Post a comment below to contact us! We’d love to hear from you!
We have Zoom capabilities, but in person is always preferred!
NOTE: At the suggestion of a number of loyal clients, Home to Roost’s rates are increasing as of of 12 September, 2022. If you have a chicken issue and the rate presents a hardship, let’s talk.
Methods of payment include cash, check, and PayPal (convenience fee applies for PayPal). We do not yet have Venmo or Zelle capabilities.
Need something not on this list? Just ask!
| Service | Components | Rate** |
| Home to Roost presentations | Presentations on chickens for your community, library, or school. Call or email to request more information. | Rate varies; contact us for information. |
| General consultation | Evaluation of your flock and overall animal husbandry. (1 hr min) Zoom or in person | $75/hr + mileage ($0.65) |
| Assessment consultation “How will chickens fit into my life?” |
A visit to your residence to assess space and coop plan, provide information on caring for chickens, and answer questions at time of consultation or via e-mail follow-up. (1 hr min) | $75/hr + mileage |
| New Babies consultation “It’s a girl! Where’s the instruction manual?” |
A visit to your residence to advice on and/or assistance with new chicks, including setting up brooder box; information on feeding, watering, and general care of chicks, information about common illnesses in chicks; answers to questions at time of consultation or via e-mail follow-up. (1 hr min) | $75/hr + mileage |
| Empty Nest consultation “All grown up! Now what?” |
A visit to your residence to move hens to the coop; information on feeding, watering, egg laying, etc.; answers to questions at time of consultation or via e-mail follow-up. (1 hr min) | $75/hr + mileage |
| Healthy Hen consultation “How are the ladies?” |
A visit to your residence to make sure that your hens are healthy; information on feeding, watering, egg laying, and common illnesses; answers to your questions. (1 hr min) | $75/hr + mileage |
| Phone/Zoom call | Troubleshooting advice over the phone (20 minute minimum) | $25 for first 20 mins, $75/hr thereafter |
| Emergency house call “Oh, no! My chicken is sick!” |
A visit to your residence to assess a sick bird on the same day, if possible; research to determine possible causes of sickness; care to address problem, if possible, OR suggestions for care (may include referral for veterinary medicine); suggestions for follow-up care and care for other members of flock. (1 hr min) | $100 + mileage |
| Necropsy “What happened, and was it preventable? |
Dissection of deceased chicken; necropsy notes and photos will be sent to poultry diagnostician. Condition of bird used to suggest changes to animal husbandry. | $75 + mileage |
| Home to Roost package | Includes 4 on-site consulations of 1 hr each; 30 minutes of phone consultation; 1 emergency house call of 1 hr | $375 + mileage |
| Expert witness testimony and letter writing | Expert testimony and documentation for individuals or municipalities, in accordance with our knowledge of best practices and observations of the flock, coop, or property in question. | Contact us for rates. |
| Boarding and chicken-sitting services | Care for your flock when you’re out of town; contact us for more information. | Contact us for rates. |
| Busy Biddies add-on service “Can you help me get stuff?” |
Procurement of supplies needed for your chickens; all goods purchased will be sold to you at-cost with no mark-up. | $50 per hour, billable in ½- hour increments |
**Fees are due at time of service, except for the Home to Roost Package, which is prepaid at the Assessment Consultation.
Home to Roost 
Posted by chicagolandurbanchickenkeepers on July 28, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Hello!
I just found your site, I really like what you are doing! I’ve have urban chickens and ducks in Pilsen for three years and am looking to connect with other urban chicken keepers. My house mate and I both grew up with chickens on an organic farm and I worked with MSU Extension on avian health outreach for two years. We are interested in offering vacation and holiday hen care (similar to a dog walking service) in the City of Chicago and were wondering if you had any suggestions for us. We would also like to be more involved in outreach and offer some workshops similar to what you have been doing. I taught three day events and smaller workshops on poultry for 4-H and FFA clubs, schools, nature centers and places like that before I moved to the big city, and would love to be more involved and offer my resources. I just started a blog that I’m hoping will be geared towards keeping chickens in Chicago and the unique challenges and rewards that offers with articles on care, health, etc. If you have any contacts or advice for us that would be wonderful,
Sincerely,
Anna & Jess
Posted by chickenwoman on September 10, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Hi!
See my latest post on the Angelic Organics Workshop! That is a great place to connect.
We’re in touch via email, so let’s try to connect some time this fall.
Jen
Posted by iKarafarini » Blog Archive » وبلاگ مرغی on October 3, 2010 at 8:45 am
[…] https://urbanchickenconsultant.wordpress.com/home-to-roost-services/ […]
Posted by Marie on October 4, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Just have a couple of questions. Being an animal lover, do you kill the chickens for food or are they used just for egg production? What happens to the male chicks that are born? In factory farms, the male chicks are ground up alive in a grinder. I miss eating eggs, being a vegan, but if I knew that you didn’t kill any of your chicks, I would love to buy eggs from you. Is that possible?
