WEST PARIS — Transition Oxford Hills and the West Paris Library are cohosting a Raising Chickens event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21. All are invited, including those who raise chickens already, are considering raising chickens and folks who want to have a fun and interesting evening.
During the Great Depression, many families, including people in towns and cities, raised a few chickens to keep themselves in eggs and, occasionally, meat. In the past several years, as increasing numbers of families experience the impact of an economic downturn, interest in raising chickens has grown.
“The West Paris Library is pleased to host an event that will guide practical and wise folks as they embark on the adventure of raising their own chickens,” said librarian Patricia Makley. “In anticipation, we have added the following to our collection: ‘Chickens, Tending a Small-Scale Flock for Pleasure and Profit,’ by Sue Weaver, ‘Free-Range Chicken Gardens,’ by Jessi Bloom, ‘The Small-Scale Poultry Flock,’ by Harvey Ussery and ‘Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens,’ by Gail Damerow. For anyone who would just like to simply read about someone else’s experiences as a new keeper of chickens, we recommend Catherine Goldhammer’s book, ‘Still Life with Chickens: Starting Over Again in a House by the Sea.'”
The library also has many chicken children’s books, including “Louise, Adventures of a Chicken,” by Kate DiCamillo.
The evening will begin with a showing of the entertaining and informative “Mad City Chickens.” If the city folks in the film can raise chickens, surely our rural back yards are more than adequate. Following will be a panel discussion by four local people, Nick Diconzo, Suzanne Dunham, Dale Piirainen and Ellen Gibson, who are raising chickens on a small scale.
The evening will include deviled eggs, cookies and other snacks which include eggs as ingredients.
For more information, contact transitionoxfordhills@yahoo.com or call 515-1880.
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