Raise chickens and support farmers in crisis! RMFU is offering a series of chicken care classes and all proceeds will go to our AgAssist fund.
101: Backyard Chicken Basics – Getting Started with Your Flock (March 23, 12-2pm, City Star Barrel Room)
New to chickens? Learn everything you need to know to start a thriving backyard flock, from choosing breeds and setting up a coop to daily care and egg collection. This class covers the basics to help you get started with confidence.
201: Raising Laying Hens / Egg Financials – Profitable Egg Production (April 6, 12-1:30, City Star Barrel Room)
Thinking about turning your fresh eggs into a business? This class dives into best practices for raising productive laying hens while breaking down the costs and potential profits of egg production. Learn how to maximize egg quality, manage feed expenses, and build a sustainable operation.
202: Raising Meat Chickens / Financial – From Chick to Table (April 6, 2-3:30, City Star Barrel Room)
Meat birds grow fast, but raising them right takes skill. In this class, we’ll cover everything from selecting breeds and managing growth to processing day. Plus, we’ll break down the financial side—so you can raise meat birds efficiently and profitably.
301: Handling / Breeds / Behavior – Understanding Your Flock (April 13, 12-1:30, City Star Barrel Room)
Why do chickens act the way they do? Learn how to safely handle birds, understand their behaviors, and choose the right breeds for your goals. Whether you’re raising layers, meat birds, or pets, this class will help you manage your flock like a pro.
302: Incubating / Hatching / Brooding – From Egg to Chick (April 13, 2-3:30, City Star Barrel Room)
Hatching your own chicks is incredibly rewarding! This class covers everything from selecting fertile eggs and setting up an incubator to caring for delicate hatchlings. Learn how to troubleshoot problems and raise strong, healthy chicks from day one.
203: Feeding / Housing – Nutrition, Coop Design, and Management (April 20, 12-1:30, City Star Barrel Room)
Healthy chickens start with proper nutrition and a well-designed coop. Learn how to build or improve your setup, choose the best feed, and manage space efficiently to keep your flock happy and productive year-round.
303: Predation / Diseases / Biosecurity – Keeping Your Flock Safe (April 20, 2-3:30, City Star Barrel Room)
From hawks to viruses, your flock faces real threats. This class covers how to prevent disease, protect against predators, and set up biosecurity measures to keep your birds safe and thriving.
401 Lab: Butchering / Anatomy – Hands-On Butchering and Carcass Breakdown (May 17, 9:00 AM, Long Shadow Farm)
This hands-on class takes you through humane butchering, proper processing, and a deep dive into chicken anatomy. Whether you’re new to processing or want to refine your skills, you’ll leave confident in every step, from slaughter to storage.
402 Lab: Building Chicken Tractors – Designing and Building Mobile Coops for Meat Birds (March 29, 10:00 AM, 1220 Langston Lane Loveland CO)
Pasture-raised poultry requires the right setup! In this hands-on class, learn to design and build mobile chicken tractors that keep birds safe while improving efficiency. Whether for homesteading or small-scale meat production, you’ll gain the skills to construct a functional, moveable coop.
