CLUCK "Re-Coops" - Two Meetings in February

Sarasota CLUCK is back in gear with two important events in February. (And with 99,595 pageviews on January 26th, we're about to celebrate 100,000 pageviews!)

First, on Saturday February 8th, another Chickens 101 Workshop is being offered by our local Sarasota Extension Office. (See poster below for details). If you've been curious about chickens and or have some and need more information, don't miss this half-day workshop. 

Then, ten days later, on Tuesday February 18th at 5:00 p.m. we're holding a CLUCK meeting in downtown Sarasota for the purpose of "re-cooping". Yes, we're restarting the campaign to legalize backyard hens in suburban areas of unincorporated Sarasota County. We've been biding our time, and believe this is a great time to restart the effort. The location is still being determined. Leave a comment and we'll be sure to let you know where we're meeting. 

Manatee CLUCK Urban Chicken Workshop Sunday Aug 11 2013

Sarasota Blogger Weighs In on Hot Chicks

It seems entirely fitting that the posting taking this blog to 30,000 pageviews is about another local blog: true green bliss. Blogger and green lifestyle coach, Elsie Gilmore, recently posted her reflections in the wake of the most recent Chickens 101 workshop. Her posting "hot chicks" explains her interest in backyard chickens even though she currently eats neither chicken nor eggs. It's a thoughtful excursion into the local world of backyard chickens and you'll even find a couple of links to this blog. What goes around, etc. 

CLUCK: Chickens 101 Workshop June 4 Still Has Openings

It is not too late to sign up for the third Chickens 101 workshop, which will be held Saturday June 4th from 8:30 until noon.This is the half-day workshop recommended for people that are considering getting backyard hens. This is not a lecture in an empty classroom, but experiential education with lots of chickens of all ages. The workshop covers local laws and resources, benefits of chickens, basic care, biosecurity, and getting started. The cost is $15, which is great value for the expertise. You can register at the local ag extension website or have questions answered by calling 941-861-9900.  This event is limited to 30 people and pre-registration is required so don't delay if you are considering participating. 

University of Florida IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office holds its first "Chickens 101" class

According the the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, about 20 interested citizens participated in the University of Florida IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office's first "Chickens 101" class on Saturday January 8th. This class, and others offered privately, are a response to the growing national interest in small scale chicken raising and was spurred by CLUCK's local initiative to allow backyard hens in the City of Sarasota. Agriculture/Natural Resources Extension agent Robert Kluson PhD taught the workshop. The University of Florida IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office is not an advocacy group but cooperative partnership dedicated to educating the public. 

"Cooperative Extension is a partnership between the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)(through the University of Florida Extension), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Sarasota County Government to provide scientific knowledge and expertise on subjects related to agricultural, human, and natural resources to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Sarasota County."

The top quote from the article: "Chickens are pets with benefits," he (George Lauterbach) said. "What other animal can make you breakfast every morning?"

Readers are cautioned not to misinterpret the statement that "chickens are only allowed in Sarasota County and not in the City." Chickens are allowed in some County zoning districts, but the majority of districts prohibit pet hens. 

To read the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Article by Nikki Stephens, click here.

To see Sarasota Herald-Tribune photographer's Thomas Bender's photos from the workshop, click here.

In addition to IFAS sponsored introductory chicken workshops, private entrepreneurs with chicken expertise are hosting their own workshops. The next is a workshop (the second) taught by Alex Coe who provided lots of wisdom when we first started defining what we should ask for. That workshop: 

 "So, you think you want to raise chickens" will be held on Friday January 21st from 10 - 1. 

You'll learn how to set up new baby chicks and see various stages of chicken development. This is an introductory class to the responsibilities and understanding of chicken husbandry. For more information, call Alex --941 378-0314/941 780-3447 cell

Workshop content is determined by the providers, not Sarasota CLUCK. CLUCK provides information regarding introductory workshops and local manufacturers of chicken tractors as a public service and receives no financial compensation from the individuals or entities mentioned.