Attention All Urban Chooks

This Saturday, learn how to lay an egg keep chickens in Auckland, at a workshop led by Barbara Stumbles.

Barbara, a homeopathic veterinarian, is pictured left. She has kept chooks for many years, and in 2012 she featured in Urban Chicks: Celebrating Backyard Chooks in the City.  

I enjoyed one of her workshops late last year, and that’s when I took these photos. Barb’s down-to-earth approach was great, as was her willingness to answer all sorts of questions. 

These events are not just for newbies: I really appreciated hearing that my hens are behaving normally when they appear to be digging their way to the centre of the Earth, or when they decline to eat large snails. And yes, the pom-pom/Soviet spy headwear of Silkie chickens (pictured below) is also normal, as well as incredibly chic.

The April 13 workshop is from 10.30 to 12.30 at the Sustainable Living Centre, 4 Olympic Place, close to Olympic Park in New Lynn. The cost is $20; to book phone 826 4276.