Victorians can Get Clucking with new, online chicken care course

‘Cooped up’ Victorians are invited to Get Clucking and sign up for RSPCA Victoria’s first-ever online short course about caring for chickens on Saturday 12 September.

Chicken coops have sprung up in backyards across the state as Victorians have ‘nested’ at home and nurtured supplies of freshly laid eggs. But there’s more to chickens than just eggs, and the RSPCA is keen to share how to keep them healthy, happy and even entertained.

Get Clucking is a friendly, informative course for first time hen owners and anyone looking to learn more about chickens. Chicken owners and those just feeling ‘clucky’ will learn the basics of caring for these social and inquisitive creatures.

Hosted by members of RSPCA Victoria’s Education Team, Jess Collins and Emily Constantine, Get Clucking includes tips and know how on best practice care for chickens.

Emily Constantine said, “Chickens, like any other animal, require special care and attention. The decision to own backyard hens comes with a responsibility to ensure they are cared for appropriately.

“For anyone who is looking to own hens or even for those who already own them, Get Clucking is a great way to learn the basics of hen welfare.

“We’re not only going to talk about what to feed them and where to keep them, we’ll also provide information on what hens need to be entertained and the type of housing they like best,” said Ms Constantine.

Anyone in charge of hens has a legal obligation to ensure they are provided with proper and sufficient food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment when necessary.

Get Clucking participants will learn about the type of shelter, food and enrichment hens need to live a healthy fulfilling life.

The one-hour short course will be live-streamed from RSPCA Victoria’s Education Barn on Saturday, 12 September 2020.

Get Clucking is $30.00 per participant and includes an information booklet for future reference. Online bookings are available now at rspcavictoria.weteachme.com.

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