Home to Roost will have limited availability August 4 to August 11. We will be unavailable for in-home consultations and will have limited access to email and phone messages. In case of a chicken emergency, please see the Resources tab for a list of avian vets in the Chicagoland area.
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
29 Jul
Home to Roost Speaking at AFA Convention
Home to Roost will be presenting at the American Federation of Aviculture’s 2015 Annual Convention in Chicago tomorrow. I will be speaking on the common issues faced by urban chicken keepers. For more information, see the schedule on the AFA website.
22 Jun
Urban chicken keeping survey – complete by June 24
I have a (very short) survey online; if you are an urban chicken keeper, would you mind taking a few minutes to share your experience?
The information you provide will be used for a presentation for the American Federation of Aviculture on August 1. My presentation will be on the issues urban chicken keepers face. I have a rough idea of what I’d like to say; however, your input will be very helpful. This will also give me an idea of your needs and ways I can help.
If you could please complete the short survey by Weds., June 24, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you for your time!
2 Jun
The Environmental Benefits of Backyard Chickens
To promote the Chicago Botanic Garden’s World Environment Day, I did a little piece on how chickens will save the world… ok, maybe not quite. But they do some great things for your backyard!
29 May
Chick found in Oak Park, IL
8-10 week old chick found in 300 block of S. Lombard, Oak Park. Contact Winnie if it’s yours: 773-680-3861
26 May
Avian Flu and Backyard Flocks
With the avian flu outbreak, I’ve gotten a number of questions about how it will affect backyard flocks.
First, this strain of avian flu is not the H5N1 strain, which is deadly to humans. From the CDC’s website: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses have never been detected among wild birds, domestic poultry, or people in the United States.”
Now, back to the birds. The key to protecting your flock is biosecurity. You can read more about avian flu and protecting your birds on the following links:
PREVENTING AVIAN INFLUENZA IN BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCKS
Avian Influenza Basics for Urban and Backyard Poultry Owners
Do I need to be worried about bird flu if I keep chickens?
The most important thing you can do is keep your birds isolated from other flocks of chickens. This is the same advice I give to folks for protecting your flock from any disease.
- Limit travel to other flocks.
- Do not allow visitors who have chickens to access your birds.
- Keep a dedicated pair of footwear that you use in your coop only.
- Prevent contact with wild birds.
- If you must bring in new birds, take them from reputable sources only.
- Quarantine new birds for 30 days before introducing them to yours.
More likely than not, your backyard birds will be just fine.
29 Apr
REMINDER! Chicken Health Class This Saturday!
Come learn about keeping your hens healthy and how to help them in an emergency! We’ll cover common issues that urban chicken keepers face, as well as prevention strategies.
Sat., May 2, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
26 Apr
Home to Roost on Vacation May 7-12
Home to Roost will be taking a break May 7-12, 2015. As always, you can leave a message on the blog.
If you need vet care, please see the list of avian vets.
23 Apr
3 Hens Seeking Home
Contact Alan –grovesteen@gmail.com
I’m looking for a good home for three beautiful red-star (red sex-link) hens. They are three years old but in very good health and still laying enough eggs so that the 3 people in my family (who eat eggs) never need to buy any (about a dozen per week). They have been free ranged their entire lives in two adjacent Chicago back yards so they are very healthy and happy with no parasites, diseases or issues. Our kids have held them and played with them since they were baby chicks so they are very tame and allow you to pick them up without scratching or pecking. We are moving out of state and cannot take them with us. If I eat them, I will be the world’s worst father because our kids LOVE them so much. If you would be willing to give them a good home, please email me at grovesteen@gmail.com. I would be happy to include all of our remaining feed, hay, etc. as well.
NOTE: If you already have hens, see my post on inserting new birds into an existing flock.
21 Apr
This weekend: chicken health class!
A reminder to sign up for the chicken health class at the Chicago Botanic Garden!
Sat., April 25, 1 PM-4 PM, http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
Home to Roost 