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Chicken Talk

June 7, 2014 @ 18:32 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

I love my backyard chickens, but they aren’t the brightest animals here at the urban farm.   It doesn’t take long to figure this out once you observe your chooks  for a while.

Some of our Backyard Chickens

Some of our Backyard Chickens

I have a couple of clever ones who often amaze me, and I have discovered something unusual.  Let me tell you more.

There is BlackTail, who is quite apt at parkour.  Every morning she jumps up on the chicken nipple pipe, scampers sideways to the end, then jumps onto the edge of the garden bed that I installed as a dust bath.  Then she jumps down, then back up onto the pipe and repeats that until I open the door to the chook house whereby she is always the first out the door.

I don’t know many times I have seen this, but she jumps over the top of all the other chooks who are rushing for the door and gets to the handful of food that I scatter on the ground first every single time.  Survival of the fittest I suppose as I don’t think she is very far up the pecking order.

Then there is Edwina, an ISA Brown, who lives in the smaller hen-house at the front of Cluckingham Palace with her chooky friend Poppy the Pekin bantam.  Her favourite kitchen scraps are carrot peels.  She can’t get enough of them.  Lucky for her that we like carrots with most meals.  The other chooks don’t seem to like this treat, so she gets her pick.  But that is not why I think she is clever.  It is because she looks out for her friend Poppy.

She has been known to show Poppy where the best worms are when free ranging, and I believe that they are BFFs (Best Friends Forever).  They are never far from each other and follow each other everywhere.  Now don’t think that Edwina is higher on the pecking order of these two just because she is twice the size of Poppy.  Far from it.  Poppy is the boss one and she tells Edwina off any chance she can get.  One of those bossy friends that everyone has, right?  I can relate to that.

Poppy the Pekin Bantam

Poppy the Pekin Bantam

Now for the unusual.  The rest of them probably do have antics that separates them from each other, but I just haven’t noticed it.  However they do have some interesting habits that they do as a flock.

Whenever I walk past their run and into the shed, they create such a fuss.  Whether it be early in the morning when I feed them, or any other time I go open the shed door, they run to the fence and press their little faces up against it.  They do the same when they see Kim with kitchen scraps or some greens.  If I throw a snail or cockroach over the fence, the first to get it gets chased by all the other just like the end of the Benny Hill Show.  Around and around they go.  I can even hear the music in my mind as I watch them.

So after much observation, I believe that I have finally figured out what they think of us.  You see dear reader, I reckon that they have given chicken names to each of us here on the Suburban Food Farm.

Let me tell what I think they are.  As I am the one who feeds them, my chicken name is Man with Seed.  That is because whenever they see me, I have seed on me and give it to them.

As Kim gives them greens and kitchen scraps, she is known as Lady with Leaves, and because Ben collects the eggs, they call him Boy who steals eggs.

The dogs have chicken names as well.  Holly, our furry Australian Terrier cross is known to them as Fur who Pokes.  This is because every time Holly passes the chook house, she pushes against the wire and pokes Poppy off of her perch.  Quite funny to watch.

Teddy, our white West Highland Terrier is known as Fur who Stares and Pees.  Every time Teddy wanders past the chook house, he stares at the chooks, then pees on the chicken run fence.  Hilarious to watch Teddy in action.  Very predictable.

Fur who Stares and Pees

Fur who Stares and Pees (aka Teddy)

So there you go, those are our chicken names courtesy of the girls from Cluckingham Palace.  Enough chicken talk for one day.

This is Man with Seed, signing off for the day.  I have to get Fur who Pokes off my lap and help Lady with Leaves make dinner!

Love those chooks.  What do you think your chickens have named you?

 

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Filed Under: Chickens, Philosophy, Poultry

Building Community Via Blogging

June 23, 2013 @ 16:54 By Gavin Webber 13 Comments

Blogging is a great tool with which to reach out to others, especially when you cannot find like minded people in your area.

