With the latest legalization of live chickens in the City of San Diego, many people are starting to flock to the idea of gathering their own eggs from their backyard.
If you are interested in raising backyard chickens, “Backyard Chickens” class will be held at The Green Store, 4843-B Voltaire St. , Ocean Beach , Sunday, October 28 from 10 am until 12:30 pm. There is a $30 charge for participants.
The class is being taught by poultry specialist Paul Barbano. Mr. Barbano is an experienced chicken raiser who recently taught this class at the San Diego Botanic Garden ( Quail Gardens ) in Encinitas.
The class will cover such basics as why raise chickens, where to get them, housing, feeding and general maintenance.
And no, you don’t need a rooster to get fresh eggs!
Backyard chickens provide hours of entertainment. Just as people enjoy feeding pigeons in the park or ducks on pond, watching chickens scratch around the yard is as relaxing as watching an aquarium. Like any pet, each hen has her own personality.
Chickens are great bug eaters and will patrol your yard scavenging bugs, weeds and small critters. Chicken manure is easily composted and an excellent source of nitrogen for your garden.
Backyard hens teach kids responsibility and show the circle of life and where our food really comes from.
Like heirloom tomatoes, the eggs you get from your own hens will be tastier and richer flavored. The first thing many new chicken owners notice is the deep orange yolks.
Recent studies by Mother Earth News show that true free-range chicken eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, one fourth less saturated fat, 2/3 more vitamin A, and twice as much omega-3 fatty acids. Your backyard eggs will also have three times more vitamin E and a whopping 7 times more beta-carotene!
Class participants will leave with a handout, a copy of a chicken catalog and even a back issue of Backyard Poultry.
Space is limited so you must pre-register by emailing chickensforeveryone@
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Always wondered ! Way to go Paul, Great ! :0 Robert