Here a chick, there a chick, everywhere a chick-chick

We went to a workshop today on raising organic chickens put on by NOFA-Mass (http://www.nofamass.org/).   It was held at Golden Oak Farm in Hatfield, Ma. (http://www.goldenoakfarm.us/ ) and, in spite of some cold rainy weather, it was great!  These folks really know what they're doing and were happy to share knowledge with those of us who are just getting started.  Or, getting around to getting started.  I didn't take pictures because it was too rainy (oh, and, ummm.... because I forgot the camera) so I can't share photos with you.  Please do, however, look at the website for Golden Oak Farm.  Not only did they do a great job of presenting the workshop but they also have a really good website with lots of information and.... lots of pictures!  They do more than chickens, too, for those of you who might be interested.  What else?  Well, you're just gonna have to go look!  Trust me, their website is worth the time.

The workshop started in the barn, where we all gathered and introduced ourselves.  There was an instruction/ discussion time about a variety of things, and then we started looking at how they were keeping their chickens.  We saw the brooder, the coop, the outside pen, their modified versions of Salatin pens that they're using, and their processing room.  All very informative.   And, once again, all I can tell you is that there are pictures of all of this and more on their website.  Sorry folks, I'll try to do better next time!

We learned a lot today and, honestly, I am still processing a lot of it.  I think the two things that intrigue me the most were the concept of deep bedding (never heard it referred to as that before) and the "circus tent" arrangement that they use to keep hawks and other flying predators away from the chickens when they're outside.  Basically, ropes tied to a central pole on one end and the enclosure for the birds on the other ~ it really does look like a circus tent.  The ropes are spaced close enough on the enclosure end that the wingspan of the particular predators they have there won't fit through and it keeps the chickens safe.  If you do look at their website you'll see what I mean.  In this case, I really do wish I'd brought the camera because it's much easier to show than to tell.

The other nice thing about the day was that there was a pot luck lunch at the end for anyone who was interested.  We brought stuff and stayed for that and it was really nice getting to know some of the other participants and our hosts a little better.