For a clucking good – and education – time, the 6th annual Urban Coop Tour is set for Oct. 5-6 from noon to 5 p.m. rain or shine. The self-guided tour will take place around Intown neighborhoods, showcasing chicken McMansions to jewel box coops in tiny spaces.
The tour’s main goal is to highlight the variety of ways urban farmers are raising their chickens, how they are incorporated into city lots, and the benefits of having a backyard flock. The coops are often living works of art, situated in organic gardens as part of wider sustainability and permaculture efforts.
Backyard chickens are popping up across intown Atlanta neighborhoods, with families, community gardens and neighborhood co-ops getting in on the action. The dual benefits of farm fresh eggs and reclaiming ownership of the food chain have inspired hundreds of people to get involved.
The tour is open to those wanting to add chickens to their homestead, those who currently have chickens, or those who are just curious. The tour, sponsored by the Wylde Center in Oakhurst, is family friendly and highlights some of Atlanta’s funkiest neighborhoods: Decatur, Lake Clare, Historic Fourth Ward, East Atlanta, Virginia Highland and Grant Park. Coop owners will guide the tours and discuss their chicken-raising experiences.
Tickets (good both days) are $25 day of the tour or $20 in advance at urbancooptour.com.