11:05 a.m.

Bainbridge Island chickens and their keepers are preening their feathers and getting ready to puff out their chests with pride for the fourth annual Tour De Coop this weekend, July 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2012 Tour de Coop showcases the chicken high life across the Island in eight new coops: Cackling Crow Farm, Bantam Abbey, Gypsies in the Palace, Chicken Coop for the Soul, Hogger Lavender Henhouse, Ladies of Wisteria Place, The Enchanted Tiki Coop, and Home to Roost.

Tickets for this self-guided tour are on sale at Bay Hay and Feed, Classic Cycle, and Dana’s Showhouse, with cash or checks accepted. Purchased tickets include a map and directions to the chicken coops. Ticket prices are the same as last year: individual by bicycle $8; individual by car $10; four people by carpool $30. All proceeds go to Helpline House.

Last year’s tour raised more than $3,000 for Helpline.

A special after-Tour celebration at Bay Hay and Feed, sponsored by owners Ce-Ann Parker and Howard Block, is open to all Tour goers and coop owners, and will include drinks and egg-inspired appetizers.

For more information, email tourdecoop@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Julie Hall and Tour de Coop.