This is the monthly email sent out in advance to all the chicken surogates so that you are all aware of the drop off day on Friday. There are a few people whom are not on the mailing list. If you know someone who has the chickens – let then know they can drop them off on Friday from 4pm.

The bushfood garden in the park at Fig Tree has offered it’s first reward. Native raspberries were discovered near the chook pen at the last working bee. I’ve never been overly excited about the flavours offered by our native veg, but these little red raspberries are a yummy score. Next time you’re at the Fig look for the bright red berries just near the chook pen in the park next to the garden.

Wood fired Oven Workshop

Starting Friday 2 November, you can learn to build a wood fired oven and pick up some Landscape Architecture qualifications in the process. The workshop runs for six Fridays from 9.00am-3.00pm. A few spaces are left. See the attached flyer for details. Phone Newcastle TAFE Outreach on 49 237184 or email debra.l.peek@tafensw.edu.au for bookings.

Chookies

The chicken surrogacy is nearing an end. While kids may be sad to relinquish custody of their feathered friends, I’m sure some adults are rejoicing at releasing the birds into the Fig Tree Chook Run.

At 4pm Friday 19 October an informal gathering at Fig Tree will herald the releasing of the birds.

Not all birds will be arriving back on this day, but all birds will be safe to enter the dome from this day. Some of the birds will be coming back on the working bee.

Some points to note about the Fig Tree Chickens are:
· The ladies will stay in the dome for a week or so before we cut the exit into the run. This will ensure they go back in at night.
· They will have a continuous feeder and waterer which will need to be checked daily, a roster is being set up for this.
· Food will be kept in the container in a rat proof box. The feeding roster will be there too.
· The chook house and run will be locked with padlocks and keys will be made available to those people who sign up to the roster.
· Food scraps are great for the chookies, but they need to be fresh as rotting scraps create problems for them. Anyone can throw the food scraps over the fence.
· Eggs will be a little way off yet, but when they come we’ll ensure that some go to the carers, some pay for the feed and some go to the working bee and other events.

Working Bee

Sun 28 October
Come and see the chickens roam free. 10am- lunch.

Happy Gardening

Imported from figtree.org.au