The Rise of Backyard Poultry Keeping in Ohio
Backyard poultry keeping is gaining popularity across Ohio as more residents discover the benefits of raising chickens. Whether for a fresh supply of eggs, the fun of caring for animals, or the satisfaction of growing their own food, many are finding chickens to be a rewarding addition to their homes. As more communities consider or implement regulations allowing urban and suburban homeowners to raise chickens, the trend is only expected to grow.
Supporting New Poultry Keepers
To address this growing interest, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is supporting new poultry keepers through an online educational resource. Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, has developed the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course to ensure that new poultry keepers have the foundational knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of poultry care, including biosecurity, nutrition, and local regulations.
Meeting the Demand for Poultry Education
“In a time when the cost of eggs has spiked, many Ohioans are turning to backyard chickens for a steady, homegrown supply,” said Tim McDermott, an OSU Extension educator. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of home food production activities, such as poultry keeping and community gardening. In addition, the ongoing challenges of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the rising price of eggs have further motivated people to explore raising their own flocks.
Course Curriculum and Benefits
The course curriculum covers everything from understanding local regulations to sourcing birds, brooding chicks, and providing proper nutrition. It also addresses essential topics like housing, egg production, and maintaining flock health. Biosecurity, a key component of the course, is essential to ensuring a healthy flock and preventing the spread of diseases.
Engaging Youth and Accessibility
The course also plays a key role in engaging youth through Ohio 4-H programs, providing an opportunity for urban youth to learn about livestock management and agriculture. Poultry projects are a cornerstone of 4-H and are especially accessible to youth in urban areas.
Registration Information
The course costs $25 and is available fully online with no scheduled class sessions or fixed due dates. Participants can start coursework at any time and work through it independently at their own pace. Each attendee receives a certificate upon successful completion of the course. For registration and more information, visit the course’s website.
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Source: Ohio State University
