Keeping Chickens for Beginners
Keeping chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years — and for good reason! It’s a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, with the added benefit of fresh, delicious eggs.
Whether you're thinking of keeping a few hens in your garden or starting a small flock, this beginner-friendly course will teach you everything you need to know.
You'll gain hands-on experience in handling and inspecting chickens, along with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and build your confidence.
What You'll Learn
🐓 Choosing Your Chickens: Explore different breeds and find the right hens to suit your lifestyle.
🏠 Housing: Learn about the various housing options and how to set up a safe, comfortable home for your hens.
🦊 Predator Protection: Identify common predators and discover effective ways to protect your flock.
🥬 Feeding: Understand your chickens’ nutritional needs to keep them healthy and laying well.
❤️ Health & Wellbeing: Covers the basics of chicken care, including moulting, common diseases, parasite control, and interpreting chicken behaviour.
🤲 Handling & Inspection: Practical guidance on how to confidently handle and examine your chickens.
🥚 Egg Production: Discover how hens produce eggs and how you can support (or unintentionally hinder) this process.
⚖️ Legal Guidelines: An overview of the current laws and guidance around keeping poultry in the UK.
Course Details
Title:
Keeping Chickens: Hens as Pets
Location:
Durham Hens
Time:
Sunday mornings, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2025 Course Dates
- September 28th
2026 Course Dates
- To be arranged
Following each course, the shop will be open briefly should you wish to make any purchases.
Prices
Adults:
£35
Children (ages 10–16):
£25
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unfortunately, the course is not suitable for children under 10.
Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Bookings are confirmed once payment is received.
- You may transfer your booking to another date free of charge with at least 7 days’ notice.
- Cancellations are subject to a 5% cancellation fee.
- If a course is cancelled by Durham Hens or due to changes in government regulations, you will be offered a full refund or transfer.
Veterinary Students Welcome
Veterinary medicine students are welcome to join Durham Hens for poultry EMS placements or work experience. We hold agreements with all UK veterinary schools.
Please note:
we do not currently offer on-site accommodation.
To arrange a placement, please contact: margaret@durhamhens.co.uk