North Columbus News

Backyard poultry keeping is becoming increasingly popular across Ohio, with residents turning to raising chickens for various reasons, including a fresh supply of eggs, entertainment, and self-sufficiency in growing their own food. As urban and suburban communities adapt regulations to permit poultry keeping, this trend is expected to rise.

In response, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is providing support to new poultry enthusiasts through an online educational resource. The Ohio State University Extension, belonging to CFAES, has introduced the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course. This course is designed to equip beginners with essential knowledge about poultry care, covering topics such as biosecurity, nutrition, and compliance with local regulations.

Tim McDermott, an OSU Extension educator, commented on the trend, "In a time when the cost of eggs has spiked, many Ohioans are turning to backyard chickens for a steady, homegrown supply." He further emphasized the complexities involved, "while the idea of raising chickens may seem simple, it’s more than just building a coop and gathering eggs. Proper care and attention to detail are key to ensuring that a flock thrives."

This growing interest in poultry keeping has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza, in addition to rising egg prices. McDermott elaborated: "Poultry keeping is not just practical; it’s fun and rewarding. Chickens are social, engaging, and great for families. Plus, in light of the current economic and health challenges, raising your own chickens provides a sense of food security and a connection to the land."

The course offers guidance on various aspects, such as local regulations, bird sourcing, chick brooding, and nutrition for different types of chickens. It also addresses critical topics like housing, egg production, flock health, and particularly biosecurity, which is vital for preventing disease.

“We created this course to meet the growing demand for accessible and comprehensive poultry education. It gives people the tools they need to avoid common mistakes and raise healthy, productive flocks,” McDermott explained. Biosecurity is a crucial focus of the curriculum, especially given the threat of avian influenza. “Biosecurity is essential to ensuring a healthy flock,” McDermott stated.

With some areas starting to require educational certification for prospective poultry keepers, new resources like this course have emerged. "This course was created in response to requests from communities, like Cuyahoga County, where residents wanted a reliable way to learn about poultry keeping," McDermott said. "The first module of the course ensures that learners check whether they are legally allowed to keep poultry in their area, helping them comply with local regulations."

Furthermore, the course is significant in engaging youth through Ohio 4-H programs, which is part of CFAES and serves nearly 160,000 young people across the state annually. McDermott noted, “Poultry projects are a cornerstone of 4-H, and they’re especially accessible to youth in urban areas where space may be limited. This course provides youth an opportunity to learn about livestock management while fostering a deeper connection to agriculture, even for those without a rural background.”

The course is priced at $25 and is entirely online, allowing participants to start and proceed at their own pace. Upon successful completion, a certificate is awarded to participants.

Interested individuals can register or find more information by visiting the course's official website.