This article is great for debunking the backyard chicken myths concerning raising chickens in cities and towns! Another good resource for changing legislation. Enjoy!
Posts Tagged ‘chicken’
13 Sep
Information Useful in Amending Chicken-Keeping Ordinances
Folks often call me about changing their city’s chicken legislation, and I can provide some ideas, tips, and pointers. This Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts page is a great source of information on changing city codes and engaging in debates around keeping chickens. This page contains:
- Model municipal codes (Illinois and other states)
- Response to common concerns about chicken-keeping in an urban setting
- Draft ordinance for Chicago
Check out the rest of the info on the site, too!
12 Sep
Naperville Questions Chicken Regulations
Some Naperville residents have questioned the city’s chicken ordinances and are calling for the laws to be revisited. The issues will be reviewed on Sept. 20, 2011.
For more information, read this article from the Naperville Sun Times.
11 Sep
Sept. 25, 2011: Windy City Coop Tour (formerly Henapalooza)
Time: September 25, 2011 from 11am to 2pm
Location: Chicago’s North Side (and surrounding areas), 4134 N. Monticello Ave
Website: Windy City Coop Tour page
Phone: 773-640-2402 (for bike tour only)
Thinking of getting chickens or just curious about backyard Chickens in the City of Chicago? This leisurely bike ride will take you to a number of Chicago Chicken keepers. The tour is open to all ages, and you will see a large variety of chickens breeds, coop designs, as well as the gardens and yards they occupy. Home to Roost will make an appearance at one of the sites (TBD). Each host will be able to answer questions you may have concerning regulations, feeding, coop designs, space required, egg production, and issues common to chickens in an urban environment.
So save the date of Sept 25th. This is both a group bike tour and/or a self-guided bike tour.
The group bike tour meets at 4134 N. Monticello at 10:30 am. The bike tour starts at 11 am. The biking group tour should last a couple hours and actual length will be determined by the group itself.
The self-guided tour starts at any of the 20+ host sites and just follow the map provided at each site.
The “Windy City Coop Tour” is open as a non-biking event, too.
The Official Windy City Coop Tour hours are 11am – 2 pm Additional information including web site, press release, maps, etc. are forthcoming and will be provided on the Windy City Coop Tour page. Not required, but an RSVP to the bike tour will be helpful in planning. We hope you can join us!
29 Aug
Chicken-Keeping Class 9/24/2011 at Elgin Community College
Home to Roost will be leading a chicken-keeping class at Elgin Community College on Sept. 24. Information from the course catalog is listed below. Call 847-622-3036 to register.
CEs 111 Raising Chickens in a Suburban Setting
Jennifer Murtoff is a farmer’s granddaughter who raised her own fowl in Pennsylvania. Today, she is a consultant for urban and suburban flocks in Chicagoland. She leads workshops on backyard chickens and gives presentations for groups and schools interested in raising their own flocks. The trend to provide your own nutritious food has led many communities to change ordinances concerning backyard fowl. Come and learn the basics about local laws, coop construction, health issues plus chick and adult chicken care. Jennifer provides concise information that can help you decide if raising backyard chickens in a suburban setting is for you.
300 80725 SA 10AM-12PM 9/24 ATC-235 Murtoff $35
26 Jul
Chicken Raising Class July 30, 2011
Join us for a class on chicken raising on Saturday, July 30, 2011, from 9:45 – 11:00.
We’ll talk about the basics of raising chickens and have a Q&A time. Great for those of you who are new to the urban chicken phenomenon!
Cost: $15
RSVP is requested. Space is limited to 20. Call Bryan at 510.234.4336.
You can also check out the Facebook invite (No log in required.) for more information.
1 Jun
June 15, 2011: Home to Roost at Whole Foods
Community Class: Urban Chicken Farming
Whole Foods Market – 7245 W. Lake Street, River Forest, IL
708.366.1045
Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m.
FREE
The word is out. Urbanites can get fresh eggs from their own back yard! Chat with the expert on Chicken Care – Jennifer Murtoff and meet one of her favorite feathered friends. This class will also address favorite cage free egg brands and offer egg-based recipes and snacks. Kids are welcome!
To sign-up, e-mail: julia.evans@wholefoods.com
20 May
Feeding Corn to Chickens
Poultry expert Robert Plamondon suggests giving whole corn to chickens. In addition to contributing xanthophylls that make the yolks a lovely golden yellow, corn may help reduce the cost of feed. He suggests a 50/50 split of corn and pellets/laying feed.
According to Plamondon, if hens are fed oyster shells, grit is optional.
Regardless of whether or not you feed corn to laying hens, always give them a laying hen diet, which will provide proper, balanced amounts of vitally important protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients.
To read Plamondon’s article, click here.
20 May
June 15, 2011: Stay tuned for details on Home to Roost at Whole Foods, River Forest
I’ve been invited to speak at Whole Food Market in River Foods on June 15. The topic will be chickens; specifics to be determined. Keep an eye on the blog for more info.
I’m very excited about this partnership, which came out of my Cheney Mansion event earlier this month.
20 May
June 18, 2011: Chicken Keeping Class at Belmont Feed and Seed
Join Home to Roost Urban Chicken Consulting at Belmont Feed and Seed for a class on keeping chickens! Everything you need to know about chickens and then some.
DATE: Saturday, June 18
PLACE: Belmont Feed & Seed, 3036 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
TIME: 4 to 6 PM
COST: $25 per person
The owners will have a new shipment of chicks and a package deal on supplies for those who attend!
Package Deal
- Cardboard box large enough to hold 4-6 chicks (9.95 Value)
- Pack of pine shavings (12.95 value)
- Brooder light (15.95 value)
- Brooder bulb, 125 w. (3.95 value)
- 4 chicks from our stock (16.00 value). I will have new chicks for the event, and a variety of them.
- 10 lb. Organic Chick Starter (4.50 value)
- Chick-size, jar type waterer (7.95 value)
- Chick-size, jar type food dish (7.95 value)
Total value of the package is $79.20 Special for $68.00, or 15% off all chick/chicken supplies for participants.
Space is limited, so call 708-524-5038. After registering, mail in a check or use PayPal to secure a spot. Or you can pay with cash or check payable to Jennifer Murtoff on June 18.
Please make arrangements for childcare.
Home to Roost 