Just clucking about … Sydenham resident Lindsay Thorne enjoys having chooks in his backyard. 60630 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Natalie Gallenti
SYDENHAM resident Lindsay Thorne is bringing a bit of the country to the city.
Mr Thorne’s backyard is a haven for fluffy feathered fowl and he has the freshest eggs around.
And this may indeed become more common around Brimbank after the council hosts an Introduction to Raising Chickens workshop later this month.
For the second year running, Westvale Community Centre is offering a session on raising chickens, as part of its Sustainable Gardening Series.
“Keeping chooks in the backyard used to be part and parcel of suburban life in Melbourne but waned in popularity after the sixties. Now the desire for self-sufficiency is egging on surprising numbers of locals to establish their own chicken coops,” a Brimbank Council spokesperson said.
“The rewards are many – fresh, organic eggs, manure for your garden, and heaps of affection. Kids love them and so do friends and neighbours. Chooks bring a brand new dimension to your garden – movement, sound and colour.”
Residents in Brimbank are allowed to keep 10 chickens in their backyards though roosters are not permitted, in the interests of everyone’s sleep.
Mr Thorne said chooks were low maintenance and offered company in the backyard, while also delivering free eggs each day. He can’t remember the last time he bought a carton of eggs in the supermarket.
“Sometimes we have too many eggs and we give them to neighbours – all the feedback is they are the best eggs they have ever tasted.”
Very Edible Gardens will present the session and there is no charge. To book call Westvale Community Centre on 9367 6647. The session will be held from 10am to 12pm, Saturday 26 March.
