A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Backyard Chicken Workshop at Whittlesea Library. It was wonderful to meet so many passionate chicken lovers, from first-time owners dreaming of their first hens to experienced keepers wanting to expand their knowledge.
Seeing the room filled with people eager to learn, ask questions and share their own stories reminded me why I love what I do. After 14 years of running my own farm and helping thousands of families get started with backyard chickens, it’s a privilege to pass on the knowledge my dad taught me and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
We discussed the importance of providing a secure, well-ventilated coop with enough space for your flock to thrive. We also touched on local council requirements and why checking your area’s regulations before purchasing chickens can save headaches later on.
One of the most popular topics was disease prevention. We spoke about good hygiene, quarantine procedures for new birds, reducing stress and some natural methods that may support healthy birds. We also discussed recognising when a chicken needs professional veterinary advice rather than home treatment.
Quality feed really does make a difference. Backyard chickens rely heavily on a balanced diet, especially when confined to smaller runs where they can’t forage as much. We also explored cost-saving ideas such as fermenting feed and using suitable kitchen scraps to complement (not replace) a quality layer pellet.
We covered common foods that should never be fed to chickens and explained why some everyday household items can actually make them sick. Understanding what not to feed is just as important as knowing what they should eat.
Protecting your flock is one of the biggest responsibilities of chicken ownership. We shared practical tips on making coops fox-proof, vermin-proof and even snake-conscious, using quality mesh, secure locks and thoughtful coop design to keep your birds safe.
Adding new hens to an existing flock can be challenging. We talked about selecting compatible birds, quarantining newcomers, gradual introductions and ways to minimise bullying while allowing the pecking order to settle naturally.
The thoughtful questions and enthusiasm from everyone made the afternoon truly special. Thank you to Whittlesea Library for hosting the event and to everyone who came along to learn, laugh and celebrate the joy of backyard chickens.
I hope you left feeling inspired and more confident in caring for your flock.
If you missed this workshop but would love to attend a future session, keep an eye on our Sunset Valley Chicks Facebook page and website for upcoming events.
Remember: Happy chickens don’t just happen—they’re created with good care, good nutrition and a whole lot of love.
Maria
Sunset Valley Chicks 🐔🌿
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Backyard Chicken Workshop at Whittlesea Library. It was wonderful to meet so many passionate chicken lovers, from first-time owners dreaming of their first hens to experienced keepers wanting to expand their knowledge.
Seeing the room filled with people eager to learn, ask questions and share their own stories reminded me why I love what I do. After 14 years of running my own farm and helping thousands of families get started with backyard chickens, it’s a privilege to pass on the knowledge my dad taught me and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
We discussed the importance of providing a secure, well-ventilated coop with enough space for your flock to thrive. We also touched on local council requirements and why checking your area’s regulations before purchasing chickens can save headaches later on.
One of the most popular topics was disease prevention. We spoke about good hygiene, quarantine procedures for new birds, reducing stress and some natural methods that may support healthy birds. We also discussed recognising when a chicken needs professional veterinary advice rather than home treatment.
Quality feed really does make a difference. Backyard chickens rely heavily on a balanced diet, especially when confined to smaller runs where they can’t forage as much. We also explored cost-saving ideas such as fermenting feed and using suitable kitchen scraps to complement (not replace) a quality layer pellet.
We covered common foods that should never be fed to chickens and explained why some everyday household items can actually make them sick. Understanding what not to feed is just as important as knowing what they should eat.
Protecting your flock is one of the biggest responsibilities of chicken ownership. We shared practical tips on making coops fox-proof, vermin-proof and even snake-conscious, using quality mesh, secure locks and thoughtful coop design to keep your birds safe.
Adding new hens to an existing flock can be challenging. We talked about selecting compatible birds, quarantining newcomers, gradual introductions and ways to minimise bullying while allowing the pecking order to settle naturally.
The thoughtful questions and enthusiasm from everyone made the afternoon truly special. Thank you to Whittlesea Library for hosting the event and to everyone who came along to learn, laugh and celebrate the joy of backyard chickens.
I hope you left feeling inspired and more confident in caring for your flock.
If you missed this workshop but would love to attend a future session, keep an eye on our Sunset Valley Chicks Facebook page and website for upcoming events.
Remember: Happy chickens don’t just happen—they’re created with good care, good nutrition and a whole lot of love.
Maria
Sunset Valley Chicks 🐔🌿