It is one of the many reasons that I started writing this blog, besides the fact that I had my story to tell.

This connection with others in the simple/sustainable living community is also a great way to meet fellow bloggers.

Now, as case in point, let me tell you about a lovely visit that Kim and I had from Lynda (Living in the Land of OZ), and Jessie (Rabid Little Hippy).  Both live withing 30 minutes drive of Melton, so we invited them over for morning tea.

They both arrive around the same time, however we got a big surprise when Lynda arrived with a chicken coop strapped to the back of her ute tray, and a couple of small Pekin Bantams in a cardboard box in the cab.  The chooks were delightful, and she has written a post titled “I am about to burst with happiness!”  I bet she is too the way she was doting over the two little girls ;-).

Kim made some cinnamon buns and I served up a quarter wheel of home made Caerphilly cheese.  Jessie also brought a freshly baked tea cake, and a loaf of sourdough bread.  Delicious.

Anyway, after a cuppa, great food, and a great conversation about all things sustainable, not to mention a good dig at the consumerism that surrounds us, it was off for a tour of the yard.

We all enjoyed the tour, exchanging ideas along the way about gardening, DIY and fruit trees.

Then, as we were saying our goodbyes, both ladies mentioned something remarkable.  They told me that it was my blog (as well as one other each) that set them on their own sustainable/simple living journey, and that it was our own transformation that had encouraged them to both to begin their own blogs with which to document their own adventures.  I was kind of taken aback, but in a nice way of course.  Amazing stuff.

So after hugs and goodbyes, we waved au revoir.  Kim and I really enjoyed the morning. Thanks Ladies for dropping by.

During the afternoon we did a bit of yard work, wrote a cheese press post, and tinkered around until dinner.

Later on during the evening, Jessie and Lynda’s parting words hit me like a tonne of bricks.  If I had influenced them in a way that they changed how they perceived their world and then took steps to change their lifestyles, how many others around the world had my journey and writing touched in the same way?

Tens? Hundreds? Thousands?

I guess I will never know.  But I do know this.  I came to realise that if you want to connect with like-minded people, I can think of no better method than to write your very own blog.

Not only will you make many on-line friends but you will make some great physical ones to boot.  Additionally, the opportunities that blogging opens up should not be underestimated.  I certainly never thought that I would feature on telly, or in local and national newspapers, and have the chance to write the odd article for a national sustainable living magazine.

But best of all, I have met so many wonderful, caring, and genuine people since I began writing this blog.  It is so very refreshing.

So my advice to all of you who are thinking of staring a blog in this community, don’t forget that as you tell your adventure to the world, amazing things will happen to you and to your many readers as you write about your very own small steps towards a more sustainable and simpler lifestyle.

Something for you all to reflect upon as you next press the publish button!

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Filed Under: Blog, Philosophy

The Coffee Oracle

February 28, 2013 @ 20:30 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

Where we live, water is not as abundant as it once was.  We have had one significant rain event for the entire Summer.  Only 55 mm (2 inches) of rain in three months.

With empty rainwater tanks at around the mid January mark, my veggie patch and fruit trees were on life-support until two days ago.  It finally rained.  Enough rain in one day to refill both tanks.  Yay!  I can now think about winter vegetables.

However, long dry summers, without much rain, have become the norm over the last 15 years (except 2 years ago when we had floods).  I have certainly noticed this change in the local climactic patterns, but many others around me have not.  I didn’t think anyone noticed.

Until today that is.  To my astonishment, I stumbled across an Oracle in my work place.  A mechanical prediction machine.  You know, like the Zoltar Speaks machine in the movie Big (with Tom Hanks).

We have a coffee machine that can predict future events in our part of the world.

It is true, honestly.  I didn’t believe it myself at first, until I took a closer look.

What’s that.  You can’t read it?  Well take another look.

Clever Coffee Oracle!  I wonder what it is going to predict tomorrow?  I can’t wait to find out.

-37.6777778144.5686375

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Filed Under: climate change, Philosophy

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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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