Posts Tagged ‘class’

Learn to Raise Chickens—For Free! Come to Home to Roost’s Chicken-Keeping Classes


If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard or are curious about raising chickens in an urban setting, now’s your chance to learn—at no cost!

Poultry educator and chicken consultant Jennifer Murtoff is offering four free chicken-keeping classes at public libraries throughout the Chicagoland area. These beginner-friendly sessions cover everything from legal requirements and coop setup to feeding and keeping your birds healthy. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to brush up on best practices, these engaging classes will help you feel confident and prepared.

Upcoming Class Information

Alsip Public Library
Monday, July 14 at 6:00 PM
11910 S. Kostner Ave, Alsip, IL 60803
(To be held outside in the garden of Prairie Jr. High School)            
(708) 371-5666
No registration required.
Visit the Alsip Public Library events calendar

Des Plaines Public Library
Thursday, July 31 at 6:30 PM
1501 Ellinwood St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-5551
Register Here

Lisle Public Library
Saturday, September 13 at 2:00 PM
777 Front St, Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 971-1675
Check the Lisle Public Library events calendar closer to the date

Woodstock Public Library
Tuesday, September 23 at 5:30 PM
414 W Judd St, Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-0542
Check the Woodstock Public Library events calendar closer to the date

These free classes are a great way to learn about chicken care, meet fellow backyard chicken enthusiasts, and get your questions answered. Space may be limited, so check with each library to confirm registration requirements and location details.

Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping at Orland Park Public Library


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.

Important Registration Information:

  • Registration is required, and each participant may only register for one spot per library card.
  • Multiple registrations associated with the same library card will be canceled to ensure fair access for all interested attendees.

Event Details:

  • Location: Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Cost: Free

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!

Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping at Roselle Public Library


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:

  • Local Laws and Regulations: Understand the legalities surrounding backyard chicken keeping in your area. We’ll provide tips on how to find and interpret local ordinances to ensure you’re on the right side of the law.
  • Choosing and Raising Chicks: Delve into the exciting world of chick selection, care, and upbringing. Learn how to choose the right breed for your needs and provide essential care to raise them into robust, egg-laying wonders.
  • Caring for Adult Birds: From coop design and maintenance to dietary needs and health checks, discover the essential aspects of caring for adult chickens. We’ll discuss best practices for keeping your feathered friends happy and thriving year-round.

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!

Register Now for Chicken Coop Basics, May 4 at 7pm!


The next class in our Zoom series, Chicken Coop Basics, is coming right up! We need at least 5 participants for this class to run, so tell your friends!! Registration info is below.

102: Chicken Coop Basics

May 4, 2022, 7 pm (2 hrs) $23

Discover the essential components of a coop, important construction tips and materials, and see different coop styles.

How to Register

To register, email hometoroostllc@gmail.com.

  • In the subject line, write Zoom Classes April-May 2022.
  • Give your name.
  • Give your email address.
  • Specify the class name(s) and date(s).
  • Tell us if you need a certificate of participation (see below).
    • If yes, give your full name and street address.

How to Pay

Each class needs at least 5 participants to run (tell your friends!). We will email you a PayPal invoice. After you’ve paid through the link on the invoice, we’ll send you the link to the class. Only registered participants can use the link.

We need a minimum number of participants to run our classes. If you pay and decide not to attend your class, we will be unable to issue a refund. Thank you for your understanding. If we do not have enough participants to run the class, we’ll notify you 24 hours before the class starts and refund your money via PayPal.

Need a Certificate of Participation?

To get a certificate of participation for your village board, just notify us when you register. We will need your full name and street address. You must attend the class in person and have your camera on to receive the certificate. We’ll email you a PDF certificate when the class is over.

Register Now for Chicken Health Class Online, April 27 at 6pm!


The next class in our Zoom series, Chicken Health, is coming right up! For this class, I will include information on how to protect your backyard flock from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Cases of HPAI have been discovered in wild birds in Illinois and other Midwestern states. I will explain how to protect your flock from wild birds and symptoms of HPAI to watch for. 

Thanks to everyone who attended Basic Chicken Keeping last Wednesday. We need at least 5 participants for Chicken Health to run, so tell your friends!! Registration info is below.

201: Chicken Health Class     

Wed. April 27, 2022, 6 pm (2.5–3 hrs), $28

Learn about the common health issues of chickens and how to keep your flock healthy. Topics include basic chicken anatomy/physiology, disease prevention and transmission, and first aid.

How to Register

To register, email hometoroostllc@gmail.com.

