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Archives for September 2013

Relieving Chicken Boredom and Bullying

September 29, 2013 @ 20:57 By Gavin Webber 13 Comments

Our chookies have been getting bored.  The first sign to watch out for is that they pick on the hen that is at the bottom of the pecking order for no apparent reason.

They get so nasty that this bullying is persistent to the point that they usually cause the victim to bleed, usually by pecking the comb.

I saw this starting to manifest itself on Thursday when I performed the daily feed.  It got worse on Friday, and Saturday afternoon I isolated the victim (Edwina 2).  So during Sunday we let the big chooks free range around the garden.

Not only do they perform all the weeding for us, but it stops them from being bored.   They cleaned up all the grubs and bugs, and demolished any weed game enough to poke its head through the stones.

They also provide valuable fertilizer services around the fruit trees and shrubs.

It must be so much fun being one of our chickens.  Well fed and not a worry in the world.  Now before you decide to let your girls out for some fun, please take this advice onboard.  Protect anything that you do not want destroyed.  They get into everything including any patch of bare dirt which they turn into a dust bath.

Which is weird, because they have an undercover dust bath in their run.  Obviously it is not good enough anymore!

On the egg front, we have been getting at least six per day from ten chooks.  Not bad seeing that some of them are well past their laying prime.

Now just because the large hens had free range did it mean that everyone was happy.  After about five minutes of letting the big girls out, the bantams started kicking up such a fuss.  These little girls are more vocal than the ISA Browns, and would if you didn’t know better you would think that they were three times the size!

To keep the peace, we decided that to let them free range around the pool area, and Kim babysat these two incase they decided to go for a swim.  Thankfully they did not, but Kim needed the rest anyway, and I did my tax return (I get all the fun jobs).

Now that the bantams were happy and quiet, I got back to my tax return.  Kim snuck around to the chookhouse garden and took these extra chick bum pictures.  Hard workers, my girls.  Head down, bum up!

See, I told you.  Here is a bare patch of dirt.  Bunty the old battleaxe, having a bath in nice fresh dirt.  It must be such a relief for the old girl.

Anyway, with the income tax completed, and after a few hours of free-ranging around the garden and causing havoc among the worm and grub population, we tried to lure them back to their run.  It was quite easy.  With a small container of cooked rice, Kim lead the way, calling ‘Chook, Chook’, throwing handfuls of rice into their run.

You should have seen them.  It was just like the Melbourne Cup.  It was like they had been just released from the starters gates.  It was a sight to see.  I rounded up the odd straggler, and closed the gate.

I then scooped up the bantams with one hand and carried them gently to their little run.  And guess what?  They were all quite and no-one was picking on anyone.  They even went to roost quietly!

So tomorrow will be the test.  The test to see if they are not as bored and be nice to one another.  Hopefully, their run around the garden did the trick.

Do you sometimes have chooky troubles when they get bored?  What to you do to make them happy?

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Filed Under: Chickens

Cotswold Cheese Video Tutorial

September 27, 2013 @ 22:39 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

Yesterday I posted another video tutorial over on Littlegreencheese.com.

This time I made Cotswold which is a double gloucester style cheese with dried onions and chives.  Kim says that it is her most favourite cheese that I have made ever!  And she should know, she has tried every single cheese that I have made.

Anyway, here is the tutorial.



If you want to take a look at the taste test, and grab a copy of the recipe, then pop over to my Cotswold cheese post.  I am sure that you will like it.

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Filed Under: Cheese, Little Green Cheese

Green Lifestyle Awards – Finalist!

September 26, 2013 @ 19:00 By Gavin Webber 14 Comments

I am very excited that I just have to tell you the news!  What news you ask?

Well, today I received an email from Green Lifestyle Magazine that informed me that I am a finalist in the Green Lifestyle Awards, and to be awarded either the Highly Commended or Winner for the category of ONLINE ECO INFO SITE.  Awesome!

Thank you so much to those who nominated me, and this site, earlier on in the year.  I feel very humbled that you thought that this site was worthy.  After all is said and done, I write for you, the reader, and I disseminate as much information as I can (for free) about the simple steps can put you on the path to a sustainable lifestyle in the suburbs.  If I can do it, anyone can.

However, I also have a dilemma.  I have been invited to attend a function in two weeks where they will be announcing the winners and to rub shoulders with other green business leaders.

You see, I live in Melton, and the function is in Sydney, which is 886 km (550 miles) away.  If I were to travel to attend the two hour ceremony, the carbon footprint would be massive, about half a tonne of CO2-e.  In fact I would nearly double my entire year’s emissions in just one day. Therein lays the problem.  A moral problem.

As much as I would love to attend, due to the distance and the GHG emissions, I have decided not to attend the award function.  I called up the lovely people at Green Lifestyle Magazine to let them know, and they fully understood.  Maybe I should ask for a video link-up or teleconference?

Still, I am very excited to learn the outcome either way.  Rock on October 9th when we find out the winners of all the categories.  Don’t forget to grab a copy of the magazine when it comes out.

I would say “wish me luck!”, but either way I still feel like a winner just because you visited this post!  That is prize enough.

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Filed Under: Sustainable Living

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About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

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