Florida is one of the states with the strictest regulations in the Southern United States. Due to its rapid urbanization and number of residential areas, several governments have developed regulations that limit the use of these parcels in order to reduce the incidence of conflicts between neighbors. However, the interest in producing our own food continues to increase, and the popularity of raising chickens in the backyard continues to grow.
In order to provide science–based education to improve poultry and other poultry farming in residential areas, Extension agents have developed various live and online programs, which benefit users in areas close to where they are offered. Historically, agents like me offer these workshops or trainings in English. Unfortunately, due to communication problems, they have limited reception by Spanish–speaking audiences.
Recently, these workshops are offered online through programs such as Zoom, where participants can participate in these conferences from their own home and obtain the necessary information in this way, but this strategy does not benefit the resident who wants to obtain information in Spanish. That is why we decided to build an online course that is available to you all the time. We titled this course “Management of Poultry in Florida“.
This course designed by educators from the University of Florida Extension Service will help you increase your knowledge in the area of poultry care (backyard chickens, and other domestic birds). This online educational tool is intended to help you meet the prerequisites of your county to approve your special use permit to have chickens in your backyard.
The Course
The 7 modules to be discussed have important information on the preparation and care of your chickens in Florida. Each module has a small
test which you will need to pass in order to advance to the next segment. Topics to be discussed:
- Consider your options
- Regulations on poultry in Florida
- Getting the chicks
- Predator protection and structure design
- Biosecurity in the henhouse
- Egg production
- Common pests and diseases.
How to register
Use the link below which will take you to the registration page.
Poultry Management in Florida – CAFÉ-Latino (instructure.com)
Upon completing the necessary information, this in turn will give you access to the information of the modules and educational videos. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate evidencing that you were a participant in this online workshop, which will serve to obtain your special use permit.
We can help you further
Remember to contact your local Extension agent for specific information about your locality‘s requirements. You can also write to me directly or call the UF / IFAS Extension Hardee County office.
Further resources:
- Spanish Course: Curso en linea: Manejo de Aves de Corral en Florida
- Course in English: Backyard Poultry Basics – UF/IFAS Extension Baker County (instructure.com)
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