As part of our commitment to the Circle of Life, we have recently introduced chickens to Avondale. We have a mix of Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns and Koekoeks, plus 5 Buff Orpingtons – these are all multipurpose chickens being good layers and scavengers who enjoy a wide variety in their diets so in essence great free range breeds.

The chickens fit perfectly into our natural system and do a couple of important roles. They are amazing scratchers so as they pass through the pasture they spread the manure from the cows who pass a couple of days ahead.

At the same time they will eat any fly larvae and hence reduce this pressure, all the while adding their own part to the fertility of the pasture for it to recover after grazing.

Naturally the byproduct of all of this is that we get amazing pasture reared eggs!

Their accommodation is our Egg Mobile – a 1952 Dodge truck which our workshop team, Johnathan and his kids have painstakingly restored and converted using old Oregon pine and waste timber to now house a roosting area, laying boxes and space for our chickens. The Egg Mobile can be moved around the farm to where the chickens are needed and they are shut inside at night to keep them safe from predators.

Come spring when they will start laying it will be just in time to come and enjoy a great meal at our new restaurant where we’re sure you will have the opportunity to see the chickens and Egg Mobile in action and try some of the tasty produce.