Introduction to poultry
Starts: 11 October 2012 10:00
Ends: 11 October 2012 16:00
The Magdalen Project, Winsham, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4PA
Interested in keeping a few chickens and wondering where to start? This introductory session covers both theoretical and practical sessions on sourcing your chickens; general husbandry; feed and range management; chicken behaviour and welfare and animal handling.
This course can be adapted to suit those interested in larger scale poultry production on a more commercial basis.
Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum Group Size: 8
Cost: £69 per person
Includes: Notes, light refreshments and simple homemade lunch.
Course Format: This course is based in the classroom but also out with The Magdalen Project Flock. Several special breeds will also be available and you will be expected to handle the birds so it is advised that attendees where suitable outdoor clothing & footwear.
Tutor Details: Paul Thompson
Paul started an interest in fowl by owning and caring for a rear breed Golden Pheasant when he was 7 years old. This passion developed over the years and now Paul specializes in rearing all varieties of fowl but mainly rare breed poultry. He has extensive knowledge of commercially rearing poultry and egg production and has won a number of awards for his birds.
Course content
10.00am Meet group
- Introductions
- Brief potted history of tutors experience & where we are now
- Find out a little about group - what experience each attendee has
- What specifically each attendee wants from the course
- Poultry & the Law
- Questions
11.00am Coffee / informal chat
11.30am Bird Health
Common ailments
- How to recognise
- How to minimize
- How to treat
Parasites
Vermin Control - Rats, Mice, Wild birds
What to feed & How much
Questions
1.00pm Lunch
2.00pm Housing / Equipment
3.00pm Hands On – Magdalen Flock recognise potential problems
- How to hold
- How to handle / Calm
- Check birds for parasites / housing for red mites
Breeds
- Types of Bird
- How to choose which is right for you
- What to look for when purchasing
- Where to buy from – auctions, breeders, dealers
4.00pm Questions & Finish
To book:
Tel: 01460 30144 Email:info@themagdalenproject.org.uk
