'Your girls off the lay?' he said. 'Yep, what about yours?' she said. 'Same. Too cold'. 'Yep, too cold to lay'.
It was 10 degrees C outside and it had been a frosty day in Sydney and I knew from my recent research that they could only be talking about one thing....the humble backyard chook.
I interrupted them and apologised for eavesdropping but I couldn't miss the opportunity to join their conversation. I introduced myself and told them excitedly about my plans to build a 'chook nook'. With raised eyebrows they both leaned closer as I started to ask a zillion questions. I had to make it quick; I knew I'd only have a few minutes before the next customer arrived.
With lowered voices, trying to disguise their excitement, they began to tell me their stories and I soon realised I was in the presence of two very experienced chook raisers.
During those few minutes, I discovered a number of important things.....
- Butchers love chooks
- Dogs and foxes eat chooks
- Foxes rip the heads off chooks and leave their bodies (I don't think this is true all the time)
- Foxes can stake out pens for days on end before they go in for the kill (sounds more like a crocodile)
- Survivor chooks are called chickens because they hide in their houses after an attack and won't come out for days
- Neighbours with dogs that attack chooks don't care much for chooks or neighbours
- Chooks do amazing work in vegie gardens but not while there are vegies in the vegie garden (I think I get it)
- Chooks are entertaining, lovable and provide food, eggs and manure
- Chooks have personalities just like people (I know a few people who have personalities like chooks)
- There are at least 2 people in the Hornsby area that already have adorable chooks and there will soon be 3
- The butcher recons Australorps are the best layers, are comfortable and relaxed in your arms, are great with kids, and are the most beautiful birds he's ever seen!
- Backyard chook's eggs are by far the best!
This was only the beginning but it was reassuring to know that there are other chook lovers out there. I'm starting to realise what amazing resources we have in our local community including the many experienced and interesting gardeners and backyard farmers, each with their own unique story and advice they're only too willing to share.
There was a sense of impatience growing among the increasing line of customers so we left the conversation there. As I said goodbye to my new friends, the butcher called out to me to make sure I came back at any time if I needed any further advice.
As I smiled and walked off I wondered if he knew anything about compost.
