Frequently Asked Questions
A few quick answers to things people usually wonder before booking.
Getting Started
Do I need any experience with chickens to attend?
Not at all. This workshop is designed for beginners and aspiring chicken keepers. We start at the beginning and build everything step by step, so you don’t need any prior knowledge.
I already have chickens. Is this still useful for me?
Yes, most likely! While this workshop is designed with beginners in mind, I’ve had plenty of experienced keepers attend and walk away with new ideas, better habits, or a few “wait, I didn’t know that” moments.
If you’re early in your chicken keeping journey or want to fill in some gaps, you’ll get a lot out of it. If you’ve been keeping chickens for a while, some of it may be familiar, but chances are you’ll still pick up something new. Chicken keeping has a way of surprising even the most experienced among us.
Can I attend before I actually get chickens?
Yes! In fact, that’s often the ideal time to come. It can help you make more confident decisions before you bring birds home.
Can children or teenagers attend?
The workshop is designed for adults, but teenagers aged 16 or 17 are welcome to attend with permission from a parent or guardian. They may attend on their own and do not need an adult to remain with them. The workshop is not currently open to anyone under the age of 16.
How much does this workshop cost?
The workshop fee is $75 per person. This includes the full workshop, refreshments, a printed guidebook of more than 100 pages, and access to the private Feathered Fundamentals Facebook group afterward.
If you are attending with a partner and are happy to share one guidebook, you can deduct $25 (the cost of the guidebook) from the second registration.
Can I bring my spouse/partner?
Absolutely. Couples have attended together before, and it works well. If you are happy to share one guidebook, you can deduct $25 from the second registration. If you would each like your own guidebook, both seats are the regular registration price.
During The Workshop
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please bring a lunch. We’ll take a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m., and a refrigerator, microwave, and kettle are available. You may also wish to bring a sweater, sometimes the venue is chilly. Everything else you need is provided, including coffee, tea, bottled water, snacks, a pen, and your take home guidebook. You are also welcome to bring your own mug, water bottle, preferred tea, notebook, back cushion, or anything else that will make the day more comfortable.
Is this a hands-on chicken workshop?
Not in the sense of handling live birds. To save stressing out the chickens and to avoid biosecurity concerns (and also to avoid having them spend the whole afternoon squawking so we can’t hear each other), we don’t work directly with live chickens during the workshop. Instead, we focus on the knowledge, decisions, and skills that help you care for your own flock confidently at home.
Can I ask questions during the workshop?
Yes, anytime! Questions are more than welcome throughout the day, some of the best discussions come from questions. If you’re wondering it, ask it. If it overlaps with something we’re about to cover, I might ask you to hold it briefly so it fits into the flow, but I will always answer your questions.
Can I bring a support person or service dog with me?
Absolutely, yes. If you need a support person to attend with you, they are welcome at no extra cost. They can take part in the day and enjoy refreshments, but they won’t receive a take-home guidebook unless they are a registered attendee. Your service dog is similarly welcome. In both cases, please let me know ahead of time so that I can arrange seating so everyone has enough space. You can find more details on accommodations and supports here.
What if I arrive late?
If you’re running late, just come in quietly when you arrive, grab a seat, and join in. Everything is designed to be easy to step into, and I’ll help you catch up where needed.
What if I need to leave early?
If you need to leave before the scheduled end time, that’s completely fine. Just let me know so I’m aware.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
Chicken people tend to have a lot of questions, so conversation occasionally continues beyond the scheduled finish time. At 4:30, I’ll make it clear that the workshop has officially ended and anyone who needs to leave is free to go. I’m usually happy to stay a little longer if people still have questions.
Is there pressure to participate or speak up?
Absolutely not. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Listening quietly is completely fine, and there’s no expectation to contribute in any specific way.
How big are the groups?
Groups are kept small (maximum of 8 people) so there’s space for questions, conversation, and individual attention throughout the day.
Staying in Touch
Will I receive anything after the workshop?
You’ll go home with a detailed printed guidebook that covers everything discussed during the workshop and more. You’ll also have access to ongoing support through the private follow-up group on Facebook.
Can I contact you after the workshop?
Of course you can! If questions come up after attending, you’re welcome to reach out. I also share ongoing chicken keeping resources through the website and you’ll have access to our private Facebook group as well.
Policies & Fine Print
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Life happens, and I get that. Whether you need to cancel or something comes up on my end, you can find the full details on my cancellation and refund policy page.
Still have questions?
If there’s something I haven’t answered here, feel free to contact me.
