Customer Reviews

Chickens: Tending A Small-Scale Flock For Pleasure And Profit (Hobby Farms)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is my absolute favorite book on chickens. It is beautifully illustrated on wonderful paper stock. Also it has a wealth of information on chicken history, choosing the right breed, raising chicks, chick/chicken health & common diseases, coop design, broody breeds/non-broody breeds, feeding requirements and much more. I especially liked the listing of the different breeds traits and the photo of the chicken 1st Aid Kit the author kept and how she really went into depth about what breeds layed the brown, deep brown eggs, white eggs and about the broody breeds.

One of the most handy things in this book is the index of hatcheries, poultry supply companies and college and extension service listing of handy websites. It's a nice thing when you are looking for a specific service for your chickens.

The colorful pages, photo's and easy to read charts make this book easily readable. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in chickens.

LOVE IT!

Okay, ha ha, I'm writing a review for a book about chicken farming. But wow, it's a great book! Ever since visiting a farm a few years ago, my daughter has been obsessed by the idea of owning chickens. Of course those were free-range WILD chickens. And we live in a mostly urban area with a tiny yard. So I expected having chickens was not possible.

I went though a dozen+ books about chickens and chicken care, and they all read like textbooks. Focussed mostly on large-scale farming for profit. So when I found this book, it blew me away. It's all about how to keep your bird/s healthy and happy. (not how to turn a profit with mass quantities) It's surprisingly intellegent, often compassionate, with a tasteful amount of humor. It educated me and sold me on the idea that chickens were something more than... well, lunch.

So now we have a very special, and much loved house-chicken named Jelly Bean. She's the joy of our lives! I don't know why people want parrots. hehe

I bought a lot of chicken books before I got my first day-old chicks this past spring; this is my favorite one! I keep referring to it over and over. Great basic info. for those of us who have never done chickens before, with lots of practical tips and tricks from those who have been doing it forever! A few goofy, annoying typos and such, but I was willing to overlook those for the good info.!

Sue Weaver truly did a masterful job with this book. Out of the eight chicken books I own this is by far the easiest to read. If you know nothing about chickens this book is the one you should buy. Even if you do own chickens this book will still educate you and is well worth reading. It gives you great information, and it does it in less than 150 pages. It also was wonderful photos. This book is straight and to the point, easy to read, and has a guide to internet sources and the such if further information on any given topic is needed. In my experience of looking at numerous chicken books most are dry reading and fall short of getting you the information in a quick and enjoyable fashion. This book is quick, informative and enjoyable. You might also look at "Choosing and Keeping Chickens" by Chris Graham if your looking for a how to chicken book that comes with a breed guide with it. I own that book as well as this book, and I'm glad I own both.

This is a great book for anyone starting out or all ready in to the business, this book is easy to read, lots of information, and great pictures. I have chickens already but still love to learn new things, great book.

I have read many books as I became interested in having backyard chickens in the suburbs. This book was one of the few that seemed to really understand more about those of us who regard chickens as pets who graciously give us eggs instead of egg or meat machines. Nice color photographs and good information. No book should be the ONLY book if you want chickens but this one is a great one to start with!

This books gives a great overview of tending a small flock of chickens. From choosing the right birds for you, to care and tending of your flock. Great glossary and Resource lists.

If you are just starting a flock of backyard chickens, this is THE ONE book you need. It is geared toward people who want to keep a dozen or less chickens, and gives you a very good idea of what to do when, what to expect, the difference in breeds and which ones suit your needs, etc.. Everything from egg production to which birds are quietest, if you're worried about neighbors. Although at the top of all the hatcheries list, Storey's "Raising Chickens" should be your second book. But if you're only getting one, I recommend this ONE.

I just began raising chickens a few weeks ago. I have learned so much from this book, such as why my chickens are losing their feathers. (They're molting) Who knew? Haha. I highly recommend this book for beginners.

For a newbie like myself I found this book extremely helpful & warmly written. Even though it's packed full of great information they make it clear that they haven't gone into deep detail due to book space but they have a 'Resource' section at the end that refers the reader to many more websites and books that offer all types of information which may not be covered in this book. I find the detail provided quite sufficient so far though. I love the set up of the information, compartmentalised and very readable. I recommend it highly as a reference book & also for information of further resources available. Unfortunately for me, an Aussie, it's an American based book so some details aren't relevant, although not enough to make a huge difference.
I was SORELY disappointed with Amazon offering 'free postage' & even though I qualified on the site, after I placed my order they then disclosed that I would be charged expensive postage & handling for every item regardless of the fact that I bought 12 books at once from them. Won't be back to buy but glad I have this book anyway.