Fans Flock to Raise Their Own Chickens

UPDATE: The classes have been rescheduled to March 21.

Chickens provide more than fresh eggs.

They can also offer companionship, an extra source of income and an opportunity for families to share a rewarding hobby.

Not to mention that they are cute and pretty fun to watch.

Put it all together and it is little wonder, experts say, why more people are raising their own chickens.

In fact, chicken feed has been the fastest-growing segment of Blue Seal Feeds’ business in the Northeast for three consecutive years, said Christine Sullivan, territory sales manager and food specialist for the company.

“We’ve seen a huge growth in this,’’ she said. “It’s crazy.’’

Sullivan will be teaching a beginners’ seminar at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at in Grafton. This will be the first time the Grafton store has hosted the class; in previous years, they have held them at their Uxbridge and Northbridge locations.

“We were happily surprised’’ by the level of interest in the classes, said Dave Wiersma, Grafton branch manager for Koopman Lumber.  “It’s a fun project for a lot of people. And there’s a certain satisfaction … in the ability to do it yourself.’’

The class explores the basics of care and shelter, along with some practical tips and advice for the beginner.  Koopman’s will have all the basic necessary supplies, such as feeders, heat lamps and watering trays.

They will also sell chicks on a pre-order basis.  All orders must be completed by March 19.

The class at the Grafton store is squarely aimed at beginners, he said. He recommends the class even for those who are curious but undecided about keeping chickens.

“Building a chicken coop can be the biggest challenge,’’ he said.

Sullivan said she is realistic about the challenges, as well as the rewards, involved. Like any animal, chickens must be fed and watered daily and must have secure shelter, particularly at night, when they can be prey for fox, coyote and fisher, among other predators.

A major appeal of keeping the chickens is the sense of self-reliance they foster, she said. By keeping chickens, people can produce their own fresh eggs _ and meat, if they choose.

The hobby appeals to both ends of the economic spectrum, she said. Some higher-income families keep the chickens as a way to teach their children responsibility and to ensure that they have a fresh, local food supply.

And families that are struggling financially can earn some extra money selling the eggs.

Then there are the chickens themselves.

“People fall in love with their chickens,’’ she said. “They become their pets.’’

That can lead to enthusiastic conversations about the birds, she said.

“People can go on and on about the chickens’ personalities,’’ she said with a laugh.

Call Koopman Lumber at 508-839-6526 to register for the class, for more information or to order chicks. Their Website also offers information on raising chickens.