Meet the couple who have been scrambling throughout this year to keep up with your iso chicken and egg needs. Source: ABC Livestock Backyard chooks became popular during lockdown, but do you know where they came from?
Tag: Poultry
Clever chook lays rare egg with cracking surprise inside
A young free-range hen is “still practising” her egg-laying skills, says this Queensland farmer, after discovering an extra-large egg with another fully formed egg inside it. Source: ABC Livestock Clever chook lays rare egg with cracking surprise inside
Massive solar system paying off for Australia's largest free-range chicken farm
This 10-million-bird chicken farm has slashed its power bill and reduced its CO2 emissions by 1,500 tonnes after installing one of agriculture’s most extensive solar and battery systems. Source: ABC Livestock Massive solar system paying off for Australia’s largest free-range chicken farm
'All I can say is, poor chook': Teen cracks open one-in-25-million surprise
Fourteen-year-old Tyler Seidel was making scrambled eggs when he cracked the essential ingredient to find it contained three yolks. Source: ABC Livestock ‘All I can say is, poor chook’: Teen cracks open one-in-25-million surprise
'Really nasty' brush turkeys violently trying to breed with backyard chooks
Native brush turkeys are attacking and forcefully trying to mate with domestic hens and there is very little that can be done to stop them. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Really nasty’ brush turkeys violently trying to breed with backyard chooks
Home cooking sees egg sales continue to surge during pandemic, surprising farmers
As the pandemic began egg producers were concerned about restaurant closures, but instead they saw people buying up big for cooking at home. Source: ABC Livestock Home cooking sees egg sales continue to surge during pandemic, surprising farmers
Victorian free-range chickens are in lockdown too, as bird flu strikes
Victorian poultry farmers are dealing with the worst outbreak of avian influenza the state has ever seen, with concerns raised about the rapid rise of free-range farming. Source: ABC Livestock Victorian free-range chickens are in lockdown too, as bird flu strikes
Victorian poultry banned by overseas markets, 400,000 birds euthanased
At least eight countries have banned Victorian poultry products. Some of the 400,000 animals euthanased due to the state’s bird flu outbreak include 2,000 baby emus. Source: ABC Livestock Victorian poultry banned by overseas markets, 400,000 birds euthanased
Emus, 40,000 chickens to be culled as Victoria battles multiple bird flu outbreaks
Three different strains of bird flu have hit six farms in Victoria, including an ASX-listed company that looks set to lose a third of its flock. Emus, along with chickens and turkeys, will have to be euthanased. Source: ABC Livestock Emus, 40,000 chickens to be culled as Victoria battles multiple bird flu outbreaks
Chickens killed and traffic diverted in truck fire on freeway
About 2,000 chickens die and another 2,000 are rescued after a truck fire on Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway. Source: ABC Livestock Chickens killed and traffic diverted in truck fire on freeway
Bird flu spreads to eastern Victoria, with cases in Geelong and Bairnsdale
Several thousand turkeys will be destroyed following the discovery of a new strain of avian influenza virus at two Victorian properties. Source: ABC Livestock Bird flu spreads to eastern Victoria, with cases in Geelong and Bairnsdale
Bird flu outbreak hits second Victorian farm, as experts warn free-range farming is increasing Australia's risk
A second free-range egg farm in the Golden Plains Shire, west of Melbourne, has tested positive to avian influenza, also known as bird flu, with both properties now subject to bird culls and strict quarantine measures. Source: ABC Livestock Bird flu outbreak hits second Victorian farm, as experts warn free-range farming is increasing Australia’s… Read more »
Asia's insatiable chicken feet demand sees producer step up to get a foot in the door
Up to 60 per cent of China’s annual chicken imports are made up solely of feet, and a WA poultry producer will soon export 150,000 a week to Asia. Source: ABC Livestock Asia’s insatiable chicken feet demand sees producer step up to get a foot in the door
Cluckingham Palace is the chicken coop fit for a queen
More and more animal enthusiasts are adding chooks to their families, and some are even building amazing chicken coops for them to live in. Source: ABC Livestock Cluckingham Palace is the chicken coop fit for a queen
Norfolk Island's sea freight woes force egg producer to cull flock
Inconsistent cargo ships laden with cars and perishables means one Norfolk Islander can’t import enough stock feed for her chickens. Source: ABC Livestock Norfolk Island’s sea freight woes force egg producer to cull flock
