Swampy Marsh is selling his chicken farm.

Mr Marsh, who was integral in maremma dogs guarding penguins on Middle Island, which then inspired hit movie Oddball, is selling his Purnim property as he prepares for a six to 12-month European adventure.

“I’m five months off turning 70 and the way it’s going I could do another 10 years,” he said. “But when you’re dealing with livestock you can’t go away and leave them for a period of time, especially when you’ve raised them since they were chicks.”

Mr Marsh’s business in Purnim includes six sheds, two portable igloos, three trucks, two tractors and 10,000 free range chickens.

“I don’t mean ‘leave the door open of the shed’ free range, I mean organic chooks, with portable sheds and sustainable pasture.”

He plans to finish his Peter Brock tribute 1985 Sandown Commodore and drive it across the Stevio Pass between Italy and Switzerland.

In Italy, he hopes to catch up with friends, actor Shane Jacobson, who portrayed his character in Oddball and jazz musician James Morrison.

“We might even film the drive and use it in our new idea of filming Top Gear in Australia,” he said.

Mr Marsh hopes to get the funding for another local blockbuster.

“I’ve got a few ideas in mind, I think it’ll be easier to sell the idea of another local film after the success we had with Oddball.”

As a poultry farmer Mr Marsh has had his fair share of controversy over the years, including disputes with Moyne Shire and the refusing to comply with licence conditions in the sale of raw milk.

“I’m on top of the world at maintaining my own balance,” he said.

Mr Marsh admits he will miss the customers at a Melbourne farmers’ market where he sells his eggs each week.

“There’s money to be made at those farmers markets,” he said “I sell eggs for $1 each up there.

“There’s nothing better than driving back over the Westgate Bridge with an empty truck and a pocket full of money.”

But now it’s time to retire. “I don’t want to say goodbye but it’s time to get down off the perch before I fall off.”