Young Seaholme resident Laura enjoys looking after her family’s chickens. 87028 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By ALESHA CAPONE
IT’S NO yolk, a Seaholme mother and her family are hooked on chooks.
A year ago, Tiffany Westphal, her husband and their three children acquired three feathered friends.
Browny, Blacky and Cluck now live in a homemade coop in the family’s backyard.
Ms Westphal and other Hobsons Bay chicken-keepers will be taking in ‘Tour de Coop’ on Sunday 23 September from midday to 4pm.
The ‘Tour de Coop’ is a half-day self-guided tour hosted by the My Smart Garden program and Transition Hobsons Bay.
Residents who want to find out more about owning chickens will be able to take a look at chook lodgings within the municipality and ask advice from chicken keepers.
Ms Westphal said her family’s chickens liked to sit underneath the children’s trampoline.
“I wanted some animals in the yard and everyone in the family was most keen on a dog, but then we got chickens and we have never looked back since,” she said.
“I’m addicted to chickens now.”
Their chickens are a breed called Silkies.
“We got them partly for the pet factor. They’re very placid and good with children,” Ms Westphal said.
“They follow you around, they are very sociable.
“When we used to have dinner they would sit outside the glass doors watching us, so they would feel like part of the family.
Ms Westphal’s husband is planning to install a web-cam in the coop so the family can keep an eye on their beloved poultry while travelling.
“Part of the reason we volunteered to have the garden open for Tour de Coop was to share the joy they bring,” Ms Westphal said.
‘Tour de Coop’ participants need to book in. For more information see www.mysmartgarden.eventbrite.com.au or call 9932 1000.
