Best chicken raising book and a breed book?

zooweemama

Songster
7 Years
Apr 17, 2012
3,855
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Far Northern California
I did use the search tool here. I did read other threads about it but still undecided. I have Storrey's guides: one for Geese and one for Ducks. Find both to be good. I have a Holderreads one for Duck (excellent) and one for Geese (also excellent). But he doesn't DO chickens...sooo... can anyone help point me in the right direction? I want some in-depth coverage on care, and possibly coops suggestions. For the breeding coverage (it's ok if it's a separate book)- I really want to read up on breed standards, how to breed, how to breed selectively for various things. I will only be managing 2 breeds myself- Buff Orps and Black Copper Marans. I love to immerse myself in reading and learning so I look forward to your suggestions. Thank you so much!

My 4 Buff Orp and 2 Black Copper Marans arrive this evening and I am so excited. :D
 
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Hi Zooweemama-

I highly recommend The Small-Scale Poultry Flock by Harvey Ussery.

From the table of contents:
Why Bother?, The Integrated Small-Scale Flock, Your Basic Bird, Planning the Flock, Starting the Flock, Housing, Manure Management in the Poultry House: The Joys of Deep Litter, Watering, Pasturing the Flock, Managing the Pastured Flock Using Electronet, Mobile Shelters, Putting the Flock to Work, Chickens in the Garden, A Question of Balance, Thoughts on Feeding, Purchased Feeds, Making Our Own Feeds, Feeding the Flock from Home Resources, Cultivating Recomposers for Poultry Feed, One Big Happy Family, Protecting the Flock from Predators, Helping the Flock Stay Healthy, Managing the Winter Flock, Other Domestic Fowl, Breeding for Conservation and Breed Improvement, Managing the Breeding Season, Working with Broody Hens, Butchering Poultry, Poultry in the Kitchen, Serving Small Local Markets.

As far as breed standards go, with the internet, you can easily find that information. I'm sure there is a club for every breed of chicken and they'll have standards for their breed on their website. You can also order The Standard of Perfection from the American Poultry Association: http://www.amerpoultryassn.com/APA_ShoppingMall3.htm

Hope this helps!
 

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