Urban Chicks

Celebrating Backyard Chooks in the City

By Trevor Newman and Renee Lang

‘What is clear is that pro-chicken sentiment is on the rise in New Zealand; chickens are increasingly appreciated and sought after as unique avian companions. This lovingly crafted book epitomises just how much “chooks” remain a significant part of our busy urban lives.’  

From the foreword by Annie Potts, BSc, PhD

There’s nothing new about chickens in the backyard, especially if you live in the countryside or even a semi-rural environment. But the growing trend of keeping chickens in a suburban – and in some cases inner-city – backyard is something else. These days hens are hot! A truly impressive number of city backyards are now home to chooks of an amazing array of breeds and colours including – but not limited to – glossy Orpingtons and Barnevelders, delicate Houdans and Aracaunas, fluffy white Chinese Silkies and, of course, good old brown Shavers. 

Through a series of stunning colour photographic portraits and concise interviews, Urban Chicks showcases 55 Auckland households and their feathered inhabitants. Along with a host of families, young working couples, solo households and people sharing flats are well-known individuals including food writer Julie Biuso, Shortland Street actress Rachel Forman, DYI expert Justin Newcombe, Green Goddess Wendyl Nissen and Labour politician David Cunliffe. What they all have in common is a love for their chooks.

Urban Chicks also features an illustrated ID guide to different breeds and lots of useful tips on how to keep your chooks – urban or otherwise – happy and healthy. And it is great fun.

Renaissance Publishing - $35.00

Below, shots from the happy book.
Top to bottom - Brian Holland, the Cunliffe Family, Wendyl Nissen.