From First Eggs to Year-Round Flock Management for Home Poultry

The first year of keeping chickens is full of surprises. Hens stop laying when the days shorten, a sudden cold snap reveals weak spots in your coop, and one stubborn bird turns out to be the matriarch of the whole flock. This course takes you past the beginner stage into the longer-term skills that experienced keepers develop, often through hard lessons. You will plan a complete annual cycle for your flock, learn how to add new birds without triggering bullying, and develop a clear approach to broody hens, molting, and end-of-life decisions. The goal is to keep your flock healthy and productive across years rather than just months. What you'll learn: - Manage seasonal cycles including molting, declining winter lay, and broody behavior - Integrate new birds into an established flock without prolonged stress or violence - Plan for hatching chicks naturally under a broody hen or with a small incubator - Recognize and respond to long-term health issues including parasites, reproductive disorders, and aging - Use simple record keeping to track egg production, feed cost, and individual bird health - Make humane decisions about retiring older birds and rehoming a rooster you cannot keep The course begins with the annual rhythm of a small flock, moves through integration and breeding, and finishes with health, record keeping, and the long-horizon decisions that responsible keepers face. A capstone written plan asks you to map a twelve-month flock calendar with budgets, goals, and contingencies. This course is intended for backyard keepers who have completed a first season and want to grow their skills, but is approachable for beginners willing to read ahead. No prerequisites are needed beyond curiosity and a commitment to the animals in your care.