There are so many wonderful books out there on the backyard poultry scene, that sometimes it is hard to know which one to give to a new or experienced chicken owner. The books with chicken themes have really exploded as more and more people take up the hobby. I have tried to list books that I think are especially good and ones that I have owned or looked at myself. Some of these choices should be in everybody’s chicken library and others are just fun to look at and dream.
The Small Scale Poultry Flock by Harvey Ussery and Joel Sperfectalatin is an especially great book for backyard chicken raising. I highly recommend it. Ussery knows what he is talking about.
The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow. This was the first book I bought after becoming a chicken owner and I have referred to it constantly over the years for answers relating to disease and health.
Another great book by Gail Damerow Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens. My copy is well worn from reading. No one should be without this book especially when starting out.
Why Did The Chicken Cross The World by Andrew Lawler. I found this book fascinating. It tells the history of chickens. You appreciate your bird all the more when you can understand its background and heritage.
How to Speak Chicken by Melissa Caughey is a fun read. She helps you to understand what your chicken is trying to communicate to you and to other chickens. It will give you insight as to why chickens behave the way that they do.
The Chicken Encyclopedia is another from Gail Damerow. You will find everything from A-Z concerning chickens. She covers breeds, health, behavior and anything else you can think of.
I love books with pictures of all the different chicken breeds. Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekaruius is full of great information and eye catching color illustrations. I love to page through it looking at all the different breeds especially before attending a poultry show.
Extraordinary Chickens by Stephen Green-Armytage is really a fun book to look at. It is full of fantastic photos. Eye candy for sure. Our family loves looking at this book.
For tips and tricks for raising outstanding silkies check out our Chicken Learning Center at VJPPoultry.com . VJP Poultry is an NPIP and state inspected hatchery located 30 miles north of St. Paul. We hatch out silkies all year long so we always have stock available. Like us on Facebook to get weekly updates on what we currently have for sale.
Victoria J. Peterson
VJP Poultry 