Clucking Our Way to Sustainable Living

I think one part of this whole trying to live sustainably thing is jumping at opportunities as they arise. I've found it’s important to take it slow and remain mindful of each area of living. The slow pace helps us achieve and maintain the best results. Waiting (not too long of course) and remaining aware of new opportunities is a great way to turn our lifestyle into a more sustainable one.

A coworker of ours is moving closer to the city for work and had to give up her animals, to her dismay (she had more animals than Ol’ MacDonald!). “Getting rid of 20 hens you say? Sure we’ll take ‘em!” We had a few weeks before the girls were coming to nest with us, so we had time to talk and think about the best set up. Firstly, we talked to our next door neighbours. Living in intentional community is a big part of our lives, and has been for quite some time. Plus, what on earth would we do with 20 eggs/ day? They were in! This was beneficial on many levels- the sharing of eggs, of chores, of cost and not to mention of excitement!  After discussing whose backyard shed would be transformed (ours!) my husband and the father of the two little girls next door got to work. The final result- a chicken condo- one you would find on the penthouse level of a city high-rise. One with modern flair, wooden furniture and doweled roosts (no joke). Needless to say, they got to laying right after they arrived.

The sustainability tied up in this endeavor has been quite encouraging, as there were elements that I hadn’t even thought of.  We’ve been sharing eggs with neighbours free of charge. We’ve been able to compost for the first time since we moved to this bear-aware country side (not only do those girls love their scraps but this cuts down on the cost of grain). I’ve read that if their egg shells are ground small enough than this is great for their calcium intake (to form the shells) and we no longer need to buy ground oyster shell (talk about the circle of life!).  We’re already talking with the next door folk about what else we could share (garden, fruit trees, alpacas?!). It’s amazing!

It’s also been surprising how easy it is to care for these ladies, and how non-farmer you have to be. When we lived in Vancouver, city dwellers petitioned and were awarded the permission to keep a few layers in their backyard. It may not be conducive to apartment living, but don’t let that stop you! It is not out of the realm of possibility to share 5 hens in your friends’ or neighbour’s backyard. Look into your municipal bylaws, and honestly even if they don’t allow you, what’s the worst that can happen?!

My mother is probably shaking her head right now at how ‘full-circle’ this has become, but Mom you were right. You were sustainable before it was even on others’ radars – thank you & keep it up (you have a backyard in the city don’t you?!).

My husband and I have been singing the first part of this song for the last couple of days as the baby dances and wows at the chickens in her backyard…Enjoy!