Join us for a delightful day at our Pop-up Market stall! From our delicious honey to bee-themed art and garden aids there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights:
Sample our golden honey, freshly harvested from our busy bees
Browse our collection of bee-themed cards and artful homeware
Stock up on premium garden mulch to nurture your plants and gardens
Meet our adorable alpacas, Maccie and Bruiser
Connect with our community and make new friends
Additional Information:
EFTPOS available for your convenience
Family-friendly event, all are welcome!
Contact Information:
For inquiries, please contact 0408 220 995
Welcome to our Beginner’s Guide series on Urban Rural Chicken Keeping! We’re excited to share our journey and insights into raising chickens in the rural outskirts of Melbourne. In this series, we’ll focus on essential aspects, from a newbie’s point of view, of chicken keeping, starting with the critical task of protecting your flock from pesky predators.
Our Story: Our journey into urban-rural chicken keeping started with a stroke of luck—a bargain walk-in coop, six chickens, and some basic gear. But as we quickly found out, the simple life ain’t always easy. Unfortunately, one fatal day with the coming of dawn, a crafty fox, snatched our unsuspecting chickens. Even though we started letting the chickens out later in the morning the fox kept returning, taking the chickens one by one. It was a harsh lesson that forced us to rethink our chicken-keeping game.
Determined to keep our feathered friends safe, we made the tough call to relocate the coop to a more secure spot in our paddock. Saying goodbye to backyard convenience wasn’t easy, but protecting our flock was non-negotiable.
But our challenges didn’t end there. Among our flock was Francesca, a small chicken we affectionately called Fannie. Frannie was the only chicken to survive the fox attack. However little did we know, Fannie wasn’t just any ordinary hen—she turned out to be a rooster in disguise. His crowing became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
Facing dwindling numbers in our flock, we knew we had to take action. In need of replacements, we ventured to the local Farmers market, hoping to find suitable companions for Frannie. Amidst the stalls and bustling crowds, we stumbled upon a beautiful couple of Bantam hens, one black and one white, who soon came to be known as Yin and Yang. Their story, along with the saga of managing broody hens, will be shared in a future article.
To bolster our defences against the relentless fox attacks, we also decided to enlist the help of some furry friends. Enter Maccapaca (Maccie) and Bruiser, two young alpacas destined to become our flock’s guardians. While their integration was gradual, their presence brought a newfound sense of security to our farm. While they may be flock guards they are very rarely seen around the chickens. However, no foxes have been spotted since their arrival.
As we worked tirelessly to fortify our defences, we couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered in the back of our minds. The fear of another fox attack weighed heavily on us, driving home the harsh reality of coexisting with urban predators in our rural haven.
Securing Your Coop, Run, and Feed: In our rural paradise, the coop serves as more than just a shelter—it’s the fortress that safeguards our flock from all manner of threats. We’ve learned from experience to watch out for vulnerable spots in the coop’s structure, including the wire and roof, which crafty cockatoos have been known to exploit in their quest for chicken feed. Taking proactive measures, we’ve reinforced these areas to deter potential breaches and ensure the safety of our feathered friends.
Furthermore, we’ve discovered the importance of timing when it comes to letting our chickens out to free range. Being mindful of the risk posed by predators like foxes, we’ve established a routine of keeping the chickens safely locked up before dark and avoiding letting them out too early in the morning. By adhering to these precautions, we’ve minimized the likelihood of encounters with hungry predators while allowing our chickens to enjoy their free-range lifestyle without fear.
Additionally, we’ve devised creative strategies to secure the run and feed from unwanted intruders. Whether it’s installing predator-proof fencing or devising innovative feed storage solutions, we’re committed to staying one step ahead of the game.
Addressing Various Feed Challenges: From cockatoos to pigeons, curious currawongs, and everything in between, there’s no shortage of critters eyeing up our chicken feed. To manage this, we’ve adopted a strategy of only putting out a small amount of feed each day, rather than filling the feeder full and inadvertently feeding all of the wild birds in the local area.
However, having said that, don’t even get us started on the horses—those guys can make a mess faster than you can say “chicken dinner.” Despite our best efforts to keep the feed troughs tidy, it seems like a never-ending battle against the relentless appetites of our equine companions. On the flip side, our chickens have developed a knack for timing, honing in on the opportune moments to swoop in and grab a beakful of spilled feed from the horses. It’s a sight to behold, watching them dart in and out amongst the horses’ hooves, seizing their chance for an extra snack.
With a bit of creativity and a whole lot of trial and error, we are managing to keep the feed thieves at bay (most days, anyway). Through careful observation and adaptation, we’ve learned to anticipate the feeding patterns of both our chickens and the wild birds, allowing us to strike a delicate balance between providing for our flock and minimizing waste.
Being Mindful of Young Chicks: When it comes to raising chicks, it’s all about keeping them safe from day one. Those little fluffballs may be cute, but they’re also prime targets for hungry predators like crows. That’s why we keep ’em close until they’re big and brave enough to hold their own. With vigilant supervision and secure enclosures, we ensure that our youngest members of the flock have the best chance at thriving in their new environment.
Strategies for Protection: Our ongoing quest to safeguard our flock has been a continuous exploration of strategies to thwart potential threats. We’ve experimented with a myriad of strategies to fend off potential threats.
