Coops du Jour

A dozen local chicken coop owners are hosting the second annual COOPS DU JOUR, the Southern Illinois Chicken Coop Tour on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 1 to 5 p.m.

During this time coop "tourists" can look at different types of chicken coops and chicken breeds in Jackson, Union and Williamson counties. This free, self-guided tour will showcase funky, interesting and workable backyard coop models. Whether you're a chicken enthusiast, a chicken-owner-wannabe or a chicken and egg eater, this free tour is for you, said a spokesman.

The tour will kick off rain or shine, with event registration starting at 12:30 p.m. at Mulberry Hill Farm located at 5370 Springer Ridge Road, Carbondale. There will be an information table, a silent auction, event T-shirts and other on farm activities. The coop tour will conclude with a picnic social at Mulberry Hill Farm at 6 p.m., so coop "tourists" are invited to pack a meal for the evening and meet back up at the farm after the tour concludes.

Given the number of coops on the tour, it is unlikely coop tourists will be able to visit all the stops. They should plan their stops according to their needs and interests.

This year's tour is sponsored by MFA Feeds, Thomas Publishing, Leady's Feed Store and Mulberry Hill Farm.