Learn the basics of raising chickens in hands-on workshops

A closeup of a black and white speckled chicken with a red comb — Photo courtesy of UAF Cooperative Extension Service
Upcoming workshops will cover the basics of starting and managing a flock of chickens, which might include birds like this handsome Wyandotte.

Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
Aug. 22, 2025

Raising chickens doesn't require a lot of space, just the right information. Jim Vinyard, livestock nutritionist at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center in Palmer, will hold three in-person workshops over the next month to discuss how to start and care for a healthy coop.

Two free workshops will be held in the agriculture classroom at the �ֻ�ֱ�� Pacific University’s Kellogg House, 6404 Lossing Road, Palmer, in collaboration with the University of �ֻ�ֱ�� Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 6-8 p.m., Vinyard will lead Chicken 101, an introduction to backyard chickens. Participants will learn how to choose the right breed and set up a chicken coop, as well as the essentials of feeding, watering and daily care. Space is limited. Register using the or visit .

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6-8 p.m., he will present Chicken 102. In this workshop, Vinyard will explain advanced techniques on egg production and sustainability; health, nutrition and flock management; and how to prepare your chickens for winter in �ֻ�ֱ��. Register using the or visit .

For more information, contact Alex Wilson at ajwilson@alaskapacific.edu or Melissa Clampitt at mrclampitt@alaska.edu.

A third workshop will be held in Anchorage on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. In this interactive presentation, Vinyard will focus on the basics of raising chickens and how to differentiate feeds, sprout grains and overwinter chickens. It is a collaboration between the �ֻ�ֱ�� Cooperative Extension Service and Seed Lab, located at 111 W. 6th Ave., Anchorage. There is a $5 materials fee. or visit.

For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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