You can learn the fundamentals of having chickens in your backyard in a workshop presented by Brent Evans at the Herff Farm chicken schoolyard at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 30.
You will learn about the benefits of owning chickens, how to build a coop and running, caring and feeding chickens, egg production and selecting breeds. Incubation vs. ordering day-old chicks will be discussed, as well as equipment needed, such as feeders, waterers and brooders. Participants will be taught how to handle and interact with chickens so as to promote a friendly flock.
Chickens will eat your kitchen scraps, and their droppings can be added to your compost pile, which will enrich your garden. And, they are great comic relief. Backyard chickens usually have a better diet than factory-raised hens, and their eggs are much healthier.
A deep orange yolk indicates a well-balanced and healthy chicken diet and an egg with excellent nutritional value. And, your own hens can be provided with organic layer pellets, as well as whatever bugs like your backyard.
Backyard chickens can have access to fresh greens, such as clover or grass, and plenty of insects to supplement their diet. Chickens are omnivores and eat worms, grubs, mealworms, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ticks, spiders and even mice, moles small snakes. You can let your hens have access to a protected run and still provide good diet. If the run is not secure with a roof, you can install an automatic door in their coop so they are safe from predators at night.
Nothing says country living like chickens in the yard. They are legal in Boerne, but if you live under rules of a homeowners association, check with it before you get too far down the road. Some do not permit chickens.
We recommend signing up ahead of time for the workshop. The backyard chicken basics class scheduled on April 30 is $8 for Friends of the Cibolo members and $10 for nonmembers. You can check out our calendar on Cibolo.org for other exciting workshops and classes.
The chicken school yard at Herff Farm is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities for interested folks available at the Cibolo Nature Center and Herff Farm. Feel Free to contact Laurie Brown at laurie@ cibolo.org.
Cibolo Happenings
April 2
• Farmers Market at Herff Farm, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us at the Farmer’s Market at Herff Farm. Enjoy locally produced products and goods from small businesses and farms from the Texas Hill Country. Herff Farm offers trails and programming for children and adults. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
• Sculpt the Mat – adult wellness class at Herff Farm, 9-9:45 a.m. This class will blend the upbeat rhythm of a barre class with Pilates movements to enhance your strength and endurance. This inclusive workout is designed for all levels to focus on body alignment, breath and control with upbeat music to keep your body moving and your mind working. Cheyanne is passionate about helping you build strength to create ease in whatever activities you enjoy. Bring your mats and water bottles and head to the farm during the Farmers Market at Herff Farm. Classes are $15 per session. Register on www.cibolo.org.
• Storytime at the Farm with Miss Constance of the Patrick Heath Library, 10-11 a.m. Miss Constance will host a Peter Rabbit-themed story adventure from the amphitheater at Herff Farm. A backup location will be announced on the day of if it rains. This is a free event.
April 8
• Night Hikes for Adults, explore the Cibolo at night, 8-9:30 p.m. Join the Cibolo staff as they walk the trails learning about all the nocturnal animals that call the Cibolo home. This is a longer hike suitable for adults 18 and over. Attendees should bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight, and a water bottle. Register on www.cibolo.org.
April 23
• Moondance Outdoor Concert Series, Almost Patsy Cline Band. Enjoy music at the Nature Center, 7-10:30 p.m. Join us for the opening night of the concert season. Attendees can bring their chairs, coolers and friends to enjoy dancing under the full moon. The season lineup will be announced later. Ticket pricing is available for members, nonmembers, students, and children. Learn more at www.cibolo.org.
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