HOWELL— It wasn’t so long ago that family chicken farms lined Route 9 from Freehold to Lakewood, and the egg business was big business.
Most of those farms have vanished, but according to Time magazine, the art of raising chickens is becoming popular once again because of the growing interest in sustainable farming and the “locavore” movement (eating locally produced food).
With that in mind, the Howell Library will present a program on “Raising Backyard Chickens: Got Eggs?” at 2 p.m. April 9.
Mary Hussey, a member of the Sussex County Poultry Fanciers, will discuss the advantages and responsibilities of raising chickens. Topics for discussion include why people keep chickens, chickens as livestock, choosing the right breed, chicken coops, food production, keeping the birds healthy and the pitfalls of poultry keeping.
The Sussex County Poultry Fanciers is the only poultry club for adults in New Jersey. Hussey will bring several of her chickens with her. In October, Hussey plans to enter her chickens in the largest poultry show ever, the Indianapolis Crossroads of American Poultry Club Show. There will be 14,000 birds competing in that event.
Due to the topics discussed the April 9 presentation is for adults only, but following the discussion, from 3-3:30 p.m., families with children are welcome to visit the chickens.
Call the library at 732-938-2300 to register for this event. The Howell Library is at 318 Old Tavern Road.