Thank you for your help on this matter.
Posted by chickenwoman on October 4, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Thanks for your question and your concern for the welfare of these animals, Marie! I’ve put some feelers out to folks who have their own hens in the area.
Best,
Jennifer
Posted by Shardae on April 25, 2011 at 9:14 am
Hello:
I’m a senior journalism student at Columbia College Chicago and for my final project I have to create a mock special editon of Time Out Chicago Magazine and I’ve decided to do it on Chicken. We’re featuring lots of Chicago chicken things, but when I came across your blog, this was so interesting. If you wouldn’t mind, could I ask you a few questions via e-mail? Again, it’s only a mock magazine but I graduate in three weeks and really want to ace this class. I think you would be the perfect addition to my project.
Thank you,
Shardae
Posted by chickenwoman on May 2, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Thanks for calling me, and good luck! Let me know when it’s done!
Jen
Posted by Bryan Northup on June 3, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Hi Jennifer,
We met recently at Earth Fest and I have been talking to neighbors and friends about having you come present to a group of potential chicken owners, probably 6-8 (not sure if you have a minimum). It would likely be in my backyard in OP if you can do such a thing. Wondering about details, price etc.
Thank you,
Bryan Northup
Posted by chickenwoman on June 3, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Hi, Bryan!
I’d love to do this for your group!
I’ll shoot you an email offline!
Jen
Posted by Anu Paruchuri on August 12, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Hi, my name is Anu Paruchuri. I’m the Vice-Chair for the Chicago Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee. Would you be interesting in speaking at one of our monthly lunchtime meetings? Feel free to email me any time – very intrigued by your work!
Posted by chickenwoman on August 12, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Hello, Anu –
I would be happy to talk to the committee. I’ve sent you an email; thank you for your interest in poultry.
Jennifer
Posted by Lisa Paraday on August 18, 2011 at 8:30 am
Good Morning: do you know if having 3hens would be legal in LaGrange?? Thank you!
Posted by chickenwoman on August 18, 2011 at 8:42 am
Hi,
I’m not sure, but you should be able to find the city code online.
Good luck!
Posted by cheryl munoz on January 27, 2012 at 9:12 am
Hi, Jen!
I am a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Oak Park (Unity Temple) and we are planning a Green Fair for this Spring. Our focus will be on making healthier choices for our homes and I thought raising chickens certainly fit in with our theme. We would like to know if you are interested in presenting/ tabling at our event. We don’t have a date set yet but will soon.
I really enjoyed your website. Those hens are beautiful!
All the best,
Cheryl Munoz
773.988.6205
Posted by chickenwoman on January 27, 2012 at 9:20 am
Sounds great, Cheryl! I’ll send you an email.
Posted by Sarah on February 14, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Hi Jen!
We are currently looking for an apartment in Chicago and while we know there are landlords out there that are open to a small flock we are at a loss as to where to start in finding one! Any advice? Or anyone else on here know of any landlords??
Thanks!
Sarah
Posted by Kim Wilson on August 20, 2012 at 11:12 am
Jennifer, my two chickens have taken to sleeping outside this summer. They like to be on the railings outside the back door. I just figure it’s probably due to the hot weather but even now that it’s cooler they still don’t like to go back in the coop at night. They will go back and lay their eggs in the morning in the coop. Is this some thing I should worry about since winter will be here before long?
Posted by chickenwoman on August 20, 2012 at 11:28 am
Hi, Kim –
Yes, try to get them back into the coop. At night they will be easy prey for owls, and winter is just around the corner. As it gets dusk and they head up to the railings, pick them up and put them in the coop. Hopefully they will get used to the coop routine!
(I need to get your book back to you – it’s in my car!).
Jen
Posted by Susan on January 5, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Hi Jennifer, We have a 4H poultry group and we were wondering if you would come out to talk with the kids and check out our coop. Can you give me a rough estimate on the cost to the group for this service? We are located near the Oak Forest / Tinley Park area. Susan
Posted by chickenwoman on January 7, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Hi, Susan –
I’d love to talk to you about this.
I will reply via email.
Jen
Posted by Liz on January 22, 2013 at 10:40 am
Hi Jen,
I looked up the ordinances for my city – Wheaton and it doesn’t allow for chicken coops outside the home. I have really been considering chickens and wanted to consult with you and now I am so bummed. Is there anything I can do to change the code?
Posted by chickenwoman on January 22, 2013 at 10:55 am
Hi, Liz-
Yes, there are number of measures you can take.
Get neighbors to write letters to your city council, submit a formal request for a change, present the idea at a town meeting, have neighbors and others in Wheaton sign petitions, ask council members to visit coops in the area to see what backyard chicken keeping is like, etc.