Five children hospitalised following salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chicken pens
Queensland Health investigates 17 cases of salmonella after some children are hospitalised. The outbreak has been caused by the surge in backyard chicken pens during the COVID-19 lockdown. Source: ABC Livestock Five children hospitalised following salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chicken pens
Paltry returns prompt call for review of chicken meat processing
Farm lobby groups want an inquiry into the poultry industry, claiming it is going down the same path as the dairy industry and dollar-a-litre milk. Source: ABC Livestock Paltry returns prompt call for review of chicken meat processing
Salmonella warning issued to Victorians with backyard chickens as poisoning cases spike
Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer said people are at risk of becoming infected if they don’t wash their hands after handling chickens or if they eat raw or under-cooked eggs. Source: ABC Livestock Salmonella warning issued to Victorians with backyard chickens as poisoning cases spike
Like eggs and bacon — without the bacon: Victorian farmers perfect a smoky delicacy
Victorian farmers successfully infuse a smoky flavour into raw eggs, delighting chefs and increasing their shelf life to five months. Source: ABC Livestock Like eggs and bacon — without the bacon: Victorian farmers perfect a smoky delicacy
When COVID-19 struck, this free-range egg farm just got busier
White Swan Eggs usually trades 70 per cent of their stock to cafes, but as restaurants shut up shop their farmgate sales compensated for the loss as many mad the effort to shop locally. Source: ABC Livestock When COVID-19 struck, this free-range egg farm just got busier
Free-range hens that come out of their shells early lay better, study finds
A study into free-range chicken egg production shows hens that roam more are better layers. Source: ABC Livestock Free-range hens that come out of their shells early lay better, study finds
How Shikira and her champion chickens are waiting out COVID-19
After she broke her arm 10 years ago, some rather exotic chooks became teenager Shikira Stehbens’ “new best friends”. Now they’re helping her through the difficult times of social isolation. Source: ABC Livestock How Shikira and her champion chickens are waiting out COVID-19
Coronavirus no hurdle with egg production assured for renewed home cooks
Australia’s egg producers go to extra lengths to refill supermarket shelves emptied by shoppers stocking up for self-isolation and home cooking. Source: ABC Livestock Coronavirus no hurdle with egg production assured for renewed home cooks
Venue lockdowns drive chicken farmers to crack open alternate avenues of revenue
As coronavirus restrictions tighten and public venues close around the country, egg producers turn to other avenues of income to get by. Source: ABC Livestock Venue lockdowns drive chicken farmers to crack open alternate avenues of revenue
Backyard chickens in demand as coronavirus buying frenzy empties supermarkets
Chicken breeders are being inundated as householders turn to backyard chooks for egg supplies while supermarket shelves empty of staple products. Source: ABC Livestock Backyard chickens in demand as coronavirus buying frenzy empties supermarkets
PIX/AMC event looks to Australia’s future for milling, poultry
The biennial Poultry Information Exchange (PIX) and Australasian Milling Conference (AMC) in mid-May will be held at the Gold Coast; centre stage will be what’s new in Australia’ poultry and grain-milling industries. Source: Grain Central PIX/AMC event looks to Australia’s future for milling, poultry
Up to 1,000 chickens killed after Adelaide Hills freeway truck rollover
Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway reopens to all traffic after a chicken truck rolls over, killing more than 1,000 birds and injuring others. Source: ABC Livestock Up to 1,000 chickens killed after Adelaide Hills freeway truck rollover
Ingham’s 1H20 profit of $26.2M down 69pc from 1H19
Ingham’s Group Limited has recorded a net profit after tax of $26.2 million in the half-year to 28 December, down 69 per cent on the corresponding first-half 2019 result. Source: Grain Central Ingham’s 1H20 profit of .2M down 69pc from 1H19
Chicken rescue: Community effort saves livestock from bushfires raging near Kangaroo Valley
Quick action by Kangaroo Valley locals saw a convoy of utes pulling thousands of hens to safety before a firestorm raced through the forested escarpment. Source: ABC Livestock Chicken rescue: Community effort saves livestock from bushfires raging near Kangaroo Valley
Meet the 14-year-old defying the odds and running his own free-range egg empire
