Courses
Keeping Chickens for Beginners
In recent years keeping chickens has become very popular. It is an enjoyable hobby with the added bonus of lovely fresh eggs! This course is designed to teach beginners all they need to know about keeping chickens. There will be hands-on experience of handling and inspecting chickens and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Course Content
- breeds of chickens: choosing chickens to suit you
- housing: options for housing your hens
- predators: what they are and how to protect your hens
- feeding: what a chicken needs to grow well and to lay eggs
- health: the basics of chicken care; the moult and common diseases and their cures; parasites; chicken behaviour
- how to handle and examine a chicken
- egg production: understanding how a hen produces an egg and ways in which you can help or hinder this process
- legalities: laws and guidance from authorities relevant to keeping poultry
Course Dates for 2025
Courses will take place on the following Sunday mornings from 10am - 12pm. Please click on your preferred date to book your place.
The shop will be open briefly following the course if you wish to purchase anything during your visit.
Prices
Adult: £35
Children aged 10-16: £25 (must be accompanied by an adult). The course is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Courses take place mainly outdoors so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Terms and Conditions
- Please note bookings are accepted once payment has been received.
- Bookings can be transferred to another date free of charge providing seven days' notice are given.
- Bookings can be cancelled at any time subject to a 5% cancellation fee.
- If courses are cancelled by Durham Hens, or due to changes to government regulations, your booking can be transferred or refunded in full.
Students of Veterinary Medicine
Students of veterinary medicine are welcome at Durham Hens for poultry EMS placements or work experience. We have agreements in place with all UK universities. Unfortunately, we don't have accommodation on site at present.
Please email margaret@durhamhens.co.uk to arrange.