Raising Backyard Chickens: Got Eggs? at Howell Library on April 9

It wasn’t so long ago that family chicken farms lined Route 9 from Freehold to Lakewood, and the egg business was big business. 

Most of those farms have vanished. But, according to Time Magazine, the art of raising chickens is becoming popular once again, thanks to the growing interest in sustainable farming and the “locavore” movement (eating locally-produced food). 

So if the idea of keeping chickens appeals to you, come to the Howell Township Library for Raising Backyard Chickens: Got Eggs? at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, to get advice from an expert. 

Mary Hussey, a member of the Sussex County Poultry Fanciers, will discuss the advantages and responsibilities of raising your own chickens. Topics for discussion include: why keep chickens, chickens as livestock, choosing the right breed, chicken coops, food production, keeping your birds healthy, and the pitfalls of poultry keeping.

The Sussex County Poultry Fanciers is the only poultry club for adults in New Jersey.  Hussey will bring several of her chickens to delight the audience. In October, Mary plans to enter her chickens in the largest poultry show ever, the Indianapolis Crossroads of American Poultry Club Show. There will be 14,000 birds competing in this event!

Due to the topics discussed, the presentation is for adults only. But following the discussion, from 3 to 3:30 p.m., families with children are welcome to visit the chickens.

Please call the library to register for this event, at 732-938-2300. The Howell Library is located on 318 Old Tavern Road in Howell. 

For more information on programming at the Monmouth County Library, please visit our website at www.monmouthcountylib.org