Weekend Workshop: Pallet Coop and Aviary

Who hasn’t seen some funny quip or internet meme about the cost of eggs at the grocery store? Chicken meat prices are also rising. Maybe you’re considering raising your own backyard flock and want to know more about how to house and care for your birds. Raising your own birds may not cost less in the long run, but with proper care, you will have a fresh, reliable source of eggs and meat for your family and your neighbours.

Come learn how to build a coop and aviary using materials gathered from the waste stream and purchased locally. The finished coop will be large enough to accommodate 150 laying hens, and will include nesting boxes, roosts, and rainwater catchment to keep the birds supplied all year. The aviary will give the hens a place to get fresh air and exercise while protecting them from predators and helping to prevent the spread of bird flu brought by wild birds.

In addition to the build, we’ll be talking about how multipurpose chickens can be – you may be surprised! We’ll answer all of your questions about good breeds for our region, alternate options for shelters and fencing, and raising birds in a holistic way.