Most teenage boys are busy playing sports or relaxing at home after school, but Blake McFarlane spends his free time caring for more than 500 laying hens. Source: ABC Livestock Meet the 14-year-old defying the odds and running his own free-range egg empire
I fell for a plucky rooster called Percy — and then a card was slipped under my door
If you’re drawn, inexorably, towards a particularly fine-looking chook, intoxicated with its pizzazz and personality, trust me, it’s a rooster and your heart is about to break, writes Fiona Scott-Norman. Source: ABC Livestock I fell for a plucky rooster called Percy — and then a card was slipped under my door
Perfect hatch: There's a new backyard chook breed for home gardeners
Dual-purpose backyard chooks for eggs and meat were nearly lost through modern agriculture. Now one man is bringing them back. Source: ABC Livestock Perfect hatch: There’s a new backyard chook breed for home gardeners
Egg farmers push for price rise amid fears of dairy-style collapse
Major and smaller supermarkets are upping the price of eggs as chicken farmers become the latest casualties in the ongoing drought. Source: ABC Grain Egg farmers push for price rise amid fears of dairy-style collapse
'Free range' means something different in Canberra. This is what it looks like
The ACT Government has told grocers to display signs supporting ‘genuinely free-range’ egg farmers, based on a much stricter definition than the national standard. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Free range’ means something different in Canberra. This is what it looks like
Elderly woman dies after being pecked by 'aggressive rooster' while collecting eggs
A pathology expert says the recent death of an elderly woman who was killed by an “aggressive rooster” while collecting eggs on her rural property in South Australia, shows how dangerous varicose veins can be. Source: ABC Livestock Elderly woman dies after being pecked by ‘aggressive rooster’ while collecting eggs
China now a central pillar of global meat markets
Never before in modern history has the global meat trade centred so much on a single country. Inclusive of Hong Kong, China is now the world’s largest destination for beef, sheepmeat, pork, poultry and offal, pulling in close to one quarter of total meat traded on international markets, MLA Market Insights Manager, Tim Ryan says. … Read more »
Egg producers cry foul over 'unrealistic' supermarket pricing
The egg industry is concerned cheap cage-free eggs being sold by a major supermarket are “unrealistic” and leading to unfair prices amid a nationwide supply shortage. Source: ABC Livestock Egg producers cry foul over ‘unrealistic’ supermarket pricing
Thousands of chickens culled and eggs destroyed in salmonella outbreak
The poultry industry on the NSW central coast, one of the biggest in the state, is on high alert after the detection of a rare strain of salmonella at three egg farms. Source: ABC Livestock Thousands of chickens culled and eggs destroyed in salmonella outbreak
Video of chickens being stretched and thrown prompts probe into farm
Footage from a Victorian poultry farm, released by animal activists, appears to show workers stretching the necks of chickens and throwing them onto a concrete floor. Source: ABC Livestock Video of chickens being stretched and thrown prompts probe into farm
It's a chicken buyers' market where everyone talks turkey about their favourite bird
At this monthly gathering they come from far and wide to buy and talk about chickens — from breeding to sustainability, to health and nutrition, to preparing chooks for the table. Source: ABC Livestock It’s a chicken buyers’ market where everyone talks turkey about their favourite bird
'It swooped in': Woman says chooks targeted by bird of prey in suburban garden
An Adelaide woman says her backyard chooks were swooped by a bird of prey, which locals say could belong to a cast of falcons living at an abandoned industrial site. But experts say foxes are a bigger threat to neighbourhood chooks. Source: ABC Livestock ‘It swooped in’: Woman says chooks targeted by bird of… Read more »
ACCC investigates allegations of rotten conduct in WA's free-range egg industry
Australia’s peak consumer and competition body is investigating allegations of fraud in the egg industry, with reports of fertilised and caged eggs being trucked into WA to be sold at top-dollar in free-range packaging. Source: ABC Livestock ACCC investigates allegations of rotten conduct in WA’s free-range egg industry
Why Tania Daykin is putting old chickens before the eggs
A one-woman campaign to rehome egg-laying chickens at the end of their lay cycle gains momentum. Source: ABC Livestock Why Tania Daykin is putting old chickens before the eggs
