Chickens crack market at pubs, shops and footy

CAMPBELL Harcourt’s chickens have moved from their coop near the mulberry tree to sharing a lush lucerne paddock with sheep.

It’s been one of the big changes for the Pompapiel youngster since his Golden Girls eggs were first sold earlier this year.

A selling network to family and friends has expanded to more than a dozen shops, cafes, butchers and hotels across the Loddon.

The eggs are even sold at local football matches where Campbell has been volunteering to help in the canteen at Serpentine, Calivil and Pyramid Hill.

Less active laying in winter by his several hundred chickens has also seen supply outstripped by demand in Inglewood, Wedder burn and Boort and nearer home at Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo and Din gee.

“We have moved them to new lucerne pasture ... they are eating good sheep food but also being fed chicken food,” said Campbell of his chickens now competing for grazing land a the self-replac ing Merino flock.

Campbell has met challenges of supply and distribution with determination following the unexpected passing of his mother Sharon just weeks after the egg empire took off in March.

Husband Darryl Chappel said: “Campbell’s mum was very into supporting him with the business and would be proud of how things have grown.”

“I’m a farmer and to cold call people talking about chooks took me out of the comfort zone,” Darryl said.

“And the workload increased.

The chickens were Sharon and Campbell’s thing.”