AgriLife Extension will host Backyard Chicken seminar series starting Oct. 21
Virtual workshops include chicken basics and egg grader training
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a Backyard Chicken Basics workshop on Oct. 21-25 and an Egg Grader Training workshop on Nov. 4-7.
Both virtual workshops are part of the Backyard Chicken seminar series presented by AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, which includes weekly seminars on various topics.
Each workshop is comprised of four modules, with one module being covered each day in a one-hour session from 11 a.m. to noon. The workshops are free and online registration is available at https://tx.ag/BackyardChickenWorkshop24 and https://tx.ag/EggGraderTraining24, respectively.
About the workshops
The Backyard Chicken Basics workshop teaches individuals about management, breeds, nutrition and health of laying hens. It will also focus on chickens in relation to the environment and gardening.
The Egg Grader Training teaches producers to grade eggs for sale according to U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for shell eggs. Additional information discussed will include egg composition and structure, factors affecting quality, and egg washing, handling and storage to preserve quality and safety.
Daily topics
Chicken Basics:
- Oct. 21 — Introduction, housing and lighting.
- Oct. 22 — Breeds and nutrition.
- Oct. 23 — Selling eggs and poultry, food safety.
- Oct. 24 — Health and disease.
- Oct. 25 — Chickens, your garden, and the environment.
Egg Grader:
- Nov. 4 — Egg composition and biology.
- Nov. 5 — Egg microbiology and food safety.
- Nov. 6 — Interior egg quality and defects.
- Nov. 7 — USDA grading standards
For questions or more information, contact Gregory Archer, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension specialist and professor, Department of Poultry Science, Bryan-College Station, at [email protected].