Why Tania Bacon is putting old chickens before the eggs
A one-woman campaign to rehome egg-laying chickens at the end of their lay cycle gains momentum. Source: ABC Livestock Why Tania Bacon is putting old chickens before the eggs
Egg farmer receives five-year ban over cruelty to thousands of hens
The owner of an egg farm south-west of Sydney is convicted over animal cruelty offences in relation to 4,000 hens. Source: ABC Livestock Egg farmer receives five-year ban over cruelty to thousands of hens
The unique chicken with a dark twist that's growing on Australian consumers
Australian consumers are slowly opening up to the idea of eating a different kind of poultry — the black-skinned chicken. Source: ABC Livestock The unique chicken with a dark twist that’s growing on Australian consumers
Salmonella egg contamination could result in slaughter of 200,000 birds
Authorities could order the destruction of hundreds of thousands of chickens at a Victorian poultry farm, after the detection of a rare strain of salmonella at the property sparked a massive supermarket egg recall. Source: ABC Livestock Salmonella egg contamination could result in slaughter of 200,000 birds
Farm owners 'devastated' after 8,000 chickens die in shed fire
Only a “handful” of birds escape after a fire kills 8,000 chickens at a family-owned business near Launceston in Tasmania. Source: ABC Livestock Farm owners ‘devastated’ after 8,000 chickens die in shed fire
Ingham’s 1H19 profit up 2.9pc despite high feed costs
Earnings from increased poultry volumes have helped offset high feed costs in the half-year ending 29 December 2018 for Ingham’s Group Limited, Australia and New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer…Read More Source: Grain Central Ingham’s 1H19 profit up 2.9pc despite high feed costs
Ingham’s opens Murray Bridge feedmill + VIDEO
Australia’s largest integrated poultry producer, Ingham’s, has opened a greenfield feedmill at Murray Bridge to supply its poultry production in South Australia, and bring in-house a feed supply arrangement previously in place with Ridley Corporation…Read More Source: Grain Central Ingham’s opens Murray Bridge feedmill + VIDEO
Backyard chooks could be a biosecurity time bomb
There is a growing risk your humble backyard chicken, pig or goat could contract a zoonotic disease, which can be deadly to humans, according to the CSIRO. Source: ABC Livestock Backyard chooks could be a biosecurity time bomb
Viability of WA egg farmers threatened by supermarket imports
The growing number of imported eggs on WA supermarket shelves threatens the viability of an already struggling local industry, egg producers warn. Source: ABC Grain Viability of WA egg farmers threatened by supermarket imports
Emu milkshake? Demand for eggs 'eight times the size of a chicken's' skyrockets
Demand for a uniquely Australian product is booming, with emu eggs featuring in some of the nation’s top restaurants and just one of them can feed a family. Source: ABC Livestock Emu milkshake? Demand for eggs ‘eight times the size of a chicken’s’ skyrockets
'Devastating' hail kills hundreds of chickens in Queensland town
Thursday afternoon’s wild hail storm leaves egg producer Leanne Geri from Tansey with the unenviable task of composting hundreds of chickens who were pelted to death. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Devastating’ hail kills hundreds of chickens in Queensland town
Plucky youngster cracks global chook fashion market, donates to good cause
Eleven-year-old Max Cosgrove has a growing business selling his homemade chicken clothing across the world, and he’s giving some of the proceeds to a charity close to his heart. Source: ABC Livestock Plucky youngster cracks global chook fashion market, donates to good cause
'Toxic' drought grain takes heavy toll on NSW poultry farm
An inability to source “top notch food” in dry times is seen as a key reason for the loss of a large number of award-winning heritage birds on a NSW poultry operation. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Toxic’ drought grain takes heavy toll on NSW poultry farm
Eggs recalled in Sydney after cluster of salmonella cases
The NSW Food Authority is investigating 23 confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning as Glendenning Farm eggs are recalled from small independent supermarkets and retailers in Sydney. Source: ABC Livestock Eggs recalled in Sydney after cluster of salmonella cases
Drought hits egg producers hard but egg prices unlikely to rise
Egg prices at the supermarkets are unlikely to rise despite farmers being hit hard with feed grain prices nearly doubled in the last six months. Source: ABC Livestock Drought hits egg producers hard but egg prices unlikely to rise
We care about the way our eggs are produced, but what about chicken meat?
