Dordogne towns count on chickens

TWO towns in Dordogne are counting on their chickens to cut household waste.

The Syndicat Départemetal des Déchets (SMD3) has offered residents in Saint-Astier and Neuvic the chance to own pairs of the feathered composters to reduce levels of organic waste, the newspaper Sud Ouest has reported.

The scheme is similar to ones that SMD3 has already set up in Barsac, Gironde, and Barbezieux, Charente. If successful, this latest project could be rolled out across the Dordogne next year.

And it has proved popular with residents. L’Express reports that chickens will eat up to 150kg of organic waste - such as peelings, salads, pasta, cheese rinds, rice, and potatoes - and lay about 200 eggs a year.

As well as the animals, residents will receive a manual to help keep chickens, a rudimentary hen house and a bag of beans to get them started.

The chickens are set to be supplied by La Jardinerie Duponteil in Saint-Médard-de-Mussidan at the end of the summer.

Photo: Lolly Knit