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99 responses to this post.

  1. Posted by Ed Homeier on July 8, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    Thanks for all you are doing.

    One of our residents wants to end the zoning ban currently in existence for fowl raised in Ford County. It’s forbidden within 100 ft of another residence.

    Are you available to give advice on matters like this?

    Reply

  2. Posted by Carroll English on July 8, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Hello. Last summer I quietly raised two hens in my backyard, which was not in keeping with the Ford Co. ordinance on livestock in a town. Neighbors want me to confront the county zoning board and get them to change the extreme restrictiveness which they are reputed to exercise. Most people in the community enjoyed the “ladies” and supported our having poultry in our tiny village of 100 people. A couple of persons have been identified as opposing them. The zoning board has the reputation for being inflexible on the matter. I’m whomping up my nerve and finding out what may be the issues to contend with in order to enter into the arena here..
    You were recommended as someone who could counsel me/us on this matter. Do you have some items to suggest we do, know, ask, etc.? Thank you very much! Sincerely, Carroll

    Reply

  3. Posted by Nancy Cistaro on July 16, 2011 at 11:10 am

    My son started a flock this spring – the code enforcer came to his door to say there was a complaint and he had 2 weeks to remove the birds . . .I found homes for his 2 banty roosters . . this morning he dropped off a Easter Egger Rooster . . I have one and do not want another (9 hens & 1 rooster) so if anyone wants him please contact me he was supposed to be hatched out April 12 . . my son is going to try to keep the hens he plans on going before the board – he lives in Holland, MI , I am so.sub. chicago

    Reply

  4. Hello! I am a Farmers Market Director and all of our farmers lost their flocks this season. I’d like to offer our community some thoughts on starting their own flocks and wondered if you’d be interested in doing a presentation sometime. Looking forward to your thoughts….Sheree

    Reply

  5. Posted by Ed Homeier on August 26, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I wanted to give those interested, an update on the Ford County zoning board vs chicken-lovers situation.

    Instead of requesting an individual variance through the Zoning Board and County Board, as is required to lift this restriction, a couple of personal conversation with the zoning officer took place. He was reluctant to act through the zoning process, and finally gave Carroll permission to keep a couple of hens in town PROVIDED she got written permission from her neighbors, and with the understanding that should anyone object the birds would have to go. Carroll seems happy. Between her need to keep and care for birds she feeds a unique diet, and our chicken co-operative (which has been around for a good number of years outside the town limits), all here now seem to have their “fowl needs” satisfied for now.

    Ed Homeier

    Reply

  6. This coming Monday (10/10) is the day the Village of Brookfield will be voting on the backyard hen ordinance. Please come out! Let’s make one big, last push toward this positive change.

    http://brookfieldchickens.blogspot.com/2011/10/monday-1010-is-voting-day.html

    Reply

  7. Posted by Jill Selinger on October 28, 2011 at 11:45 am

    hi, Jen—-

    I would like to offer a class at Chicago Botanic Garden on Raising Backyard Chickens–Martha at Angelic Organics suggested I contact you–

    would that be of interest to you?

    look forward to hearing from you —what a terrific website!!!
    Jill

    Reply

  8. Posted by cindy on November 26, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Hi. Loved your article on what egg labels mean, but you left off Pastured. Granted it is a small segment of total egg production, and mostly produced by small flock holders, but worth seeking out b/c of the humane treatment of the hens and the superior taste of the eggs. Only thing better is raising your own.

    Reply

  9. Posted by Laura Urbaszewski on December 6, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Hello,

    I just found your blog. A small rooster showed up in my alley tonight. We let him into the yard. Very pretty, black and white, maybe someone’s former fighting bird? Seems a rooster, has long spurs. Doesn’t look full grown. Anway, we did not know quite what to do with him but wondered if there was anyone to call who would take him besides animal control. Do you know what I should do? I’m a softie, I feel bad for the guy and its cold out. We live in Hermosa.

