Starting a Backyard Flock: locals learn about raising chickens at Rebarchek Agricultural Park

PALMER — UAF professor/extension agricultural and horticultural agent Stephen Brown hosted an introductory course on raising chickens at the Rebarchek Agricultural Park within the Alaska State Fairgrounds Wednesday, March 8.

Starting a Backyard Flock covered all the essential tips and tricks locals can apply when starting down their own fun, feathery adventures.

Brown said that raising chickens for chickens for eggs and meat is easy to get into and it comes with a variety of benefits.

He said the overall taste and quality of homegrown eggs is much higher than their store bought counterparts. He said it also creates self sufficiency amid the expensive and uncertain economy.

"They're the best tasting egg you've ever had. They're much, much richer," Brown said.

Another perk to raising chickens is the fact that they're the cheapest barn animal to purchase and raise, making it fairly accessible to newcomers.

Brown said that raising chicken is a fun and engaging learning opportunity for kids. He said they can help with various tasks such as turning the egg daily during the incubation period.

"Kids will beg you to do this," Brown said.

The Rebarchek Agricultural Park hosts a variety of educational workshops and community activities throughout the year.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org/site/rebarchek-ag-park.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com