BACKGROUND:

The Tembeleski family’s backyard is well on the way to being transformed into an abundant, sustainable haven – with paving, a vegetable garden and tanks.

Costa has built a chicken coop and run, and it’s time to select the new backyard residents - the chooks. Costa believes chickens are the world’s best recyclers, turning food scraps into beautiful compost.

Before buying chooks for the backyard it’s a good idea to seek advice from an expert. Costa and the boys visited poultry expert Damian McCall who was able to provide some tips on keeping happy, healthy chooks.

The boys selected two Isa Browns and two Australorps. Both breeds are good with children and are excellent layers, producing between 250- 270 fresh eggs a year. It costs about $20 to buy a chook, and with close to no running costs – they are a great way to give your family fresh healthy eggs.

TIPS:

• When buying poultry visit a specialist – someone who is used to setting up backyard operations and can provide all the help and advice you need to get started.
• Some varieties to choose from include: ISA Browns – a cross between a Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White, and good layer; Australorps – developed in Australia, black, and known as a good layer; White Leghorns – white colour, and also considered another good layer; Rhode Island Reds –hardy breed, placid and produces brown eggs.
• Damian suggests when handling a chicken always grab it around the wings, gently but firmly. Hold the wings so they cannot flap about and watch the claws, which are quite sharp.
• It’s important to be gentle, and calm. Don’t chase the chickens around the yard. • If you follow these simple steps, once the chickens become used to you, picking them up should be easy.
• Be sure to ask whether your chooks have been vaccinated before bringing them home.
• You’ll need straw or lucerne for the coop floor; food and water dispensers; feed pellets and some mite powder to keep away any pests.
• Before buying your chickens be sure to properly prepare the pen.
• First sprinkle some lice powder over the floor and then cover the whole area with straw or hay.
• Remember to clean out the coop or pen every week to keep it as hygienic as possible.
• Most chickens will settle in quickly to their new homes and, depending on the species, should start laying by the time they’re about 18 to 22 weeks old.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

To find out about poultry visit australianpoultryforum.com

Damian McCall
Sun Valley Produce
93 Sun Valley Way
Sun valley NSW
Ph 02 4751 3007
Fax 02 4751 8593
Web sunvalleyproduce.com.au