Keep chickens, be happy

The city is still offering free chicken-keeping classes, but like so many other things, they’ve gone online. Hosted by the Austin Resource Recovery Home Rebate Program – which offers eligible participants a $75 rebate toward purchasing a chicken coop – the class teaches “the art of keeping chickens from a skilled instructor.” Not only do backyard chickens present an opportunity to recycle your food scraps (by eating them), their poop helps create healthy soil for your garden. And did we mention the fresh eggs? Chickens are also intelligent, personable birds who can learn tricks in their spare time. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6-7 p.m. Register on Eventbrite.