just in the process of building a coop and run and hoping to get chickens this year. Complete newbie in all things chicken related

Would anyone suggest doing a course or is it something we should be able to pick up with research on the net? I've already learned loads of new stuff on the vine - a fount of information!

I just want to get the basics right so we have happy chooks and they're not suffering from my lack of knowledge. Thanks.

[OverWyreGrower]

I did a chicken keeping course about 6 years ago when I started out...

I'd never even been near a live chicken before the course, and was terrified of not being able to handle them properly etc.

I found it really interesting, and I was much more confident with my birds when they arrived. I still did masses of googling and reading etc

[MrsDaffy]

Thanks - that's what I was thinking. A bit of confidence handling them properly.

[Glutton4...]

If you've never handled a live Chook, then it would be a great way to get accustomed to them - and you'll learn loads. Read as much as you can - this Forum will probably give you all you need to know, and more.

I did the 'in-at-the-deep-end' approach, but only with the support and encouragement of the people on here. Previously, I had had friends and neighbours with Chooks, and my Folks had some when I was a kid, so they weren't totally alien to me. Although, I had never picked one up, and I found myself curiously nervous on the day. I started with ex-Batts, and they were as nervous as I was.

A word of warning, though - it's seriously addictive!

[veggiechicken]

I went in at the deep end too - and bought 6 hens - I'd never handled a hen in my life. The breeder showed me how to handle them and clip a wing and off we went. I'm sure I didn't do everything by the book but they survived, and so did I.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Hmm liked that instead of quoted but I won't unlike cos I like you What I really meant to say was and you all lived eggstatically ever after

[MrsDaffy]

I've been reading how addictive it can be and getting seriously worried! Starting with three and will see where that takes me.