Welcome to Chicken Keeping 101
Learn the basics of chicken keeping, avoid common beginner mistakes, and start your flock the right way.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a backyard chicken flock but aren’t sure where to begin, this beginner-friendly workshop in Kentville, Nova Scotia will walk you through everything step by step.
Feathered Fundamentals is an in-person workshop designed to help new and aspiring chicken keepers start strong and avoid some of the most common early mistakes. In it, we’ll walk through the basics of chicken keeping in a way that’s practical, approachable, and grounded in real-life experience. From bringing home your first chicks to collecting your first egg, this workshop focuses on setting up healthy habits, confident care routines, and a flock that can truly thrive.
No judgment, no gatekeeping, and no pretending everything always goes perfectly. Just real talk, and real learning.
Who This Workshop Is For
This Workshop is Ideal For:
People bringing home their first chickens (or those who have recently brought home their first chickens).
Anyone curious about keeping backyard chickens for eggs or as pets.
Those looking to avoid common early mistakes when raising chickens.
Folks who want to learn in a supportive, relaxed environment with ongoing support.
Please Note:
While anyone is welcome to attend, my focus in this workshop is on educating new and aspiring chicken keepers.
If you’ve been keeping chickens for a while, you may still learn a few new tips but this workshop is primarily focused on helping beginners get off to a strong start. Experienced keepers might find it less relevant.
What to Expect
Hands-On Learning
Explore lots of practical materials and get comfortable with the tools and supplies you’ll use with your flock.
A Comprehensive Chicken Keeping Guide
Take home a 100+ page booklet packed with everything we cover in the workshop and more. No need to take notes!
A Cozy Learning Environment
Coffee, tea, bottled water, and snacks provided.
Personal Attention
Small class size (12 max) so you can ask questions and get guidance.
Ongoing Support
Access a private Facebook group after the workshop for follow-up questions.
What You’ll Learn in Feathered Fundamentals
Feathered Fundamentals covers everything a beginner chicken keeper needs to start raising chickens confidently. You’ll walk away with practical skills and a clear understanding of your birds’ needs – plus a 100+ page booklet to guide you every step of the way if you forget anything after you go home.
In this workshop, we’ll explore:
Bringing Home Your Birds
Choosing the right chickens for your space, lifestyle, and goals – including where to find healthy birds you can feel good about bringing home.
Raising Chicks
Everything you need to know from day-old fluff to confident young birds – brooder setup, heat, feeding, growth milestones, and what is and isn’t normal during those early weeks.
Raising Teenagers
The in-between stage from 8 to 20 weeks – managing changing needs while preparing your flock for coop life and adulthood.
Laying Hens & Roosters
Life after 20 weeks – what to expect as hens begin laying, how to care for adult birds, and understanding the role (and personality) of roosters in the flock.
Chicken Breeds
A look at common chicken breeds and what makes them unique – egg production, size, and climate suitability – so you can choose birds that fit your space and goals.
Chicken Behaviour
Learning how chickens communicate and behave – from pecking orders and dust baths to broody moods and flock dynamics, so you can tell normal chicken chaos from real problems.
Coop Considerations
Designing or choosing a chicken coop that keeps your flock safe, dry, and comfortable – space needs, ventilation, nesting boxes, predator protection, and common coop mistakes to avoid.
Introducing New Chickens
How to add birds to an existing flock without total mayhem – quarantine basics, slow introductions, and managing the inevitable drama when chicken math strikes.
Biosecurity Best Practices
Learn how to protect your flock from preventable disease through simple, practical habits – including quarantine protocols, dedicated chore gear, and smart management of visitors, equipment, and environmental risk.
Healthy Chickens
A practical, real-life guide to keeping your flock healthy – from simple preventative habits and knowing what “normal” looks like, to spotting early signs of common chicken health issues, and what to do when something seems off.
Common Chicken Health Issues
A practical look at the health problems backyard chicken keepers most commonly face – what they look like, what your next steps usually are, and when it’s time to call a vet. We will look at:
Comb Injuries, Nail Injuries, Cuts, and Scrapes
Respiratory Infections
Bumblefoot
Egg Binding
Prolapse
Salpingitis
Impacted Crop
Sour Crop
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
Neoplastic Diseases: Marek’s and Lymphoid Leukosis
Parasites: Coccidiosis, Worms, Lice and Mites
Seasonal Issues: Heat Stress and Frostbite
Your Chicken First Aid Kit
How to build a first aid kit so you’re prepared to handle minor issues quickly and confidently when they pop up.
Euthanasia
A compassionate guide to recognizing when it’s time to let a bird go, how to make that decision with confidence, and how to navigate the emotional weight that comes with being a responsible, caring flock keeper.
Financial Considerations
A realistic look at the costs of keeping chickens.
When & Where
Date & Time (for the first workshop)
Saturday, April 25th
11am to 3pm
(more workshops will be held if there is interest)
Location
North Alton, Nova Scotia – just off the 101 at exit 13
(the civic address will be provided to students only)
Class Size
12 participants max
Introductory Pricing
I’m offering a special introductory rate for the first few workshops while I’m finding my wings. These early sessions give me a chance to fine-tune the experience, and your patience and enthusiasm as my first students means a lot to me.
There’s no set end date for the introductory rate – it will continue until I feel that everything is running as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. Think of it as a thank-you for being willing to weather the slightly awkward first runs!
Introductory Price: $50 to reserve your spot (regular $70)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience with chickens to attend?
Not at all. This workshop is designed specifically for beginners and aspiring chicken keepers. We’ll walk through everything step by step in a way that’s easy to follow.
What should I bring to the workshop?
Just yourself! Everything you need will be provided, including a comprehensive take-home booklet so you don’t need to worry about taking notes.
Where exactly is the workshop held?
The workshop takes place in North Alton, Nova Scotia, just off Highway 101 (exit 13). The exact address will be provided after registration.
Is this workshop suitable for experienced chicken keepers?
This workshop is primarily focused on beginners. Those with experience may still pick up a few helpful tips, but the content is designed to help new chicken keepers get started confidently.
Ready to Reserve Your Spot?
Your seat (and a whole lot of chicken knowledge) is waiting for you.
If you’re ready to join me for the very first Feathered Fundamentals workshop, you’ll find a link to the registration form below.
