Back in February Environment Minister Rob Stokes announced funding for a new chicken pen and storage shed at John Therry Catholic High School to help students learn about sustainable living. So what are the benefits of having a chicken pen?

Backyard chickens are healthier Factory farmed chickens are kept in confined and unsuitable areas and are often fed an unnatural diet with hormones to increase growth on the cheap. Unhappy surroundings add to the stress of the chickens, this affects the taste and nutrients of the eggs and also limits the amount of eggs each hen can produce. If you're not convinced, check out our blog on chicken slaughterhouses. The eggs are more nutritious Eggs from the backyard have 25% more vitamin E, a third more vitamin A, and 75% more beta carotene. They also contain more omega-3 fatty acids than factory or farmed eggs.

“This new chicken pen will provide an authentic animal husbandry learning experience for students. It will also help the whole school community share social skills and build an understanding of sustainable living.” - Bryan Doyle, Member for Campbelltown

Chickens do great things for your compost Chicken poo is high in nitrogen which is really good for your compost bin. The best part? You can even compost their egg shells. The eggs taste better Eggs in the grocery store can sit there for weeks! Air can seep into the porous eggshell and it affects the nutrients, taste and consistency of the eggs. Fresh eggs should have firm whites and really bright orange yolks. Another great thing: no more bulky egg cartons in your fridge!

They are a great lesson for your kids I believe it's important for kids (and adults!) to have a connection to their food, and understand where it came from: the farm-to-plate chain. They will also love collecting the eggs, and learn how to care for animals in the process.

“By encouraging social responsibility and modelling sustainable practices to students, this project will have a positive impact on the wider community.” - Doyle on the Student Chicken Pen