The Sydney Chicken Farmer

Aleksandras Šalūga arrived in Australia in 1949. After trying work in a factory, he went to work part-time on a farm. The farm had a very neglected young garden and was not very profitable. Aleksandras suggested to the owner that he buy 1000 chickens as joint property and start a chicken farm. The chickens made a good profit and Aleksandras suggested to the owner to expand the chicken farm to 5000 chickens. The owner did not want to agree to this, because he was more interested in tidying up the neglected garden. Due to misunderstandings that arose, Aleksandras left the farm, and since he did not survive the time specified in the contract, he had to give up half of the chickens he owned. Then he rented a chicken farm without chickens for 4 pounds a week and, having bought 1500 chickens, began farming independently. His wife looked after the chickens, and he himself found work to earn money for chicken feed and rent. But the farm he rented did not satisfy Aleksandras. A year later he bought a 10-acre plot in York Road, Kellyville, suitable for a chicken farm. When buying the farm, it was taken into account that it would have shelter from the south, a slope to the north, and most importantly, that chickens had not been kept on that farm before, because due to the widespread diseases of chickens, one could buy a farm not only with all the amenities, but also with various diseases that have led many a chicken farmer to bankruptcy.

The farm was named "Sodyba". Having quickly arranged and renovated the farm, he moved into it with his own 1200 chickens. He gave up his job because he had to manage his farm, and besides, the chickens gave him enough income to live on and buy building materials. For example, this year Aleksandras received about 800 pounds from a hatchery of 1000 chickens. Feed cost 300 pounds. After the hatching season, he sends the eggs to the Egg Marketing Board and receives about a third less. Aleksandras says that in general, it is impossible to say that chickens are very profitable. This depends on the number of chickens, their breed and age. There are a lot of chicken diseases in Australia, and they need to be fought with dedication. 

In 1958, Aleksandras purchased an orchard farm at Cairns Rd, Glenorie, near Sydney.  He had about 1000 fruit trees, aged between 12 and 25 years old. 

Aleksandras died in July 1970, aged 66–67 of heart disease. He is buried Field of Mars Cemetery, Ryde, City of Ryde, New South Wales.

Photo from Musu Pastoge but enhanced with AI.

Sources

• 1953-11-02-MUSU-PASTOGE
• 1958-01-27-MUSU-PASTOGE
• SALUGA Aleksandras [aka SHALUGA Alexander] born 9 February 1903
• SALUGA Sigrida [aka SHALUGA Sigrid] born 25 September 1904
• Kristen Mercer Local History and Information Services Officer The Hills Shire Council