What book would be recommended for a beginner that discusses chicken genetics? At the risk of using an oxymoron, a 'simple genetics' book. I've been through cell biology, biochem and a few other biology classes, so it doesn't have to be on the grade school level. Maybe a better way of asking would be for an 'easy reading' genetics book on chickens? Or would a breeding book be more appropriate or the same thing? I have lots of genetics/cross-breeding questions from following a lot of these genetic post threads.
I am working on a book for breeders. It is taking me a long time to write the book because of the nature of the subject. Making difficult concepts understandable to the average person ( does not have a university degree in chemistry and biology) is not a simple task. The vast majority of chicken fanciers are intelligent individuals that just need to have the information explained to them. Most of the time it is just a language barrier. Once a person knows the meaning of a word, they come to an understanding. Just having the information in a format that is easily accessed is a big help. I am presenting the information in different formats which takes even more time. I work over 50 hours a week at my job and spend some of my time answering genetics questions. I am off today. I also sell eggs and have 5 breeding programs going at this time. I have around 75 birds in my grow out house and in my brooders. My job should be less stressful after Jan 1 so I should have more time to write that is if I do not go crazy in the next month. I would like to have the book published some time in 2010. This is all dependent upon me having time to write. I would love to have the book available sooner but I have to take pictures of chickens and chicks for the book. I will also have to do some breeding projects to fill gaps in the research ( this most likely will put off the book being published). Tim
Tim, you recommended a good book to me a few months ago: Brian Reeder's An Introduction to Color Forms of the Domestic Fowl. I is really jam packed with info in a very bare-bones format, so rereading has been a must for me. The only complaint I have is the lack of photos. I don't have a good mental picture of all the different colours and patterns, so I have to refer back to the internet frequently to get a look at things like the Red Jungle Fowl.
Thanks Tim and kinnip. I have followed a lot of the genetics threads and would/will buy your book Tim. I really like the advice and explainations you give. Often I find myself wanting just a short simple answer but once I get into the subject I scratch my head and ask "well why is that? "and want more information. Being able to present information in that format is hard to do and I wish you well in your endevor.
I have a rather extensive background in the scientific field. My understanding is that chickens have a rather complex and facinating genetic profile. I have even heard that there are quite a few universities looking at particular chicken breeds as a window to past species long extinct. Some think that chickens are direct decendents of the "luke warm blooded" raptors. I can tell you this. I have a blue and gold macaw parrot and sometimes i think T-Rex has come back to life. The first time I witnessed a chick hatching, i sat up ALL night and waited for the rest to hatch. I was completely engrossed and totally facinated by the process. They seem to combine so many things in thier effort to grow up. If any one would just sit back and think about it, the moma hen is one of the best wired animals on the face of this planet and thier chicks are not far behind.
Tim, I just wanted to let you know, I too would buy your book in an instant. I have been trying to read The Genetics of the Fowl, but it is pretty difficult to understand. I get some of the simplier points, but like you said it is difficult to decipher to laymans terms. Try not to lose your mind next month and get that book done!