Arlington Heights is currently working on this process, with a hearing tonight, as are Park Ridge, Glencoe, and a few others.
I can contact you offline with a few names of people who are working on this. It would be good to come tonight to the board meeting in AH, too.
Jen
Posted by Rebecca V. on January 29, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Hi Jen,
I am in the process of setting up our very first coop! I have a coop being built and I have ordered 4 pullets since I don’t have the time to put into chicks. I am at a bit of a loss in terms of getting started, what gear I actually need etc. Do you offer your services in the suburbs?
Posted by chickenwoman on January 29, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Hi,
Yes, I do offer services in the suburbs. I’ve gone as far out as Barrington and Winfield.
Feel free to give me a call and we can set up something.
Jen
Posted by Mani Valathur 2013 President on March 15, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Hi Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago Environmental club The GreenCycleGroup Is celebrating Earth Day with a theme “food for thought” Regarding urban agriculture. We are looking for speakers for a panel session and thought yours would be an interesting take.
Posted by chickenwoman on March 15, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Hello, Mani –
Thanks for your inquiry.
I will contact you offline.
Jennifer
Posted by lollieshopmom on June 8, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Hi, We would like to set up a call. One of our hens has a prolapsed vent. We have followed all of the recommendations, but the prolapse is severe and while we have stopped egg production, we have not been successful getting the vent to stay put. We are torn – we have already spent a lot on this hen and are quite fond of her, but, from what we have read, it sounds like even if we can fix the problem now, it is likely to recur. Would love your advice. Thank you.
Posted by chickenwoman on June 8, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Hi, and thanks for contacting me. So sorry to hear about your hen! We can set up a call for tomorrow, 6/9. I’ll contact you via email.
Jen
Posted by Leann Lolli on January 9, 2014 at 11:40 am
What would you charge for showing up for a village meeting as a “chicken expert”? Downers Grove’s council is meeting Tuesday night the 14th.
Posted by chickenwoman on January 10, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Hi, Leanne –
Thanks for asking.
I’ll shoot you an email offline. Jen
Posted by cc ranging on August 4, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Hello tell us about the cross breeds to make a buff orpington plese
Posted by chickenwoman on January 9, 2015 at 9:36 am
Hello! The Buff Orpington is a true breed, rather than a hybrid. You might want to research this via a Buff Orpington breeders club. I’m not certain what breeds were used to create this breed.
Posted by Angela Nguyen on January 9, 2015 at 8:57 am
Hi there! I was wondering if you also have knowledge of turkeys? I have 8 hens, 1 rooster, and a female turkey that I’d like to have looked over. Thank you
Posted by chickenwoman on January 9, 2015 at 9:34 am
Hi, Angela –
I had turkeys when I was growing up. My chicken knowledge is more indepth than my turkey knowledge, but I’ll be happy to have a look. I’ll contact you offline.
Posted by chickenwoman on January 9, 2015 at 9:40 am
Angela,
Emails to your address keep bouncing. Give me a call if you’d like to set up a time.
Jen
Posted by Kristen hollinden on June 16, 2015 at 10:28 am
Hello, I need help determining if I have a rooster in my flock. Are you available for a consult? The number listed isn’t active. Thank you, kristen
Posted by chickenwoman on June 16, 2015 at 10:58 am
Hi, Kristen – Thanks! I’ve updated the number. 708-356-6168. Want to give me a call at noon central time?
Posted by Jay Keigher on June 18, 2015 at 12:19 am
Hi. Do you think there is a need for some urban chicken owners to board their chickens on a farm over the winter? Also, do you think some people would be interested in renting hens from April through September? I have lots of hens on my farm about an hour and a half south of Chicago. I would might be interested in providing those services.
Posted by chickenwoman on June 18, 2015 at 10:23 am
Hello – Thanks for your questions! I’ll respond via email.
Posted by Tsivia Cohen on April 4, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Hi. In February we rescued a rooster who was left in a bag overnight. People we talked with said he was a hen, but after a few weeks it was clear he is a rooster. We are learning as we go, but have a number of questions. Can you help with trimming his spurs when they appear?
Posted by chickenwoman on April 4, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Hi, there. I don’t recommend removing them, but I remove the points. If you’re interested in taking some classes, I have a basic chicken keeping class coming up this Sunday at the Oak Park Conservatory.
Posted by Bonnie McDonald on December 30, 2016 at 8:14 pm
Hello Jennifer,
My husband and I are considering adding chickens to our burgeoning urban farm this coming spring. We have been reading “A Chicken in Every Yard,” as well as online forums. However, we think your consultation would be a great idea to confirm our thoughts on the coop, run, and breeds. Can we set up a consultation via email or phone?
Posted by chickenwoman on January 2, 2017 at 11:07 pm
Hi, Bonnie –
Thanks for your interest. I sent you an email.
Jen