Backyard livestock classes offered at McHenry County College

Learn how to raise backyard chickens or goats in two educational noncredit classes offered by the Continuing Education Department at McHenry County College, 8900 S. Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

Raising Backyard Chickens: Learn the essentials of raising a small chicken flock. Topics covered include raising chicks, feed, supplies, housing, predators and breeds. The focus will be on egg-laying chickens, but meat birds also will be discussed. The instructor has raised both meat and egg-laying chickens, as well as turkeys, for more than 25 years. The class takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Friday, April 1, in Room A103. Cost is $22. Use course ID NAN S16 002 to register.

Introduction to Goats: Up to 70 percent of the world's population prefers goat's milk over cow's milk because it's less allergenic, naturally homogenized, easier to digest, rarely causes lactose intolerance, and matches up to the human body better than cow's milk. Discover more about this versatile animal and get information about the care and raising of goats from kids to adults. Different types of breeds and the products goats produce also will be covered. The class meets from 10 to 11:50 a.m. Friday, April 15, in Room A103. Cost is $20. Use Course ID NAN S17 001 to register.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call or Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782 or Renee Erling at (815) 455-8759.