Learn how to raise backyard chickens

For suburbanites who'd like to know more about the poultry they put on their tables, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is offering a class on raising chickens.

In "Backyard Chickens," participants can learn the ins and outs of raising chickens at home from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

"For those who want to actively participate in the food chain rather than be passive consumers, we can provide the knowledge and skills to be successful," said Dennis Buck, heritage interpreter at Kline Creek Farm.

"Raising chickens - like growing a garden - changes your perspective on land use and helps you understand exactly where some of your food comes from, be it eggs or meat. Even people who don't want to raise chickens, or who live in towns where they can't, will benefit from this class by gaining appreciation and respect for what they eat."

The five-hour class for adults costs $40 per person and covers shelter, care and nutrition, the characteristics of different breeds and processing for the dinner table. Participants need to register at (630) 876-5900 and bring a lunch. The class will be offered again Saturday, Aug. 29.

"If you're serious about raising chickens or merely curious, this class provides a great overview with a lot of practical know-how," said Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6.

"Kline Creek Farm exists to educate the public on land use choices from a historical perspective, and specifically those land uses related to agriculture," said Joe Cantore, president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

"A big part of our mission is to involve the public directly in this learning. This class accomplishes all of those goals."