Louise, Colin & Eila are part of the Western Heights Community and here’s a story from them about getting some chooks!
We had recently re-farmed our border-collie Otto and were petless. I had often desired chooks, but the time hadn’t been right, mainly because dog and chook may not have been a good combo, but we also hadn’t really had the serious discussion about getting or not getting, although plenty of talk about the feathery friends.
After Otto had gone, I was very keen and eventually put it to my husband how about it, they are so friendly, they eat all our food scraps, they give us eggs, we don’t need to walk them, we only need 2, we can get more if we want to, we have space for them, and so many people I know have them, including almost everyone in my family. So, a yes was my husband’s reply on the Saturday, and I had 2 chookies on Monday, named Izzy and Robina initially, but then affectionately named Fizzy and Bina by our 2 year old Daughter Eila soon after their arrival.
It was wonderful timing too as we had pulled out our summer crop of vegies and needed a helping hand to turn over the soil. Oh they are so very effective at this, and as a result of their hard work, we have very rich luscious soil oozing with fat worms. They are happy little mates and enjoy a peck and wander on their extended garden most evenings. We feel good about the very minimal waste we give to the rubbish truck weekly due to the chooks, compost and recycling. We have often wondered about another chook joining the crew, but 2 eggs a day at this stage is fine, and they are so happy together. With another member of our human family joining us in October, we may consider adding a chook to the roost as the increasing requirement for eggs becomes apparent. We love our chooks, and will never look back.