Australians are concerned about the welfare of laying hens, but a NSW farmer says significant issues about the chicken meat industry are going unnoticed. Source: ABC Livestock We care about the way our eggs are produced, but what about chicken meat?
Why did a chicken cross 6,400km of roads?
Nathan Watson lives for his prized pedigree chickens and an epic road trip with his birds just scratches the surface of his commitment. Source: ABC Livestock Why did a chicken cross 6,400km of roads?
Processing of quails takes off in south-east Queensland
Large quail is on the menu as a main meal, thanks to a new processing facility in south-east Queensland. Source: ABC Livestock Processing of quails takes off in south-east Queensland
Two chickens 'set alight', RSPCA hunts for those responsible
The RSPCA calls for public assistance after two chickens are found to have been “deliberately set alight” in a South Australian park. The chickens were found in a skate park within Collins Reserve at Kidman Park in Adelaide on Sunday afternoon. Source: ABC Livestock Two chickens ‘set alight’, RSPCA hunts for those responsible
Chicken winning the consumption battle, but at what price?
Meat consumption by volume 1962 to 2015. The red line is chicken, the blue line is beef. Highlighting the extent to which consumption patterns are tied to a price point, the big spike in beef consumption occurred during the 1970’s when a cattle prices dropped by half and consumers enjoyed historically low beef prices…. Read more »
Red Lea collapse bites poultry producers, Ridley
The collapse of chicken processor, Red Lea, has forced its 30 NSW poultry producers to seek new supply agreements, and is expected to cost Ridley Corporation up to $7 million as it looks for a new source of raw material for its Maroota mill. The post Red Lea collapse bites poultry producers, Ridley appeared first… Read more »
Staff left in tears, unsure how to pay rent after Red Lea Chickens collapses
More than 500 workers in Sydney have their jobs terminated after the collapse of the Red Lea chicken company, leaving staff without pay and “eating two-minute noodles for dinner”, one former manager says. Source: ABC Livestock Staff left in tears, unsure how to pay rent after Red Lea Chickens collapses
Avalanche of public submissions seen over poultry welfare standards
There’s been an unprecedented response to a call for public submissions on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry, following the closure of the 90-day public consultation period yesterday, with more than 165,000 submissions were received by Animal Health Australia. The post Avalanche of public submissions seen over poultry welfare standards appeared… Read more »
Ingham’s buys Baiada’s Wacol feedmill
Australia and New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer, Ingham’s, has bought the Wacol feedmill west of Brisbane from Baiada as part of its push to expand feedmilling capacity in line with its continued growth in chicken and turkey production. The post Ingham’s buys Baiada’s Wacol feedmill appeared first on Grain Central. Source: Grain Central … Read more »
Producer embraces consumer demand for ethical eggs
After cracking into the ready-made meal market, one of Australia’s biggest egg producers is investing tens of millions of dollars in a new free-range egg farm to cater to increased demand for more ethical egg production. Source: ABC Livestock Producer embraces consumer demand for ethical eggs
Executive email reveals stoush over 'stage-managed' process to benefit egg industry
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is accused of allowing the drafting of new welfare standards for poultry to be “stage-managed” by industry in a process lacking “transparency”, “governance” and “independence”. Source: ABC Livestock Executive email reveals stoush over ‘stage-managed’ process to benefit egg industry
Chickens feel the heat too, so here's how to keep them cool
