How The Heritage Hen Collective Works
At the heart of the Heritage Hen Collective is a simple idea:
One Historic Coop. One Shared Flock. One Community.
The Heritage Hen Collective is a community-supported preservation and education project that brings people together through shared stewardship, hands-on learning, and the care of a shared flock.
One Shared Flock (The Big Picture)
Our hens are cared for as one shared community flock with no individual ownership. The entire program is built around shared responsibility—where a small group of Stewards works together to care for the flock as a whole.
Six Flock Steward positions are available. These Stewards—who may be individuals or families—share the year-round care, expenses, and egg harvest from the flock. Rather than purchasing or owning a chicken, Stewards participate in the ongoing care of all the hens together.
Starting Small, Growing Thoughtfully
We are intentionally launching with just six Flock Steward households and a small flock. Starting at this scale allows us to build strong routines, ensure excellent animal welfare, and refine the program before expanding.
As the Collective grows and the first season proves successful, we hope to gradually increase both the size of the flock and the number of Steward opportunities available.
Community Participation
Not everyone needs to be a Flock Steward to be participate.
Community members can participate in many meaningful ways, including becoming a Collective Member, volunteering as a Heritage Helper, attending events, participating in Heritage Egg Share Drawings, or supporting the project through sponsorships and educational programming.
These roles help strengthen the Collective while ensuring the flock remains well-supported and community-connected.
Egg Sharing & Steward Benefits
In return for their ongoing care and commitment, Flock Stewards share in the natural output of the flock.
Eggs are divided among the Stewards. When extra eggs are available, they will be raffled off to our supporters through our Heritage Egg Share drawings.
Help Prepare for the Arrival of the Flock
There is a great deal of work to do before the first hens can move into their new home. We need your support now to bring this project to life.
The Founders Club recognizes the first 100 individuals who help bring the Heritage Hen Collective to life through a qualifying donation.
Each Founding Member receives a permanent Founding Member number and will forever be recognized as one of the people who helped transform a long-empty historic chicken coop into a thriving home for our shared flock.
Sponsor a featured space and leave a lasting legacy
Featured spaces include:
Nesting Area
Roosting Area
Live Hen Cam
More!
Each sponsorship includes a legacy naming option (e.g., Smith Family Roosting Area)
Donate to the General Preservation Fund
Gifts to the General Preservation Fund will be directed toward the most needed preservation and reactivation projects as work progresses.
100% of your contribution will support preservation and reactivation efforts.
All contributors will be recognized as Founding Preservation Partners.
Contributions are available in increments of $25.
The first 100 donors of $100 or more will gain entry into our exclusive Founders Club.
We are seeking volunteers, contractors, tradespeople, and skilled community members who are willing to contribute their time and expertise.
Current labor needs include:
Assembly of the chicken run framing system
Site and ground preparation
General carpentry and handyman work
Roof repair and maintenance
Painting and surface preparation
Landscaping and site improvements
Project coordination and construction assistance
Social media marketing
Whether you can contribute a few hours, a specialized skill, equipment, or professional services, your support can make a significant impact on the success of this project.
Once the Flock Arrives the Real Fun Begins!
Flock Stewards are the primary caretakers of our shared flock.
Stewards share responsibility for feeding the hens, collecting eggs, cleaning the coop, monitoring the flock's health, and providing consistent, compassionate care through scheduled weekly shifts.
Because our flock will remain intentionally small, Steward positions are limited. In return for their commitment, Stewards receive a weekly share of eggs, special benefits, and the unique opportunity to care for a flock that belongs to the entire Heritage Hen Collective community.
Become a Flock Steward
Become an Annual Member
Annual Members help sustain the Heritage Hen Collective through yearly membership support.
Membership provides ongoing funding for flock care, educational programming, maintenance of the historic coop, and future improvements.
Members also receive exclusive benefits including discounts, early registration, special invitations, Heritage Credits, and access to member-only experiences throughout the year.
Membership is perfect for those who want to support the shared flock without taking on weekly care responsibilities.
