A workshop detailing how to humanely raise chickens in your backyard, while following the law and not upsetting your neighbors, is being held by Berkeley Animal Care Services (BACS).
The workshop will cover everything from zoning to chicken care, and is geared to those currently raising chickens, as well as those considering doing so. Attendees will learn about chicken behavior, obtaining chickens from rescue shelters, and locating equipment, among other matters. Attendees could along a notebook to jot down information that may not be included in any brochure printing order.
A chicken behavioral expert and a UC Davis Animal Welfare Scientist, Carine Elkhoraibi, will lead the workshop. Other topics covered will include local laws regarding backyard chickens, what to consider when buying chickens from a hatchery, coop and perch design, introducing new birds to the flock, minimizing problem behaviors, and keeping chickens safe from predators.
Urban farming and in particular chicken husbandry has become increasingly popular, and this free workshop aims to use education to prevent problems before they arise. Berkeley Animal Care Services is an open-admissions shelter that provides care, shelter or new homes to any species of Berkeley animal, and is an outstanding source of information regarding pet care for any type of animal.
The Chicken-Raising Workshop is being held this Sunday, June 10, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at BACS 1 Bolivar Drive. Due to high demand and limited space, call 510-981-6603 or go to animalservices@cityofberkeley.info to RSVP