    Reply

  10. Posted by Kim Wilson on January 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Jennifer,

    Two of my chickens have impacted crops which I can feel as soon as I pick them up. Can you come take a look and tell me what to do? You’ve came by earlier this last spring to clip their wing for me.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim –
      I’ve responded offline – but for the benefit of folks reading, check in a few hours to see if the crop has gone down or feels looser! You may have simply caught them after a big meal!
      Jen

      Reply

  11. Posted by drlajohn on January 9, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    While I know you are not physically located in the Mid Atlantic Region, I know many individuals from all over use your website. Recently I found out about a great resource for people who have or are considering starting a small flock. Would you be willing to post a comment or put a link on your website to the Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Expo sponsored by the University of Maryland. It is a whole day of classes taught by various poultry experts that are targeting the backyard flock owner. It sounds like an awesome opportunity for people in the mid-atlantic region. All the information for the event is posted at http://carroll.umd.edu/ag/poultry.cfm
    Thanks
    LeAnn

    Reply

  12. Posted by Marianne Dietz on January 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    Hi Jennifer,
    We are trying to get Orland Park to modify their ordinance to allow Backyard Chickens. There is a village-wide green initiative, but the house is divided with allowing chickens. Too many complaints have come to them in the past, angry neighbors, loud, smelly chicken complaints, etc…mainly because the owners were not taking care or had too many. Going before the board is our next step, but we were warned that this past negative history may create a difficult path. Would like to cut through the red tape and plea our desire with passion and compassion for green, environment, healthy organic sustainable living. Any advice you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply

  13. Posted by Constance on January 17, 2012 at 12:04 am

    Hello Jen,
    I got your name from Martha Boyd at AOLC. I’m a member of the local foods work group at the Winnebago County office of U of IL Extension (Rockford area). I’d be interested in discussing the possibility of your giving a presentation in this area. Hopefully we could discuss details in a separate email.
    Looking forward to being in touch soon–

    Reply

  14. Good afternoon Jennifer,

    I read your profile in the paper this morning. I’m glad to see you’ve taken to the challenge of educating urban chicken ranchers. I’d like to share with you my own pursuit when you have the time. I hope your story does more to spur the acceptance of chicken coops in suburbia.

    Regards,

    Todd Jones

    Reply

  15. Posted by Danielle on February 19, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    Hello, I was wondering if you have a list of towns/cities in the Chicagoland area that allow backyard hens. Thanks!

    Reply

  16. Posted by Danielle on February 28, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    I just wanted to say thank you for the avian vet referral this morning. I went to see Dr. Sakas and he was amazing!!! Afordable and very knowledgable. I thought she was eggbound, and it turned out she is impacted head to tail with sand!!! She is overeating it for some reason, ovulation suspected. He is keeping her overnight and is going to try fixing her. Fingers crossed!!!

    Thank you.
    Danielle

    Reply

  17. Posted by Susan Lawrence on March 28, 2012 at 6:55 am

    Thank you for a wonderful program, last night! It was fun and interesting and very informative. I’m so glad you are nearby and available, as I begin planning for my first chickens!

    Reply

  18. Hi Jennifer,

    I left a voice mail and I am interested in speaking with you about the possibility of you presenting at a seminar on Backyard Chickens that the Cook County Farm Bureau is interested in hosting for its members and surrounding community in late May. We are in the planning stages but need to finalize the specifis by week end for advertising if we move forward. I look forward to speaking with you at your your earliest convenience.

    Reply

  19. Posted by mary murphy on May 28, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    Hi,
    I am concerned about our backyard hens. I’d like to arrange a consultation. They seem healthy and normal, but I’ve noticed their faces have dark areas that weren’t there before. Thank you very much. mary

    Reply

  20. Posted by Susan on June 2, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Hi Jennifer, I hate to bother you with this but I really don’t know what to do. I have only been raising chickens for a year now. I had my regular vet (not an avian vet) do fecals on my chickens as a precaution. The came back that 2 of the 3 had Coccidia. They have no symptoms except for poop on their vent feathers. They were all vaccinated for this when they came from the hatchery a year ago. I do not have an avian vet nearby so my vet is going to investigate on the Internet to see what we should do. I was overwhelmed with the info on the Internet. Can you suggest to me what to do? Thx susan

    Reply

    • Susan –
      No worries. There are 9 strains of coccidiosis that affect chickens. Chickens often have a few strains of coccidia in their systems and develop immunity without getting sick. A problem may arise when you introduce a bird from a new flock – your birds could be affected by the strain the new bird has or vice versa.
      Have your vet see The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow, pp. 98-104. Let me know what happens.
      Jen

      Reply

  21. Dear Ms. Murtoff,

    I’m reaching out to see if you have any interest in hosting a live video conference on BigMarker.com for our “Make Your Mark” Speaker Series. I found you while researching environmental and “green” speakers online and yours seems truly unique. BigMarker is a start-up company located in Chicago looking for exciting and interesting speakers for our debut speaking series, and can offer you promotion, and a percentage of ticket sales (if you want to charge attendees) among other things.
    Let me know if this sounds like something you would be interested in or if you have any questions or comments. Thank you for your time and attention.