  • In the subject line, write Zoom Classes April-May 2022.
  • Give your name.
  • Give your email address.
  • Specify the class name(s) and date(s).
  • Tell us if you need a certificate of participation (see below).
    • If yes, give your full name and street address.

How to Pay

Each class needs at least 5 participants to run (tell your friends!). We will email you a PayPal invoice. After you’ve paid through the link on the invoice, we’ll send you the link to the class. Only registered participants can use the link.

We need a minimum number of participants to run our classes. If you pay and decide not to attend your class, we will be unable to issue a refund. Thank you for your understanding. If we do not have enough participants to run the class, we’ll notify you 24 hours before the class starts and refund your money via PayPal.


Need a Certificate of Participation?

To get a certificate of participation for your village board, just notify us when you register. We will need your full name and street address. You must attend the class in person and have your camera on to receive the certificate. We’ll email you a PDF certificate when the class is over.

Photo by Liz McCrory, kosmicstudio.org

Register Now for Chicken Coop Basics – Online on February 16!


I will present Chicken Coop Basics, the next class in my series for Villa Park Public Library, on February 16, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. I hope you can join me for this free online class!

Register now at this link: Chicken Coop Basics – Online

This class addresses what you need to know about 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, important construction tips, and see different coop styles.

Get the Chicken Coop Spec Sheet — a complete list of requirements for coop building!


Whether you are buying a commercial chicken coop or building your own, it is important to choose a coop design with the right dimensions, features, and materials. You can get all this information in one place on the Chicken Coop Spec Sheet, Home to Roost’s complete list of recommendations for coop building. You can now purchase this spec sheet on PayPal using the button below!

Chicken Coop Spec Sheet – $6.00

***NOTE: I will e-mail you the spec sheet after I receive your payment. Your e-mail address will automatically be included in the payment notification I receive from PayPal.

Buy Now button

The Chicken Coop Spec Sheet contains recommendations for building safe and functional coops, rather than specific plans or blueprints. These recommendations are the result of more than 10 years of experience helping people raise and house backyard chickens!


REMINDER: Chicken Coop Basics–Online Event, July 7

Ready for more information on coop building? I will discuss the essential components of a chicken coop, important construction tips, and different coop styles. Do you have your own creative ideas for a coop? This class will teach you the basic elements that all coops need to have. Bring your coop-related questions to this online class, which is free and open to the public, regardless of where in the U.S. you live.

Register at the link below:

Chicken Coop Basics, Online — Fremont Public Library, July 7, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Photo by Liz McCrory, kosmicstudio.org

Learn the Basics of Chicken Keeping: Outdoor Event, June 28!


UPDATE 6/24/21: This event will most likely be held indoors.

We are pleased to announce the first live, in-person event presented by Home to Roost in more than a year! Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping, June 28, 6:00 – 8:00pm at Lemont Public Library in Lemont, IL. Jennifer Murtoff will teach you the basics of raising chickens, from chick to adult bird. Bring your questions about chicken keeping to this live event!

This class is free and open to the public, regardless of where in IL you live. Register now at the link below:

Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping, June 28, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Lemont Public Library
50 E. Wend St.
Lemont, IL 60439

We hope to see you there, up close and in person!

Photo by Liz McCrory, kosmicstudio.org

Basic Chicken Keeping, Coop Classes at Fremont Public Library


I will be teaching Basic Chicken Keeping and Chicken Coop Basics for the Fremont Public Library (located in Mundelein, IL) in June and July. These online classes are open to all, regardless of where in the U.S. you live. Please note that all class information on predators and climate will be geared to the Chicago area. Register now at the links below!

Basic Backyard Chicken Keeping, Online — Fremont Public Library, June 23, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Learn the basics of raising backyard chickens, from chick to adult.

Chicken Coop Basics, Online — Fremont Public Library, July 7, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Learn the essential components of a chicken coop, important construction tips, and different coop styles. Do you have your own creative ideas for a coop? This class will teach you the basic elements that all coops need to have.

Register Now for Chicken Health Class (Virtual) on April 5, 2021!


What are the common health issues chickens face, and how can you treat them? Better yet, how can you keep your flock healthy? This online class addresses chicken physiology, disease prevention and transmission, as well as chicken first aid. Join us on Monday, Apr 5, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM for this virtual class presented by Home to Roost and the Chicago Rebuilding Exchange!

Chicken Health Class (Virtual) Monday, Apr 5, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Registration information is available here.

NOTE: This class is geared to the Chicagoland area, including predators and climate.

Chicken
Learn how to keep your chickens healthy during this online class on April 5!