: BIG BOOK, Good explanation of everything chicken, helpful tips, basic advise on chicken health, coop recommendations, great for beginners!
: Cluttered at times.
I checked out Raising Chickens for Dummies before I got my first flock. The book was written by experienced chicken keepers (one of them created this website!) and it is written clearly. The book covers a vast range of topics from how an egg is made, incubation coop building, broken wings, to chicken's social order. Although it can seem a bit overwhelming for those not accompanied to chickens, it takes things in a logical order and explains things well. As well as a book for beginners, it can also be used as a reference for breeds and health issues. Although not a complete list, it can give you basic information on popular breeds, such as broodiness and hardiness. The health section is also helpful, it suggests methods to heal your chickens (or how to end it's life!) than head to a vet which would be costly. Definitely recommended as a bible for beginners and a quick read for experts. Make sure you get a separate book on health issues to cover the more 'rare' problems.