General News
11 August, 2023
Student hatches scheme for a chook house at his school
Warracknabeal Primary School is about to enrol a few new feathered friends, thanks to the plucky efforts of one of its students. But these will be a class apart - kept separately from their schoolmates in their own wing. Archer Keam is so passionate...
Warracknabeal Primary School is about to enrol a few new feathered friends, thanks to the plucky efforts of one of its students.
But these will be a class apart - kept separately from their schoolmates in their own wing.
Archer Keam is so passionate about chickens, he's persuaded his school to add a few chooks to its roll call - and invest in a portable chicken coop to house them.
“It was my idea to get chickens at school because I’ve had a long love for chickens," Archer said.
"I think people in primary school should be able to enjoy them too.”
But it's been a long road from the hatching of his plan to the hen house.
Twelve-year-old Archer, one of the school's four captains, first egg-spressed his idea to the Student Voice and Leadership team last year.
He was so encouraged by the school, he set about his mission to bring the chickens home to roost.
After months of chicken-leg work, Archer egged on local businesses, convincing them of the benefits of keeping chickens at school, and they donated the cash to support him.
“We had a goal of $3400, which was quite a big goal," Archer said.
"So we got posters, went down the street, and gave them to businesses to ask if they would like to donate.
"We got quite a few responses, which we’re very glad for, and we raised $4000.
“Once we raised it, we ordered it."
The chicken house on wheels - officially bought by the primary school - is due to arrive at the end of this month.
It's a mini-caravan for chickens, custom-built by the Chicken Caravan company from Port Macquarie, NSW, with a built-in feeder and drinkers, as well as automated doors, lights, and rollaway nesting boxes to keep the eggs clean before collection.
Archer is planning to start the project with six chickens.
“We’ll start with a healthy number - six - because sometimes you lose the chickens,” he said.
“We could sell the eggs, or we could put them into the canteen where they can make food with them.
“We could also put a small scrap bin in all the classrooms to feed the chickens.”
Archer has 11 chickens at his home, and he can't wait to welcome his new brood.
“I'm very happy," he said. "It's a great sensation. I'm very glad we went through with the idea.
“I’ve always thought that we should have them here, ever since I was in prep, because I’ve grown up around chickens.
“They are just great creatures to have around.”
The hens will be boarding at the school in a few weeks.
And with a little cluck, Archer will be one step closer to his ambition... of becoming a chicken farmer, of course.