ChickenStarter

G’day, fellow chicken keepers! Let’s be honest, we love our chooks. But we don’t love the sore back and cranky knees from bending over in a tiny coop, trying to scoop out wet, smelly bedding. Or that awful sinking feeling in your stomach when you find a pile of feathers, a sign that a fox … Read more

Fair dinkum, the Australian summer can be a shocker. When the mercury climbs past 35°C, it’s not just us feeling the heat. Our backyard chooks are seriously struggling, and keeping chickens cool in summer becomes the biggest challenge for Australian poultry keepers. For chickens, this kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s genuinely dangerous. That’s … Read more

The Australian summer can be a real scorcher. I’ll never forget the 45°C heatwave we had a couple of years back. I ran outside to find my chooks flat on the ground, panting like crazy. It was a mad dash with ice bricks and a hose to cool them down. When the temperature soars, we … Read more

The best places to buy chickens in Australia are from specialized, vaccinated suppliers. Your main options are commercial hatcheries (like Specialised Breeders Australia), heritage breeders (like Libby’s Heritage Chickens or Evans Chickens), and educational farms (like Talking Hens). Always ask for vaccination records, especially for Marek’s Disease. So, you’re ready to join the thousands of … Read more

Keeping a flock of backyard chickens in Australia is a truly rewarding experience. You get fresh eggs, fantastic garden helpers, and plenty of feathered personalities. But when you walk into the feed store, the choice can be overwhelming. You’re faced with different brands, colourful bags, and terms like “pellet,” “crumble,” and “mash.” You just want … Read more

Yes, you can legally keep backyard chickens (or “chooks,” as we call them) across all Australian states and territories, but the specific rules vary dramatically depending on where you live. Most metropolitan councils allow between 4 and 10 chickens without a permit, while rural properties typically permit 20 or more birds. However, navigating the maze … Read more

So, you’re thinking about getting chickens? Good on ya! But before you dream of collecting those fresh, golden-yolked eggs every morning, you’re probably asking the big question: how much does it cost to start with chickens in Australia? It’s a great question to ask, especially with supermarket egg prices hitting an average of $7.13 a … Read more

Keeping backyard chickens in Australia is a fantastic experience, but our sizzling summers can be incredibly tough on chooks. When the temperature soars, some breeds struggle, leading to stress, a drop in egg production in hot climates, and serious health risks. Choosing the right breed from the start is the single best way to make … Read more

Keeping chickens in Australia is great, but our summers are no joke. When the temperature soars, that water bowl you left out in the morning can get dangerously hot by lunchtime. This is a real worry for backyard chicken owners. Hot water doesn’t just taste bad; it can lead to sick chooks. Proper chicken hydration … Read more