    Reply

  22. Posted by Brittney Blair on June 19, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Hi Jen,
    I’m hoping to send you an email about a chicken raising project I’m looking to start at a fairly non-traditional garden setting in Chicago, which I think you might find interesting. Can you please backchannel me when you get a moment? Seems like you are doing great work and I’d love to get you involved in this project if possible.

    Thanks much,
    Brittney

    Reply

  23. Posted by Angie palma on July 6, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Hi I have 4 hens and the Forest Park has changed their ordinancesand now we are not allowed to keep them. A complaint was filed by my neighbor since she has nothing better to do! But need to find them a new home ASAP…! Do you know of any org?anizations tha will take them? Or maybe a family? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

    Reply

    • Hi, you can try posting a message to the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts Google Group. I can also post the birds to my site if you send me pix, description, and contact information.

      Reply

  24. Posted by Margie Lentz on July 8, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    A few months ago we purchased 6 chicks from a hatchery.  One of those chicks grew to be a beautiful rooster.  Unfortunately, we are unable to keep roosters and are in desperate need of finding him a no-kill home.  We have asked many neighbors, but they cannot guarantee our pet will end up in a stew pot.  Can you help or direct us to a facility that can?  Thank you so much for your time.

    Margie Lentz

    Reply

  25. Posted by nancy on July 16, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    JUST an FYI . . on my facebook page I joined the Kankakee Swap,Buy,Sell,Farm Animals, & Farm Stuff . . . people list their chickens on there if they wish to sell and/or buy chickens . . my suggestion is list your roosters/chickens there if you want to find them a new home . . it seems to work

    Reply

  26. Would you be willing to sign my petition to the City of Joliet, calling on them to allow backyard chickens?

    I would be ever so grateful.

    http://signon.org/sign/allow-backyard-chickens.fb19?source=c.fb&r_by=658597

    Reply

  27. Posted by Kate Maver on August 30, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    I guess I missed the chicken meeting at the library the other day, but I just read in the Herald about the new petition for Arlington Heights to accept chickens. I am an Arlington Heights resident and I would be delighted to sign such a petition. I’m unlikely to have chickens myself, as I don’t own this home, and my next stop is likely to be an apartment building, but I am all for anything that provides people with the means to reduce cruelty to animals. Factory chickens suffer ‘way too much. So, please pass along my email address to the petitioners, or let me know how I can get a hold so I can sign it. thanks!

    Reply

  28. Posted by Sally Tauber on September 7, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    Jennifer Murtoff,
    Hi. I read about your recent backyard chicken presentation at the Arlington Heights Library. I had been thinking this would be fun to do in my yard in Park Ridge. I contacted City Hall and was told to contact my Alderman. I emailed Marty my Alderman and he responded by saying currently Park Ridge does not allow chickens in yards, but others have inquired about this possibility and how did I want to move forward on this subject. …
    That is where you come in. Typically do you do presentations for communities to bring awareness and gauge support for backyard chicken coops? Do you charge and if so how much. Typically who covers your fee if so?
    Do you suggest citizens get a 200 person petition as in Arlington Heights as a step before or after one of your presentations? Do you present to the public or the city council. How does this work – trying to get ones city to be chicken friendly?
    Look forward to hearing from you so I can know what to request from my Alderman.
    Sally Tauber
    Park Ridge resident, taubsall@aol.com, 847-823-3319

    Reply

    • Hi, Sally –
      Thanks so much for your interest in chickens and in my work.
      Perhaps we could discuss your questions on the phone. I’ll try to touch base with you in the next few days.
      Jen

      Reply

  29. Posted by marci on September 11, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Wondering if you or if you could tell me how to find out if Chickens are allowed in Lisle, IL?

    Reply

  30. Posted by Ruth on September 17, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    Hi, was wondering if I could purchase eggs from anybody NW city or burbs?
    Thanks!
    Ruth

    Reply

    • Hi, Ruth –
      I can send out an email.
      If you look up Ellis Family Farms, they see eggs that have the highest rating for humane treatment (Animal Welfare Approved).
      Jen

      Reply

  31. Posted by Sarah A on September 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    I am a student at Maine South High School writing an article for my school newspaper. I believe you helped rescue a rooster from the forest preserve across the street from our school last weekend, and I have some questions about the rooster and how it might have survived the winter if it had not been rescued. I would like to email you directly and ask these questions if this is possible. Thanks so much! Sarah A

    Reply

  32. Posted by Laura Siebert on October 2, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    Can you tell me the status of the Rooster that was found a week ago? I am being told that you placed him in a kill farm. When a home that was found that would keep it in as a house pet.

