OSU Extension supports rising interest in backyard poultry with new educational opportunities

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Backyard poultry keeping is gaining popularity across Ohio as more residents discover the benefits of raising chickens.

Whether for a fresh supply of eggs, the fun of caring for animals, or the satisfaction of growing their own food, many are finding chickens to be a rewarding addition to their homes. As more communities consider or implement regulations allowing urban and suburban homeowners to raise chickens, the trend is only expected to grow.

To address this growing interest, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is supporting new poultry keepers through an online educational resource.

Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, has developed the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course to ensure that new poultry keepers have the foundational knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of poultry care, including biosecurity, nutrition, and local regulations.

“In a time when the cost of eggs has spiked, many Ohioans are turning to backyard chickens for a steady, homegrown supply,” said Tim McDermott, an OSU Extension educator. “However, while the idea of raising chickens may seem simple, it’s more than just building a coop and gathering eggs.

“Proper care and attention to detail are key to ensuring that a flock thrives.”

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of home food production activities, such as poultry keeping and community gardening. In addition, the ongoing challenges of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the rising price of eggs have further motivated people to explore raising their own flocks, McDermott said.

“Poultry keeping is not just practical; it’s fun and rewarding. Chickens are social, engaging, and great for families,” McDermott said. “Plus, in light of the current economic and health challenges, raising your own chickens provides a sense of food security and a connection to the land.”

With an increasing number of Ohioans exploring the benefits of raising chickens, the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course is helping to ensure that new poultry keepers have the knowledge and resources to succeed. The curriculum covers everything from understanding local regulations to sourcing birds, brooding chicks, and providing proper nutrition for layers, meat birds, or show birds. The course also addresses essential topics like housing, egg production, and maintaining the health of the flock.

“We created this course to meet the growing demand for accessible and comprehensive poultry education. It gives people the tools they need to avoid common mistakes and raise healthy, productive flocks,” McDermott said. “The course provides valuable knowledge for new keepers, especially in light of the challenges presented by avian influenza and the need for biosecurity.”

A key component of the course is biosecurity — precautions to prevent the introduction of diseases, including avian flu.

“Biosecurity is essential to ensuring a healthy flock,” McDermott said. “It’s a critical part of the curriculum, especially as we navigate the challenges of avian influenza.”

As cities and municipalities begin requiring educational certification for residents who want to keep poultry, the course provides an accessible, research-based resource for new keepers.

“This course was created in response to requests from communities, like Cuyahoga County, where residents wanted a reliable way to learn about poultry keeping,” McDermott said. “The first module of the course ensures that learners check whether they are legally allowed to keep poultry in their area, helping them comply with local regulations.”

In addition, the course also plays a key role in engaging youth through Ohio 4-H programs. Ohio 4-H, part of CFAES, is the largest youth development program in Ohio, reaching nearly 160,000 youth across the state each year.

“Poultry projects are a cornerstone of 4-H, and they’re especially accessible to youth in urban areas where space may be limited,” McDermott said. “This course provides youth an opportunity to learn about livestock management while fostering a deeper connection to agriculture, even for those without a rural background.”

The course costs $25 and is available fully online with no scheduled class sessions or fixed due dates. Participants can start coursework at any time and work through it independently at their own pace. The course is self-paced and can take 2-3 hours to complete. Each attendee receives a certificate upon successful completion of the course.