Thursday, March 17, 2011

Cheap Coops - A Cautionary Tale

Early last year BookAChook sold 5 lovely Pekin chicks to a family in Malvern. Everyone chose a name, and the 5 chicks quickly grew to become integral members of the family. They thought they had everything set up and ready for the chicks - coops, feed, straw - on the surface it all looked like the perfect luxury chook accommodation.


Unfortunately these 5 chicks never made it to egg-laying maturity. Before too long the local fox(es) had discovered the chicks in their coop, and in the space of one night managed to dig their way under the coop, and make off with a quick dinner.

When purchasing a coop, predator proofing is the first priority. Make sure there is wire on the base, and that the wire is good quality. Make sure the timber is robust and well constructed - if you can't lean against it or sit on the coop it is probably not strong enough.


At BookAChook our coops are handmade to be strong and durable, as well as fox and predator proof. We use Australian plantation timber, treated to Australian standards. We consider this preferable to cheaper imported timber, often of unknown origin or from areas that once supported rainforest.

In the end, you get what you pay for.

Consider investing a little more in the first place, to ensure you purchase a coop that will protect your precious chooks for years to come. For more information about our lovely coops please go to http://www.bookachook.com/

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

BookAChook at the Digger's Club, Garden of St Erth

Thanks to the wonderful staff at Diggers Club, Garden of St Erth for inviting BookAChook to present two masterclass workshops at their open day on Sunday 13th March.  Both workshops were full of people interested in owning chooks. Most were absolute beginners, with a few being existing chook owners.

Hermione and Charlotte stole the show, convincing everyone of the wonderful temperament and personality of a Pekin bantam.

Despite the afternoon thunderstorm, the marquee roof held firm (just) and everyone went home with renewed enthusiasm for backyard chook keeping, and the introductory knowledge to start out.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Digger's Club Heronswood open day on Sunday 27th March.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Ducks For Sale



Hello,

in the past few months we have had some ducklings hatch and now we are ready to sell them. They are Muscovy's and we have 2 drakes and 4 ducks (we think). Because they're Muscovy's they are quite large but they don't quack, the drakes hiss and the ducks hardly make any noise at all so they won't disturb your neighbours. They are $20 each so email me at fleur@bookachook.com if you're interested.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Welcome to the BookAChook Blog.

Hey guys.

Welcome to the new BookAChook Blog. Check in regularly for updates about our news and events. BookAChook has been operating for around 5 years in Melbourne, supplying gorgeous chooks to suburban backyards, kinders and schools. Did you know you can rent.... try.... buy....? We specialise in Pekin bantams, suitable for small spaces.

For more information visit our website at http://www.bookachook.com.au/.