1 May
Join Home to Roost at the Growin’ Green Garden Market on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the SCARCE Environmental Education Center on 800 S Rohlwing Rd (IL 53), Addison IL (Note: Located on west side of Rohlwing Rd, about 1/2 mile north of North Ave).
We’ll be there with live chickens—stop by to say hello and learn more about backyard poultry! Don’t miss this fun and educational day for the whole family!
5 Nov
Are you interested in starting your own backyard flock? Or maybe you already have a few feathered friends and want to expand your knowledge on their care? Join the Orland Park Public Library for Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This free workshop is perfect for anyone eager to dive into the world of chickens, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on the basics.
Held at the Orland Park Public Library (14921 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL), this event will provide valuable insights on everything from understanding local regulations to tips for keeping your chickens happy and healthy at all stages of life.
Whether your goal is fresh eggs or simply the joy of caring for these delightful birds, this session will set you up with the tools you need to succeed with backyard chicken keeping.
This is a great opportunity to connect with an experienced chicken keeper, ask questions, and meet others in the community interested in sustainable, backyard agriculture. For more information, visit the library’s event page.
Don’t miss this chance to embark on your backyard chicken journey!
14 Jun
Contact Suzanne at suzannebavichai@gmail.com or (847) 421-3865 or Sam at (773) 255-7341.
From Suzanne: The kids hatched chicks in their 6th grade science class, and their teacher had a family emergency so we’re trying to help with rehoming six straight-run chicks (meaning there is a 50% chance of getting males). They would like them to go to good, no-kill homes. The birds have been hand raised and are quite tame. They think two are roosters. The family is in Evanston.
The school’s kindergarten teacher also has an additional 5 chicks who are just shy of 3 weeks old and hopes to find good, no-kill homes for them.
Contact Suzanne at suzannebavichai@gmail.com or (847) 421-3865 or Sam at (773) 255-7341.
23 May
Are you looking to integrate engaging and educational programs into your library that promote sustainable living? Look no further than the book 25 Ready-to-Use Sustainable Living Programs for Libraries. This comprehensive resource provides a diverse range of ready-to-implement programs designed to educate and inspire library patrons of all ages about sustainable practices. Purchase online at Amazon or the ALA Store.
About the Book
25 Ready-to-Use Sustainable Living Programs for Libraries is a must-have for public and school libraries aiming to enhance their programming with sustainability-focused content. Each program is carefully crafted to be engaging, informative, and easy to implement, requiring minimal cost and preparation. From gardening and recycling to renewable energy and eco-friendly crafts, the book covers a broad spectrum of topics suitable for various age groups.
Featured Program: “All About Chickens!”
One of the standout programs in this collection is “All About Chickens!” a hands-on, educational program designed for children ages 3–7 and tweens ages 8–12. “All About Chickens!” invites young participants to explore the fascinating world of chickens through a variety of interactive stations.
The program begins with a brief lesson where kids learn about chickens’ physical characteristics, the differences between male and female chickens, the various types of feathers, and the parts of an egg. If time permits, children can also view a picture of a developing embryo inside an egg. Kids then move to stations where they compare and color or draw different breeds of chickens, explore the intricacies of feathers, examine eggs, and meet a live chicken (optional). Each station is supervised by an adult to ensure a smooth educational experience, and the program can host up to 15 participants with three stations, or 20 participants with four stations. Cost is minimal ($0–$50).
Contact Home to Roost if you’re interested in hosting “All About Chickens!” at your library or school!
2 May
Are you thinking about bringing the charm of chicken companions into your backyard? Or maybe you’re already a seasoned chicken keeper seeking to finesse your flock care? Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned pro, join us for an informative class at the Roselle Public Library on May 18, 2024, where we’ll explore the ins and outs of basic backyard chicken keeping.
Date: May 18, 2024
Time: 11 am –– 1 pm
Location: Roselle Public Library, 40 South Park Street Roselle, IL 60172
Led by passionate poultry aficionado Jennifer Murtoff, this session is tailored for those considering embarking on the delightful journey of chicken keeping, as well as those already with feathers in their cap. From navigating local regulations to selecting the perfect birds and nurturing them into happy, healthy hens, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a sampling of what you’ll learn:
This class is free, but registration is suggested. To register for the class and for more information, visit the Roselle Public Library class page here.
