Course CodeBAG208Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Learn to Raise Poultry Produce your own eggs in the home garden Choose the right breeds Keep them healthy, happy, and productive Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Introduction, Terminology and Breeds History of Poultry Terminology Contract Growing Regulations Management Factors Small Scale Production Breeds Classifying Fowls (Egg Laying Breeds, Meat or Table Birds, Dual Purpose Breeds) Cross Breed Poultry Sex Linkage Brooders Skeletal System Poultry Husbandry (Stock Selection, Feeding, Watering, Housing, Health) Turkeys Geese Ducks Poultry Nutrition Digestive System (Gullet, Crop, Proventriculus, Gizzard, Intestine, Caecum, etc) Nutrient Sources (Carbohydrate, Protein, Minerals etc) Rationing Palatability The End Product Modern Feed Requirements Phase Feeding Limited Feeding Consumption Feeding Diseases Avoiding Stress Viral Diseases Bacterial Diseases Mycoplasmosis, Fungal and Protozoan Disease Non-infectious Diseases Layers Extensive (Free-Range) System Semi-Intensive System Intensive Systems Housing Deep Litter System Feeders Battery Units Feeding the Laying Hen Replacing the Flock Broilers Caponising Brooding Period Feeding Broilers (Starter Period, Finisher Period) Housing Hygeine and Health Incubation The Natural Method (Using Broody Hens) The Artificial Method (Using Incubators) Selecting Eggs Storing Hatching Eggs Turning Eggs Managing an Incubator (Temperature, Humidity, Testing, Hatching) Reasons for Poor Hatchability Brooding Heating The Canopy Brooder The Infra-red Lamp The Battery Brooder The Haybox Brooder Feeders Drinkers Floor Space Rearing Problems during Rearing Record Keeping, Economics and Marketing Growth Records Egg Production Records Small Scale Business Compatible Ventures (Manure, etc) Preparing a Farm Business Plan Finance Land Management Analyzing the Market Place Developing a Marketing Plan The course can be of real benefit for: Families who wish to keep a few birds at home as pets and for eggs. Breeders, retailers or others who supply birds, feed, cages or other needs to poultry owners. Service professionals such as veterinary assistants, who wish to learn more about caring for poultry. Anyone else with a passion for, or business interest in poultry.