Although we do not request payment for tours, we do appreciate financial contributions through donations to assist in covering operational expenses. The NC Center for Poultry Education is a nonprofit 501c3 organization and aims to maintain free tours for students and professionals. Any support provided will help ensure that these services remain accessible to students at no cost.

We personalize every tour based on the group's experience or skill level. Our teaching method is adjusted to align with the participants' educational objectives. Our primary focus is on agriculture and other relevant topics connected to it. Each group requires a unique approach, so we engage with teachers and leaders to comprehend how we can assist in addressing the topics they wish for us to cover with their classes while on the farm.

All groups will be accompanied by a presenter at each stage of the tour. The tour usually consists of three areas:

*Classroom: where students are introduced to agricultural topics

*Lab area: where students interact with animals and learn about equipment

*Nutrient management system: demonstrating our environmental responsibility in agriculture.

All NC Center for Poultry Education visitors must sign a liability release form. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign on their behalf. If they decline or do not have the form, they will not be permitted to participate. In the case of group visits, those without forms will need to stay on the bus or vehicle. The registration leader will receive these forms. We will then follow up to confirm that the forms have been received and are prepared for the visit.

Yes, please reach out to us via our booking section.

Yes, our website has a dedicated section that provides information about our speaking services and booking instructions. Our specialization is in agriculture, covering various topics within the field. Please be aware that our speaking services are not free of charge. Details regarding fees and travel arrangements can be found in the speaking section of our website. We welcome the opportunity to speak at your event.

Yes, most groups can enter the chicken house and observe the chickens through large windows in the laboratory area.

Yes, it is mandatory for all tour participants to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) over their clothing before entering the designated area and when interacting with the animals. This includes shoe covers, coveralls, and hairnets. The NC Center for Poultry Education will supply the necessary PPE. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to wear PPE will not be permitted to access the lab or areas with chickens. We prioritize adhering to best practices in animal welfare and safeguarding their health.

Yes, we provide restroom facilities for both genders. We provide shower facilities for groups with advanced biosecurity protocols. Those who need to use the shower facilities must bring their own towels and personal care items.

The standard starting time for tours is 9 a.m. A special request must be submitted for an earlier time.

The last tour can be scheduled to begin at 3 pm; any requests for a later start time must be submitted in advance.

All groups are kindly asked to allocate two hours for tours to avoid feeling rushed. Tours shorter than two hours can be accommodated if necessary, but advance notice is appreciated. Rest assured, we are flexible and understanding for groups unable to commit to a full two-hour visit on the farm.

Only under the supervision of the presenter or volunteers. Those attempting to handle animals without supervision will be requested to leave the building. This rule is strictly enforced for the safety of both the animals and participants.

Currently, we do not have a specific maximum group size. For groups exceeding 30 participants, we usually divide them into smaller groups. The larger the class, the more divisions we make. Communication with group leaders is crucial. It is important to provide an accurate count of attendees and any increase in numbers after the initial booking must be reported. Our planning for personal protective equipment (PPE) is based on the attendance numbers specified in the original booking form.

There is no minimum requirement. We understand that group sizes vary, and we gladly welcome small groups.

Yes, we kindly ask that all individuals, whether private or not, follow the same booking process.

We kindly request that no photos be taken in line with our policy to safeguard animals and maintain accurate representation.

We understand that groups enjoy making the most of a day out by visiting multiple places, such as a zoo with birds, another bird farm, or a bird sanctuary. It is essential that when groups plan multiple stops in a day involving birds, our tour is scheduled first if other stops also involve birds. This rule is enforced by Perdue Farms, NC Center for Poultry Education, and the USDA to ensure the well-being of the birds. We are committed to maintaining biosecurity to prevent illness in birds, avoid financial losses for the farm, and protect poultry farms in the NC Center for Poultry Education area. Please consult the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) when scheduling a tour.

Teachers and professors can utilize technology to teach classes and smoothly transition to a lab setting.

Indeed, we endorse this approach. The questions given by instructors for students to ask have shown great success in fostering interaction between the presenter and the students. Some instructors have students write answers, and in some cases, these tours are even included as part of testing.

Certainly, we have adopted state teaching standards for teachers to review according to grade and subject. If necessary, these standards can be accessed in the designated section on the website.

We are aware that some individuals have private flocks of chickens. If a student or individual attending a tour owns birds, we kindly request that they avoid wearing the same attire or shoes used for their personal birds when visiting the Farm. This precaution is crucial to prevent the potential spread of illnesses like Avian Influenza (AI), which could adversely affect our farm and farms within a 5-mile radius.

We offer internship opportunities for high school and college students.

Internship opportunities involve working with both the NCCPE and the farming operations, which are essential for students to fulfill their academic requirements. University students focusing on animal sciences, particularly poultry science, benefit the most from these experiences. Additionally, we provide internships for high school students to meet their graduation obligations. We educate interns while offering hands-on experience in various aspects of commercial poultry, agriculture education, and advocacy.

Volunteers will support the NCCPE's educational initiatives, with on-site and off-site opportunities available based on current requirements.