Here is a list of what’s on the docket to date. My online classes are open to all, regardless of where in the U.S. you live, unless otherwise specified. Please note that all class material is geared to the Chicago area, including information on predators and climate.
If you’re interested in booking a Home to Roost class or presentation for your organization, please leave a message below.
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EVENTS
May 6, 2023 – SCARCE Growin’ Green Garden Market: I will have a booth and a chicken at this market for eco-friendly garden supplies, seedlings, compost, and other supplies to help you grow green. The market takes place in Addison, IL from 9am – 1pm.
May 27, 2023, 9 am -12 pm: Home to Roost will have a table and a chicken at Go Green! Days at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market. https://www.oak-park.us/events/farmers-market-go-green-days-2
June 4, 2023, 11 am-4 pm: Home to Roost will be sharing a table with the Sugar Beet Co-Op at Day in Our Village. Stop by with your chicken-related questions! https://www.oak-park.us/events/day-our-village-5
June 9, 2023, 6-8 pm: Home to Roost will have a table at the family-friendly Welcome Back to Nature event, Oakbrook Terrace Park District nature center, 17W063 Hodges Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Lots of fun activities for the kids! For more information, contact the Oakbrook Terrace Park District, https://obtpd.org/
CLASSES
April 29, Sat. 2-3:30 pm, in conjunction with Prairie Food Co-Op, Lombard Historical Society, 23 W. Maple, Lombard, IL. Click here for more information.
May 20, Sat.,1-3 pm, Indian Prairie (Darien) Public Library
June 10, Sat.,1-3 pm, Westmont Public Library
October 14, 2023, Sat. 10 am – noon: Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, Basics (Oct 14): https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/basic_chicken_keeping?range_start=2023-10-14
October 14, 2023, Sat. 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Coops, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022.
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/chicken_coop_basics
November 11, 2023, Sat.10 am – noon: Snow Birds – Winter Care for Chickens, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022, https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/snow_birds_winter_care_chickens
ONLINE CLASSES
Chick Q&A: Bring your questions to this FREE session on Zoom! March 18, 9:30-10:30 AM, Central time
Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping- This class is designed for curious folks who are considering getting chickens, as well as for those who already have their own birds. Learn how to find local laws, choose and raise chicks, and care for adult birds. Cost: $15.00.
April 15, 2023, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Register by April 14.
May 3, 2023, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Register by May 2.
Chicken Coop Basics – This class addresses minimal requirements for building a safe and comfortable home for your hens. You’ll learn the basic housing needs of backyard birds. Find out the essential components of a coop, construction materials to choose and avoid, and important construction tips, and see different coop styles. Cost: $15.00.
March 30, 2023, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Register by March 29.
May 27, 2023, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Register by May 26.
Chicken Health Class – What are the common health issues chickens face, and how can you treat them? Better yet, how can you keep your flock healthy? This class addresses chicken physiology, disease prevention and transmission, as well as chicken first aid. Cost: $25.00.
April 6, 2023, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. Register by April 5.
Bird Brains: Flock Psychology – How do chickens think? They view the world differently from predatory mammals. Find out more about what goes on inside a chicken’s head and how it can help you understand your birds. Cost: $12.00.
May 9, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Register by May 8.
Chickens in Summer – Heat and humidity can be challenging for cold-hardy chicken breeds. How do chickens cool themselves naturally? Do you know the signs of heat stroke? What can you do to help an overheated bird? Find out how to care for your hens during the dog days of summer. Cost: $12.00.
June 6, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Register by June 5.
Home to Roost 
Posted by Paula Petragallo on April 20, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Will you reschedule the Duck Keeping 101 class?
Posted by chickenwoman on April 20, 2021 at 8:22 pm
Hi, Paula –
I’m going to look into it. I have another venue that might have a slot. Keep an eye on the blog!
Posted by Nikki on January 24, 2022 at 1:17 am
Hi im very interested in doing a chicken health course via online
How do I book this?
Posted by chickenwoman on January 24, 2022 at 9:10 am
Hi, Nikki –
I offer my classes largely through libraries. Right now I don’t have any chicken health classes running (libraries often run the basic chicken keeping and coops classes). If you want, however, I could do a private session via Zoom. I’ll PM you.
Posted by Nikki on January 24, 2022 at 9:11 am
Yes a private one would be great I live in a tiny island jersey and there no courses over here
Posted by chickenwoman on January 24, 2022 at 9:16 am
Great. That’s Jersey in the Channel Islands?
I’ll email you with more information.
Thanks for reaching out!
Posted by chickenwoman on February 4, 2022 at 11:44 am
Hello, I have sent you an email, but I’m not sure if you received it. I’d be happy to work with you!
Posted by Carol Schillero on March 9, 2022 at 10:04 am
Will you have any Beginner courses for keeping backyard hens available soon? I am working with our city council to allow backyard hens and one of the requirements is to take a class. It would be great if I could share this with council and assure them that there is a place to receive training online. Thank you.
Posted by chickenwoman on March 9, 2022 at 10:13 am
Yes! Are you in Lombard, by any chance, Carol? I have just reached out the library there. You can reach out to your local library about hosting a class. I’ll email you a list of the classes I offer. My next basics is scheduled with Bensenville Public Library on June 11. I can also offer in-person classes. I am limited by the prohibitive cost of the subscription version of Zoom, but I’m looking into ways to break the presentations into smaller chunks. I will reach out to you by email. I’m happy to consult to your city council about requirements for coops, etc. I’ve done that for a number of communities, including Baltimore, MD!
Posted by chickenwoman on March 9, 2022 at 10:20 am
I’m looking into Zoom again! Let’s talk.
Posted by jessieannjohan on August 12, 2023 at 10:37 am
hello! my family and i are interested in taking the october 14 basic backyard chicken keeping course at the chicago botanic gardens. how can i get more information/ register?
Posted by chickenwoman on August 13, 2023 at 1:07 pm
Hi! Thanks for your interest! Here are the links:
Basics (Oct 14): https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/basic_chicken_keeping?range_start=2023-10-14
Coops (Oct 14): https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/chicken_coop_basics?range_start=2023-10-14
Winter Care (Nov 11): https://www.chicagobotanic.org/adult_education/nature_birding/snow_birds_winter_care_chickens?range_start=2023-11-11
I look forward to meeting you!
Jen