As a responsible chicken owner, it is up to you to look after your chickens when the weather is extreme. Source: ABC Livestock Chickens feel the heat too, so here’s how to keep them cool
Southern processors join forces to tender for cheaper power and gas
A group of Victorian and NSW beef, sheepmeat, pork and poultry processors have won competition regulator approval to join forces to tender for cheaper electricity and gas. The post Southern processors join forces to tender for cheaper power and gas appeared first on Beef Central. Source: Beef Central Southern processors join forces to tender… Read more »
Pastured Chickens: Raising food while regenerating the landscape
A farmer who spent several years working in sustainable agricultural policy at Federal level is now pursuing his dream of putting innovative principles into practice. His award-winning family run farm takes a ‘regenerative’ approach to farming that aims to produce food which is good for the animal, good for the land and good for the… Read more »
Council knocks back proposed broiler farm in Victoria's south-east
A small south-east Victorian community celebrates the local council’s decision to knock back a proposed 400,000 bird broiler farm, but the applicant could lodge an appeal. Source: ABC Livestock Council knocks back proposed broiler farm in Victoria’s south-east
Steggles closure estimated to cost Queensland chicken growers $150 million
The peak body for Queensland chicken meat producers say the closure of Baiada’s Steggles factory in southern Queensland is a devastating blow. Source: ABC Livestock Steggles closure estimated to cost Queensland chicken growers 0 million
Truck spills thousands of chickens onto motorway
Firefighters scramble to round up thousands of birds blocking a major road following a truck crash near the Austrian city of Linz. Source: ABC Livestock Truck spills thousands of chickens onto motorway
Former grazier turns to free-range egg production
A former grazier turned free-range egg producer says his fledgling business is booming as consumers become more conscious of how their food is produced. Source: ABC Livestock Former grazier turns to free-range egg production
What these fowls lack in feathers they make up for in fashion
While they might not be in full feather, these fowls are in full fashion in a bid to stay warm in the chilly winter months. Source: ABC Livestock What these fowls lack in feathers they make up for in fashion
2017 Wyandottes Queensland Annual State Championships

Entrants from near and far (including WA, northern NSW and Charters Towers) came to the Nanango Showgrounds on the 27th May to compete in this year’s Wyandottes Queensland Annual State Championship Show. The Wyandotte breed originates in North America and is named after a native American Indian tribe. They are very eye catching birds and can lay… Read more »
Throw some turkey bacon on the barbie
A South Australian free-range turkey farmer moves into speciality products including pepperoni, bacon and chorizo. Source: ABC Livestock Throw some turkey bacon on the barbie
Why does Yolk colour vary?

Consumers link egg quality to yolk colour. Depending on the nutrition of the laying hen, yolk colour can vary from a very pale yellow to deep orange. Pigments are transferred directly from the diet to the forming egg yolks in the ovaries. Hens fed diets based on wheat, barley, sorghum or other non-pigmented grains will… Read more »
Metre-tall chicken shines light on lesser-known breed
A giant chicken becomes an internet sensation after confused video watchers believe it is a person in a chicken costume. Source: ABC Livestock Metre-tall chicken shines light on lesser-known breed
Avian influenza global spread raises concerns for next human pandemic
South Korea destroys 20 per cent of its poultry industry with avian influenza while China records serious strains that has spread to people. Source: ABC Livestock Avian influenza global spread raises concerns for next human pandemic