• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

When Your Old Chickens Stop Laying. What Next?

February 3, 2016 @ 21:50 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

So what happens when your old chickens stop laying eggs?  Is it time for the pot, or do you let them retire gracefully and let them continue to be of service in the garden?

Well my girls just retire gracefully, and I add in new point of lay chickens to the flock.  The older ones have been such good service to our family, we have let the four of them become matriarchs, and guide a new generations.

This is exactly what I did today on my day off!

Ben and I drove up to the Macedon Emu Farm to pick up four point-of-lay hens.  Yes, they sell chickens at the Emu Farm.

Macedon Emu Farm

Luckily we didn’t take home one of these birds!  Big bloody chooks those ones.

Macedon Emu Farm

Australian Emus

Anyway, we paid Penny for the chickens, boxed them up, and put them in the boot for the drive home.  Ben poked in lots of air holes before we left home, so there was plenty of air for them.

Chickens in a Box

Chickens in a Box

We safely arrived, but when we did, we were greeted by this look from Teddy, our pound rescue West Highland Terrier!

Curious Ted

Curious Ted

I’m not sure but I would probably say that Teddy is wondering what is in the box.  Well Mr Ted, there are four ISA Brown hens that are about 20 weeks old.  Here they are, have a good sniff.

When your old chickens stop laying - New flock of ISA Brown hens

Good looking girls, aren’t they.  From the look of their combs, they are only about three weeks from laying, maybe four.  Kim can then enjoy our Saturday morning Omelette again.  Yum.

As a matter of keeping the peace at the moment, I have kept them separate from the old girls by shutting the hatch between the two chicken runs.  Both flocks can see each other through the wire that separates the pens and once they discovered each other late this afternoon, they all squawked up a huge commotion!  I had to go outside to make sure one of neighbourhood cats hadn’t gotten into the run.

They will stay separate for a day or two, then I will open up the hatch one evening and let them figure it all out in the morning.  I dare say the my oldest girl Bunty will rule the roost with an iron wing.

New chooks making themselves at home

New chooks making themselves at home

Anyway, they seem to be settling in now.  Two of them were a bit confused at dusk because they couldn’t figure out the sleeping arrangements in the little house.  I had to put an extra perch up high in the pen so they could roost.  I will check on them before I go to bed to make sure everything is okay for the night.

So what do you do when your old chickens stop laying?  Do you let them retire in your very own Cluckingham Palace like I do, or do you take other measures?

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Chickens, eggs

Homemade Vegetable Quiche

October 6, 2015 @ 20:42 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

Who says that real men don’t eat Quiche, especially one without meat?  Well, this one does, thanks to my lovely and talented wife!  Kim makes the best vegetable Quiche I have ever tasted.

We had friends over on Saturday for a basic and advanced soap making workshops, and invited them to lunch.  Kim whipped up this wonderful Quiche with green salad and jacket potato.  It was light working lunch in between classes.

Kim has graciously allowed me to share the recipe with you all.

Vegetable quiche uncooked

Ready to go into the oven at 180°C for 35-40 minutes.

Homemade Vegetable Quiche

Ingredients

Shortcrust pastry

  • 225gm (8 oz) Plain Flour
  • 100gm (4 oz) Salted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Cold water to mix.

Filling

  • 1 red onion
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 2 cups washed spinach
  • 1 cup broccoli cut into small pieces
  • ½ red capsicum, slice half, and chop the other half
  • ½ yellow capsicum, slice half, and chop the other half
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt to taste.

Method

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C (350F).
  2. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl
  3. Add butter.  Cut into flour with a knife then run in with fingertips.  The mixture should resemble fine breadcrumbs.
  4. Sprinkle water over the crumbs.  Mix to a stiff crumbly looking paste with a large spoon.
  5. Draw together with fingertips, turn out on to a lightly floured surface.  Knead quickly until smooth and crack-free.
  6. Roll out and lay over a pie or flan dish and trim the edges.
  7. Blind bake with pie weights for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.  Allow pie crust to cool.  Turn oven down to 160°C (320F).
  8. Fan-fry the onion, carrot, broccoli, and the chopped capsicum until just soft.  Turn off the heat and add spinach, allow to wilt.  Allow veggies to cool.
  9. Add the cooled veggies, tomatoes, cheese, and salt to taste to bowl and mix.  Add the egg and stir through.
  10. Pour the entire mixture into the pie crust base and press down to fill.  Decorate with capsicum slices.
  11. Bake Quiche at 160°C (320F) for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and no longer runny.
  12. Can be eaten hot from the oven or served cold the next day.
Vegetable quiche cooked

Vegetable Quiche fresh from the oven

All I can add is that we had it cold the day after she baked it, and it was bursting with flavour.  It was one of the most amazing Quiches I have ever eaten.  My contribution was the eggs, cheese, and spinach, but her’s was her baking talent!

Simply delicious!  Give it a try, you will be surprised that this veggie dish tastes so good.

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: eggs, recipes, vegetables, Vegetarian

TGoG 116 – What’s Working What’s Not

July 2, 2015 @ 21:47 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

Listen to the Episode Below (00:40:15)
Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android RSS Patreon

Kim joins me on the show this week and during this episode we delve into what is working in our sustainable lifestyle and what is not.

We cover such topics as non laying chickens and short showers on a cold morning, to going on holidays using Google Maps, loving homebrew beer, homemade cheese, and real food.

As always, we have a great time on the show and hope you will join us for a few laughs at the lighter side of sustainable living!

Amy Webber

Loving homebrew beer!

 


Don’t forget that our many patron support the show financially with their pledges via Patreon.  This not only keeps the show advertisement free, but keeps us on the air each week.

If you would like to support the show and pledge as little as US$1 to keep us up and running, please pop over to www.patreon.com/greeningofgavin and pledge away!

Also if you like the show, use the iTunes button and leave a rating and a review.  We love to hear what our listeners think about our show.

Until next episode, keep it green!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: eggs, fruit, Happiness, Podcast, shower head, Sustainable Living, swimming pool, TGOG Podcast, vegetables

Next Page »

Search This Blog

Follow my work

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.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
Grow Food Not Lawns - 4 Reasons Why You Should Dig Up Your Lawn
The Seven Stages Of Change
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Clay Oven eBook Off to the Proof Reader
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Quince Paste
Connecting Two Rainwater Tanks

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

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

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023