    Reply

  33. I am part of a movement in Elmhurst to get our ordinance changed to include chickens. Any help is appreciated! Our page is https://www.facebook.com/BackyardChickensForElmhurstIl?fref=ts and we are collecting signatures online and on paper…

    Reply

  34. Posted by Kim Wilson on October 23, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Jennifer,

    One of the two chickens I have left was killed a couple of weeks ago when I was on vacation now I only have one left. I really want to get a couple more sooner than later. Is there anything I have to do before hand to get the coop and the remaining chicken ready. I read that it is a tricky thing to do. You’ve seen my set up before but if you need to come out and do a consult that will work for me too. I miss my chickens, the one that’s left seems so lonely to me but I’m sure I’m projecting.

    Reply

    • Hi, Kim –
      Sorry to hear you are down to one. )-: She probably is lonely; they are flock animals and love to be around other birds. Are you going to try to integrate adult birds? You might consider adopting from Prairie Crossing. The adoption date is 11/3. I’d be happy to come out and talk to you before or after you have the new birds. I recommend having a spare cage on hand. (I have your chicken gardens book, too!)
      Jen

      Reply

      • Posted by Kim Wilson on October 24, 2012 at 12:10 pm

        Jen, I was thinking of getting younger ones since I still would like to get eggs from them. That said I may still go out to Prairie Crossing on their adoption day, the idea of all them abandoned chickens are just so sad.

  35. Posted by Barbara on November 2, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Please if anybody can help this is tomorrow — Saturday!!
    Now that they’re not economically useful the PC Learning Farm wants to adopt out as many hens as possible before killing the rest…

    Reply

  36. Posted by Leann on November 2, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    I live in a suburb that allows for owning chickens under certain conditions. One of those conditions was that the coop must be kept 50 feet from all property lines. Very few of our lots can accommodate this condition. I started keeping chickens anyway after speaking to all the surrounding neighbors and finding that they were all agreeable to the situation. I have now had a small flock for the past 4 years. Today I have just received a letter from the village that I am in violation of village codes and must abate before Nov. 30th. I can also appeal based on specific guidelines. I am heart-broken about this and need to get some advice on what to do. Can you help?

    Reply

  37. Posted by Andrea Wolff on November 27, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    The Oak Park Conservatory has FREE bales of hay if anyone can use it. 708.386.4700

    Reply

  38. Posted by nick on January 5, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    Hello

    I just found you guys tonight and wish I could of come to the seminar today. I live in Campton Hills and really want to start raising some broilers next summer. I have HOA restrictions but I live on 1.5 acres. Really I am looking for a place to run some Joel Salatin type coops next summer and raise between 30 and 60 birds.
    I look forward to getting moved involved in this blog and community. Hope to hear back from you.
    Nick

    Reply

    • Hi, Nick –
      Sorry you couldn’t make it. You would probably be interested in the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts Google Group as well. There may be a market there for your proposed broilers; likewise, I’ll be happy to post to my blog. Cheer,
      Jen

      Reply

  39. Posted by Michelle Anderson on January 22, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    Hi Jen,
    I live in LaGrange Park and I am curious if you know of any others in my town that may be working to get the ordinance changed so we can have chickens? I have began reaching out via Facebook etc, I was given your name. If you do know of anyone in the hood that would be great. If you do not, I am wondering if you can direct me as to what steps I need to take to prepare for the Board Meeting that will occur second week of February. Thanks, Michelle

    Reply

    • Hi, Michelle –
      You may want to try posting to the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts Google Group. I don’t know of anyone offhand, but there may be someone on that list.
      Good luck, and let me know if you need a consultant or expert witness.
      Jen

      Reply

  40. Posted by Lisa on January 24, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Are you teaching a class any time in the near future? I want to get some chickens this spring and would love to attend one of your seminars.

    Thanks,
    Lisa

    Reply

  41. Posted by Linda Mysliwiec on March 1, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Hello!
    My company is beginning their planning for Earth Week Celebrations and activites.
    Would you have any interest in speaking at our office? Please contact me at linda_mysliwiec@gensler.com if you would like to discuss more. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  42. Posted by Jessie Crow Mermel on March 7, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Thanks for creating a post about the first ever Urban Livestock Expo! I noticed the link to Angelic Organics Learning Center was broken. Could you please make sure that it is properly linked to http://www.learngrowconnect.org ?
    Thank you!

