Sonoma's Backyard Chicken Farmers Get a Day in the Sun

has scheduled dates for 'Tour de Coop,' a must-attend for anyone who's ever considered rearing their own brood of chickens for fun or egg-gain.

Chicken owners from all over the Sonoma Valley will open their “roosts” for chicken lovers to learn all about the benefits of keeping chickens while viewing coops that range from rustic to fancy.

There are 11 homes on this year’s tour, including the home of Sam Mogannam, owner of Bi-rite Market in San Francisco. Participants will also be treated to light food and beverages at each stop on the self-guided tour. Sonoma Garden Park is also featured on the tour, where you can indulge in homemade strawberry shortcake!

This year’s Tour de Coop includes a 17-mile loop, with an option for a shorter 10-mile loop, and bicycling is strongly encouraged. All participants will receive a map of all participating homes, and can tour the coops at their own leisurely pace.

Tickets for Tour de Coop are $20, children 12 and under are free. Purchase them every Saturday at the Harvest Market at Sonoma Garden Park, or on Brown Paper Tickets.

Tour de Coop is being sponsored by NixChix and Fremont Diner. The Sonoma Ecology Center is also looking for volunteers to help with Tour de Coop, if  interested email Rebecca.