Ocean Grove “chicken whisperer” releases new book

AN OCEAN Grove legend has released a tell-all story of experiences caring for rehomed and rescued chooks over 12 years.

A Bellarine resident for more than 40 years, Elaine Janes has accomplished a major personal milestone by releasing her first published book.

Ms Janes, known by many across Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads for training chickens and roosters locally for more than a decade, said she was excited for residents to read her book Under My Wing, which is now available for purchase.

“Quite a few people have asked me to do a book with them over the years, but I just didn’t have the time.

“I’ve written many stories over the years of the chooks I have taken in, and I remember every single one of them, once I take in a chook they stay with me until they die, and this book helps me tell others about each one I’ve had.”

An out-of-the-blue phone call between Ms Janes and professional publisher Janet Brown rekindled discussions of Ms Elaine releasing a book, which Ms Jones agreed to almost instantly.

The book is a collection of short stories recounting 16 of Ms Janes’ birds she has cared for at her Ocean Grove residence.

She said it was an emotional time collating materials for her book, reminiscing on all of the times, both good and bad, with each of her about 50 chooks dating back to 2012.

“Each chicken is different, it is good that people understand these animals are like us and not just pieces of meat, they are little characters who can be naughty, mischievous, but also fun and curious – I love them all though and that’s the main thing.

“There is also room for one more if they are in need of a home.”

Ms Janes is also an avid and active community member, volunteering at The Potato Shed in Drysdale, writing for the Humans in Geelong publication, a former mature-aged weightlifting champion and ballet dancer.

Now 79 years old, Ms Janes said her first chicken Flapper was the reason why she began looking after chickens, and her most loved and remembered chook still to this day, despite Flapper’s death two years ago.

Her writing style in Under My Wing is easy to read with a focus on appealing to all book lovers no matter their age.

Ms Brown said the collection of stories was surprising, sweet and poignant.

“I felt compelled to publish Elaine’s stories, because I really think that one thing the world needs now is more stories about kindness.

“Isn’t it great that she is a having her first book released at this stage of her life!”

Head to amazon.com.au to purchase Ms Janes’ book.