How to Raise Chickens

In today’s class, we were joined by a very special guest! Our workshop “All About Chickens” was led by Crystal Sands, Maine resident, chicken expert and author of the blog Pajamas, Books and Chickens. Crystal logged onto Zoom holding her 6-year-old Rhode Island Red named “Broody Hen” and shared with us some amazing facts about the lovely birds we humans have lived with for the past 10,000 years. 

Crystal walked us through the basics of raising and keeping chickens at home, including how to keep chickens safe from predators (neighborhood dogs are often their most dangerous threat), what to feed your flock (mostly anything but onions and citrus fruit), and what elements to maintain in a comfortable and safe coop. Crystal informed us that chickens can learn their own names, recognize faces of human family members and can even do math! Several Nature Links participants have had experience keeping chickens, while others were interested in learning the ropes to get started. Either way, Crystal’s knowledge (and Broody Hen’s presence on Zoom) gave us all something to consider. 

Crystal Sands and her hen “Broody” with Nature Links participants on Zoom.

Thanks so much to Crystal Sands for taking the time out to meet with us today. If you or anyone you know is interested in leading a Nature Links workshop, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@naturelinksmaine.org to let us know, as community involvement is a key part of our mission.