    Reply

  43. My IsaBrown hen died Thursday night of unknown causes. She seemed fine until that evening when she fell asleep outside had to be prodded to go into the coop. She was less than a year old and stopped laying eggs when it got cold and dark in the fall. On Tuesday, we had two eggs (we had 2 hens) so I thought she was starting up again. Do you have any idea what might have caused her death? If there is anything I should do to prevent that situation in the future, I’d like to know.

    Reply

  44. Hi, Cindy –
    So sorry to hear that. It is hard to say. You are in Oak Park? If so, and you can hold the body in the refrigerator, I can come out an open her up. It could be a calcium mass in the reproductive tract, liver failure, etc.
    Jen

    Reply

    • Jen
      Thank you so much for your help diagnosing her cause of death. You are so knowledgeable about chicken care and while it is not rocket science it is clear that your experience is of great value to anyone thinking about raising chickens in their backyard.

      Reply

  45. Posted by kevin schramer on March 25, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    Hi Jen,
    My name is Kevin Schramer, and I’d like to thank you for referring me recently for a coop build in Chicago.
    I just completed the project and I think it turned out pretty good. It was a real custom job because it had to fit between a garage and a sidewalk. The homeowner said he met you at the Urban Livestock Expo in February and that you’d given him some names of potential builders.
    I really enjoyed the project and would like to do more in the future. I think I’ll probably put together a website/blog type thing that would feature more info on what I can do and pictures of past projects etc. I’ll send you a link when I get it done.
    In the meantime I was wondering if I could send you some pictures of the recent project, to get your opinion.
    Thanks again
    kevin

    Reply

  46. Posted by Johanna Vargas on April 3, 2013 at 12:21 am

    Hello, I have a beautiful rooster named Pi who is full of personality and very affectionate but my neighbor asked if we could find him a new home due to the crowing. I have seen that roosters can be difficult to “re-home” but I’d appreciate any suggestions. I’d be happy to pay for feed, care, etc., I just feel awful- like I took him from a farm where he would have been killed only to get him attached to us… I’m happy to pay for consult fees, whatever- I just want Pi to find a good home. Thank you all.

    Reply

    • Hi, Johanna –
      Good luck with rehoming your baby, and good for you for being a good neighbor.
      I have a list of folks you can contact. I will send that to you via email.
      Best,
      Jennifer

      Reply

  47. Posted by Johanna Vargas on April 4, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    Jennifer- thank you for your assistance. I will comb through those contacts and see what I can come up with. For anyone else who may ever find themselves in this situation, I want to add that I had asked both neighbors before bringing him home, but kind of left myself open to this by telling them to let me know if the crowing ever became an issue. 8 months later, here we are… And It is just part of being a good neighbor, I suppose. Poor roosters- they get a real bum deal, it seems.Anyway, thanks.

    Reply

    • Kudos to you for checking with the neighbors and for making good on your promise. Roosters are great (when they’re not crowing or flogging you!). Good luck.
      Jen

      Reply

  48. Posted by Cathy Schroeder Ward on April 5, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Hello! I am a first grade teacher and am able to get some fertilized chicken eggs for the classroom to hatch. However, I want to have homes for these chicks once hatched. Do you know how I can find backyard enthusiasts or farmers who would like a few chicks?

    Thanks so much!
    Cathy

    Reply

  49. Hi Jen, Interested in a consultation with you- wanting to keep a few chickens in my suburban backyard near SF CA. I have two main issues I can’t figure out:
    a) the yard is steep everywhere. Like 25 degree steep.
    b) we won’t always be home at night to shut the chickens in, and I need a coop design that accommodates that.
    Would deeply appreciate your input on this.
    -K.

    Reply

  50. Posted by Mary granger on May 7, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I am trying to change the village ordinances in Villa Park to allow residents to raise chickens on their property. I was able to get the issue out on the docket of the environmental commission on march 23rd at 7:30pm. Do you have and tips or information that I can present during the meeting to help persuade the village to change the laws?

    Thank you,
    Mary

    Reply

    • Hi, Mary –
      Please see the tab on Legalizing Chickens on the main page of my blog. Also, I’ve served as an expert witness in the past. Let me know if you’d be interested in that service.
      Best,
      Jennifer

      Reply

  51. Jen –

    I have on my calendar (from a long time ago) that you will be offering a Chicken 1st Aid workshop on Saturday, June 1st — but I haven’t seen any details come out about it (where? time? cost?). It it still happening?

    Sharon

    Reply

  52. Sorry to hear that — but thanks for letting me know…

    Reply

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