Many home buyers are wanting to get away from the typical neighborhoods and get a "little piece of land" for a nice garden, do some canning and raise a few chickens to enjoy a more simpler life in the Murphy, NC mountains. Well, we can help you find that home and when you're ready for some great information along the way make sure you check with your county extension office for workshops like these... The Cherokee County, NC Cooperative Extension has planned a workshop entitled “Managing the Backyard Flock” that is scheduled to be held Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Small Business Center for Applied Technology in Marble, NC.

Backyard poultry flocks have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Many folks have come to enjoy fresh eggs each morning or even having fresh chicken at mealtime. Although backyard flocks are convenient, there is a certain degree of responsibility associated with keeping the flock happy and healthy. Not only are they a great supplier of a healthy food source and insect control, they are very entertaining and I think that is one of the pleasures we like best from our backyard poultry flock in the country.

The workshop will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will cover various poultry related topics such as poultry health and safety, breeds, diseases, and management of the backyard flock. Our special guest speaker is Dr. Mike Lacey, Department Head of the poultry science department at the University of Georgia.
This workshop is free and open to the public, however, seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Anyone interested in attending should contact the Cherokee County, NC Extension office at (828) 837-2210. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, February 23, 2010. For more information see Backyard Poultry.