The real secret to effective protection? It lies in understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one chicken keeper may not necessarily work for another. While some may swear by the reliability of a trusty guard dog patrolling the perimeter or the vigilant gaze of a pair of watchful alpacas, others may find success with more unconventional approaches. Some other recommendations range from motion-activated lights casting an eerie glow over the coop at night to predator-proof fencing standing as a formidable barrier against would-be intruders.
As every seasoned chicken keeper knows, it’s a constant process of trial and error. We learn from both our successes and setbacks, constantly adapting and refining our strategies to meet the unique challenges of our environment. Whether you try implementing decoy nests to divert attention from vulnerable areas or employing natural deterrents like predator urine, innovation and creativity are key to staying one step ahead of potential threats.
Ultimately, the best defence is a combination of vigilance, adaptation, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of your flock and their surroundings. By remaining attentive to their needs and receptive to new ideas, we continue to evolve our approach to protection, ensuring that our feathered friends can roam freely and safely in their urban-rural home.
As everyday folks living the dream of urban-rural chicken keeping, we know firsthand the highs and lows of life on the farm. But through it all, one thing remains true: there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing your flock happy, healthy, and safe. So here’s to keeping those pesky predators at bay and enjoying the simple joys of country living. With perseverance, creativity, and a healthy dose of grit, we’ll continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of urban-rural chicken keeping, always striving to provide the best for our feathered friends.
Living on our little farm has taught us to appreciate the simple things: like the aged Sugar Gums and eucalypts growing along the creek, casting dappled shadows on the grass. It’s a sight that never gets old, reminding us of the beauty of nature right in our backyard.
When rain taps against the roof of our farmhouse, it’s like nature’s own music, calming and peaceful. One thing we love to do is to sit on the porch and watch it gently fall, feeling grateful for the shelter and the chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
One of our favourites is to keep our eye out for the tiny wattle trees that pop up everywhere, when they get bigger, their bright yellow blooms will once again signal the arrival of spring. While we’re now transitioning to autumn, their presence still brings a sense of vibrancy and promise of renewal to our little farm.
The creek meanders down the border of our property. It’s not just a boundary for us; it’s also a bit of a lifeline for our little farm, bringing water and attracting all kinds of wildlife to our doorstep.
In a world where everything moves so fast, our little farm is a sanctuary. It’s a place where we can slow down and appreciate the little things, whether it’s tending to the garden, taking a walk around the pasture, or just sitting outside and soaking up the peace and quiet.
As we breathe in the fresh air and listen to the birds singing, we’re reminded of how lucky we are to have this slice of nature all to ourselves. Our little farm might not be fancy, but it’s real, and it’s ours, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Join us for a delightful day at our Pop-up Market stall! From our delicious honey to bee-themed art and garden aids there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights: Sample our golden honey, freshly harvested from our busy bees Browse our collection of bee-themed cards and artful homeware Stock up on premium garden mulch to nurture your plants and gardens Meet our adorable alpacas, Maccie and Bruiser Connect with our community and make new friends
Additional Information: EFTPOS available for your convenience Family-friendly event, all are welcome!
Contact Information: For inquiries, please contact 0408 220 995
We’re buzzing with excitement as we reflect on the wonderful day we had at our recent pop-up market stall! The sun was shining, the air was filled with laughter, and our little corner of the world was abuzz with activity.
Of course our honey was the star of the show. Crafted with care by our busy bees, each jar of honey is a golden testament to the beauty of nature’s gift. Visitors were treated to samples of our golden nectar and couldn’t resist taking home a jar (or two!) to enjoy.
New to the stall, visitors were enchanted by our collection of bee-themed items, each piece a celebration of the beauty of these remarkable creatures. From whimsical greeting cards to stylish household items, our stall was a hive of creativity and charm.
Another new item, specially for those with green thumbs, there was garden mulch, perfect for nurturing plants and encouraging a thriving garden ecosystem. Leaving said green thumbs excited to give their gardens a natural boost.
Of course, no event at My Little Farmhouse would be complete without a visit from our beloved alpacas, Maccie and Bruiser. These little cuties stole the show with their curious noses and endearing personalities. Have a Quick Look at the video and you’ll see what I mean.
As we reflect on another successful event, we’re filled with gratitude for the support of our community and the opportunity to share the magic of MY Little Farmhouse.
Interested in experiencing the magic of My Little Farmhouse for yourself? Explore our website at mylittlefarmhouse.com.au to learn more about our farm and plan your visit to our next event. We can’t wait to welcome you into our farm family!
Our mornings on the farm start early, with the sound of rooster crowing and the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen. Despite the early hour, there’s a sense of peace and contentment that comes from being surrounded by nature. We may not have massive acres of land or fancy equipment, but what we lack in size, we make up for in heart.
Our days are filled with a mix of chores and surprises. From mending fences to cleaning up fallen trees and feeding the animals, there’s always something to be done. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there are moments of magic; like watching the sunset over the horizon, listening to the chorus of birdsongs filling the air, feeling the earth beneath our feet, and knowing that we’re doing our part to care for the land that sustains us.
As the sun sets on another busy day, we find ourselves filled with a sense of gratitude for the life we’re building here on the farm. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that you’re making a difference, one small step at a time.
Life on our hobby farm at the edge of the city of Melbourne is a mix of hard work, lucky breaks, and a whole lot of love for the land.
In this blog, we want to share with you what it’s like to juggle full-time jobs in the city while doing our bit to look after the environment on our little slice of heaven.
