Chook passion born at age of five

Rather than entering chickens in competitions, he has focussed on breeding ones with a calm, friendly temperament conducive to good egg laying.

‘A generation ago, most people had chickens or knew someone with chickens, as they were a standard fixture of the urban landscape,’ Mr Graham said.

‘Backyard chickens are now making a comeback as people have become more interested in leading a more sustainable lifestyle and growing their own food.’

He said he had noticed increased interest for keeping chickens from parents of small children, who were concerned about their children growing up disconnected from the realities of where food comes from.

‘Unfortunately, many people are concerned that they lack the knowledge to keep chickens,’ he said.

As a result, Mr Graham will help Transition Town Guildford and Men of the Trees to host a series of workshops for novices on traditional care of backyard laying hens.

Sunny Side Up workshops aim to introduce chickens into 20 households in the City of Swan.

Two evening classes in Guildford next week covering pen design and chicken care, and a field trip will visit several locals who have chicken runs made from recycled materials.

At the end of the course, each participant will receive three laying hens and a starter pack for chicken care.