Whether you’re dreaming of fresh eggs on your breakfast table or simply seeking the joys of feathered companionship, join us for Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping! We look forward to seeing you there!
9 Oct
I’m running my chicken winter care class tomorrow at the Garfield Park Conservatory from 10-12. Join the class to learn how to care for your birds during the winter. This class addresses the coop, the run, freezing water, feed, and the birds themselves. (Chicken-keeping class is a prerequisite.)
29 Jun
I recently conducted a survey of chicken keepers, and a consistent theme that came up was wanting to know more about health issues.
I’m offering a health class through Angelic Organics Learning Center on July 11, so please take advantage of this opportunity!
Backyard Chicken Keepers —
Are you looking to learn more about your flock’s common health issues and how to care for minor injuries?
REGISTER NOW for Urban Chicken Health Care — a workshop for chicken keepers who are experienced in basic care and want to advance their knowledge and skills.
Developed and taught by Home to Roost Urban Chicken Consultant Jen Murtoff, the workshop covers prevention and basic troubleshooting, as well as care for common issues and injuries.
Date: Saturday July 11, 2015
Time: 10AM to 1PM
Location: Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park, 5500 S Woodlawn Avenue (at the corner of 55th and Woodlawn)
Cost: $35
You can also register via the link on Facebook – join the event and share the event notice with your friends!
26 May
Thinking about building a coop? Here are some great ideas with instructions! I love the Hobbit Hole coop.
8 Apr
Here is the list of classes so far for 2015. We have NEW classes in the works, including a bilingual (Eng/Span) class and a summer care class. Check out the complete list of offerings below or download the pdf: Home to Roost 2015 Class Offerings and Events
Appearance at Magic Tree Bookstore
Sun., April 12, 1 PM at the Magic Tree, Oak Park,for the launch of Sandy De Lisle’s new book, Hens for Friends! http://site.booksite.com/7326/events/?&list=EVC1&group=current&preview=1
**NOTE – DATE CHANGED TO JULY 11: Sat., July 11, 10 AM-1 PM with Angelic Organics Learning Center, Location TBD, http://www.learngrowconnect.org/event/basic-backyard-chicken-care-chicago
Sat., April 18, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
Sat., September 26, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
Coop Building
Sat., March 28, 1 PM-3 PM at Chicago Botanic Garden, http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
Sat., April 18, 1 PM-3 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
The Charm of Chickens: Reasons for Raising Backyard Hens
Thurs., April 23, 7 PM-8:30 PM at Grayslake Public Library, http://www.grayslake.info/
Chicken Health
Sat., April 25, 1 PM-4 PM at Chicago Botanic Garden, http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
**NOTE – DATE CHANGED TO MAY 2: Sat., May 2, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
NEW!! Summer Care for Chickens
Sat., June 20, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
Harvest Day Expo
Sun., September 20 at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
NEW!! SPANISH -Basic Backyard Chicken Care
Sat., October 3 or 10, or November 7 with Angelic Organics Learning Center, Location TBD, http://www.learngrowconnect.org/event/basic-backyard-chicken-care-chicago
Snow Birds: Winter Care for Chickens
Sat., October 24, 10 AM-12 PM at Garfield Park Conservatory, http://www.garfieldconservatory.org
10 Jan
We all knew that Mozart produces eggheads, but how about eggs!? Classical music can increase hens’ productivity, according to a farmer in the UK. Classicalight* covers the story here.
*Home to Roost had credited Louise Burton with writing this story; please accept our apologies, as the author was Brick Dozer.
When building a coop for your hens, it is important to choose a design with the right dimensions, features, and materials. Get all this information on the Chicken Coop Spec Sheet, now available from Home to Roost! Purchase on PayPal using the button below.
NOTE: I will e-mail you the spec sheet after I receive your payment. Your e-mail address will automatically be included in the notification I receive from PayPal.
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