Get Started with Chickens

Learn the basics on keeping chickens at this mini-retreat held at Eureka Moon Farm, a revitalized, innovative, ecological family farm that is home to 90 chickens, 4 ducks, 2 turkeys, and many other happy and healthy earthlings.

You’ll tour the farm, collect eggs and see our clucking friends in action.

Topics you will learn: the best breeds for beginners, how to select your flock, how to care for your chickens, feeding and health of chickens, how to handle common issues, and how to interpret urban chicken ordinances (such as the policy in Iowa City). You’ll be introduced to the basics of chicken coop design so you can create a home for your flock that is safe and comfortable. 

You’ll go home with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin keeping chickens for eggs or simply for companionship. We'll also discuss the various benefits of keeping chickens, such as the joy of caring for an animal, the fun of collecting eggs, and the added benefit of natural fertilizer for your garden.

If you've been entertaining the idea of getting chickens or are feeling overwhelmed by all the information and questions you have on chickens, this is the opportunity for you to dive into a class that covers it all.

Note: We will not discuss raising chickens for meat.

This retreat will be held at Eureka Moon Farm, a revitalized, innovative, ecological family farm that is home to about 90 chickens, 4 ducks, 2 turkeys, and many other happy & healthy earthlings. Mandy Webber started with chickens on her .25 acre backyard in North Liberty in 2020 and is obviously a product of chicken math. 

THINGS TO BRING

• water bottle

DRESS CODE

“Farm clothes” and boots you are ok walking in a chicken coop with and possibly getting muddy. 

REGISTRATION

Sliding scale fee: $40 - $5, based upon your access to resources.

Backyard Abundance members receive a 10% discount.

• Learn about Backyard Abundance membership.

QUESTIONS THE DAY OF

Call 319-325-6810 to reach the educator of your class.

INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY

We need a minimum of 10 attendees to host the class. Please invite friends and family to ensure the event happens as scheduled. We would love to meet your loved ones.

EDUCATOR

Mandy Webber and her family are on a mission to create a sustainable and eco-friendly family farm, known as Eureka Moon Farm. Their vision is to promote the interconnectedness of nature, food, and community through hands-on learning experiences and a diverse range of high-quality, farm-fresh products. With a wealth of experience in marketing, innovation, and facilitation, Mandy’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for learning have inspired her to share her passion with others.

LOCATION

Eureka Moon Farm, 1588 Eureka Ave, West Branch, IA 52358

Ok with gravel? Take the West Branch exit. Go left at the intersection into West Branch. Go right on Downey at the Jack & Jill heading out of West Branch. Take a left on Delta when you get to the Scattergood sign. Right at the T intersection on 280th. Left on Eureka. It’s the 4th farm on the right. 

Less Gravel Please: Take the West Liberty Exit. Go left at the intersection. Take Garfield about 4 miles. When you get to the bottom of a very big hill, you will turn left onto the gravel at 260th Street. It’s a windy road that will take you to a stop sign, go right. Eureka Moon Farm is the first farm on the right. 

COVID-19

The event is held outside. 

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

This class was developed in collaboration with many community partners and was funded by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP). It would not be possible without these sponsors and supporters. Please  frequent these generous organizations to thank them for donations of  time, materials and funds.

• Johnson County Community Foundation
• Roy A. Hunt Foundation
• Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
• 100 Grannies
• Earl May Garden Center
• Master Gardeners of Johnson County
• New Pioneer Food Co-op
• Hills Bank