Jan 27, 2010
Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca
UFV introduces poultry basics for hobby farmers
With many municipalities relaxing bylaws to allow chickens to be raised in backyards, many people are now pecking around for information on how to care for their birds.
The University of the Fraser Valley is holding two workshops next week that will help people learn the ins and outs of poultry ownership.
“This course is intended for owners of small flocks who wish to learn more about disease in poultry — including the spread and prevention of disease,” says Karen Massier, UFV’s program coordinator for continuing studies in the trades. “This course is sponsored by Growing Forward, which is an initiative between the B.C Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.”
The popularity of chickens as back-yard dwellers is enjoying a resurgence as more and more people are keeping a few birds for egg production. Last spring, the City of Vancouver jumped on the chicken bandwagon, amending its bylaws to allow city dwellers to keep chickens in their backyards. Vancouver follows communities such as Richmond, Burnaby, and New Westminster that currently allow city chickens. It’s a huge wave in America with cities such as New York, Seattle, and Portland all allowing chicken ownership. In the Fraser Valley, there are also many large chicken farms, and many hobby farmers with chickens.
Massier says the one-session, three-hour course is open to anybody who has chickens or is thinking about setting up a chicken coop. Along with some basic chicken care tips, participants will also learn how to recognize some common flock diseases, what to do if you suspect your flock is ill, and preventive measures to keep your birds healthy.
“With the relaxing of city bylaws and the rural communities it the Fraser Valley, we realize some people might have two or three chickens in their backyards, while some might have dozens and raise them for eggs and meat,” Massier says. “We know there is an interest for more information about chicken flocks and we’re expecting people from across the Fraser Valley to be interested in this course.”
Massier also notes there is no charge to take this course. While it is free to participate, people must still register and enrolment is limited. UFV is offering the Keeping Your Flock Healthy course on Tuesday, February 2 at the Trades and Technology Centre in Chilliwack, and on Thursday, February 4 at the Abbotsford campus in Room B121. On both nights the course runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and refreshments will be served.
To register call 1-888-823-8734, or to find out more about the Keeping Your Flock Healthy course, call Massier at 1-888-504-7441, local 5471.
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