Selfsufficientish.com

Hi,
What would the general opinion be of the cost of a short chook keeping basics course? I am toying with the idea of running some in the summer for those people who have thought of getting a few but don't know where to start. As far as I know no one does this near me (and I don't want to put any noses out of joint). I would only advertise them in my local feed store. I was thinking max two people and to cover housing, feeding, routine care, handling and pests. Thought I'd do it on sunday mornings, say four hours with a tea break. What do you suppose would be a fair price? I was thinking £25 per person. I have done a lot of training and teaching (but not chickens) and would also include a little folder with the course written down with photos etc. We have several different set ups (bantams in a covered run, woodchip breeding pens, large house and paddock) and several breeds so we could cover most things. I know it is no substitute for experience but it might be good for people who just wanted to see what it was all about. Must be better than just going out and buying some!!

think this would be a great idea! if i were closer id come, even though ive had chickens forf several years. thanks Joe

How kind!! What about legal implications? Do you think I would need insurance? I only want to do a few over the summer, I miss teaching and I would enjoy doing these - but not if someone sued me 'cos they tripped over a chook!!

my local small holders assn runs day courses on various things (dont see chickens , but sheep husbandy.. pig keeping.. etc etc) and cost £18 per head.

perhaps see your local smallholders assn?

i wouldnt mind tagging along too
sounds like a great idea :)

If its any guide I have been running organic veg growing workshops for a while now and people seem happy with the £55 (10am-4.30pm inc lunch and 2 tea breaks).
I am going to introduce a beginners poultry keeping workshop myself this summer at the same price.

Technically you should have some kind of public liability insurance. I send people a letter/email before the workshop stating that sensible clothing and shoes are required as the surfaces are uneven, etc.

Sounds like a fabulous idea - I would have loved something like this before I started, and I would have happily paid £25 for it. Whereabouts in Cambs are you? I am in West Suffolk (near Bury), and have friends who are very seriously interested in starting to keep hens. Unfortunately I am too much of a beginner myself to really advise them properly, but this may be something they would be interested in. So if you do decide to go ahead then post details up here and I can mention it to them.

sounds a good idea, though I would think about increasing numbers if you can, two is really a very small number, haf a dozen would be better, also why only advertise at the feed shop? I am guessing that people going to the feed shop already know something about some types of animals, so not afraid to try a different sort.