Currently, stray chickens are held in whatever cages are available. Mumaw said shelter officials expressed a need for a coop — cost is estimated at $400 — that allows chickens to roost and nest.
While hens are typically much quieter cluckers (and certainly no more annoying than a barking dog, said Boeman), owners have come across the occasional obnoxious exception, the same way that out of millions of Italian-Americans, you’re bound to find a Snooki. Brian Westphal and Mike McVickar welcomed four foster chickens to their home on Winona when a friend received 10 by mistake. “But I only see three,” I noted.
On a relentlessly drizzly afternoon, I set out to visit the handful of coops within walking distance of Lincoln Square, pulling on a pair of rubber boots as a precautionary measure. (Do I have to spell it out for you? OK: p-o-o-p.) My first stop: Ainslie, where I was a bit freaked out to discover that the chickens were of the free range variety. As in, they had the run of the yard. Maybe I was Tippi Hedren in a past life, because I have an illogical fear of being pecked to death by birds.
“Doing well” typically means eliminating the major issue associated with urban chickens: Mr. Rooster, we’re talking about you and your cock-a-doodle-do. “Roosters are amazingly loud,” admitted Boyd. “In some neighborhoods, people grew up with the sound and like it, but it’s by far the biggest complaint.” While roosters are not prohibited in Chicago, excessive noise is and that includes crowing. “I just recommend no rooster,” said Boyd.
Prospective chicken owners were expected to take Saturday’s tour to view some of the more elaborate designs and learn what features work best. For example, there’s a “21st Century” urban coop that sports a green roof and light sensor-operated automatic door. Another includes painted carvings created by the owner, while the “charming coop” is a converted playhouse.
Tags: Andrew Gardner, Angelic Organics Learning Center, backyard chickens, Brian Westphal, Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts, chicken coop tour, chicken coops, chickens, Martha Boyd, Mike McVickar, roosters, square foot gardening, Tom Boeman, urban agriculture, urban chickens, urban farming, Windy City Chickens
Incoming search terms:
- chicken coop plans
- chicken coop
- chicken coop roost
- chicken yard
- commercial chicken coops
- chicken coop designs
- chicken cage designs
- chook roost
- best products chicken coops plans
- inside a chicken coup
- cool chicken coop designs
- free chicken coop plans
- plans for chicken coop
- chicken coup
- hen house plans
- chicken coop roosts
- where to place a chicken perch
- chicken coop plans pdf
- cheap chicken shed
- square chicken roost pictures
- chicken coop blueprints
- chicken runs
- inside chicken coop designs
- pallet hen hut
- simple chicken roost
- homemade chicken roost
- hen roosts
- chicken shelter
- best chicken coop designs
- chicken roost
- chicken house plans
- chicken coops plans free
- chichen coop
- build a chicken roost
- wood pallet chicken coop