New to raising chickens? Check out MSU Extension’s self-paced certification course for small scale chicken farmers

Katie Ockert<ockertka@msu.edu>, Michigan State University - April 13, 2026

The Small-Scale Poultry Farming Online Course teaches the basic considerations and how-tos of raising chickens on a small scale.

Owning chickens has become popular in recent years. People who live in rural areas, subdivisions, and cities are becoming increasingly interested in raising birds to have fresh eggs for their families. Michigan State University Extension offers a self-paced online course, Small Scale Poultry Farming, that can help people who are considering getting their own chickens or who are new to caring for chickens learn the ins and outs of raising chickens. This course is based on sound management practices rooted in science that apply — whether raising one bird or a million birds.

This course will teach a host of basic management concepts, including bird selection and care, anatomy and physiology, flock health and how to market chicken products. Participants will earn online badges to recognize their completion of each unit; digital badges can be shared through LinkedIn or other online platforms. Once participants have completed the course they will receive a certificate of completion.

This course is a great way to learn how to prepare to be a small scale or backyard chicken owner!

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