[fatbelly]

Can anyone recommend a really good book for someone who wants to start keeping chickens.

As a guide I obviously want to keep chooks for their eggs but I will also want to raise and keep chooks for the pot. I have been on Amazon but don't want to buy the wrong book.

[jonesblack]

Try this one, i think its all you need:-
Mini encyclopedia, Chicken breeds and care. ISBN:978 1 84286212 4

[carolbriar]

The Haynes Chicken book looks very good and will keep you going from beginner to experienced.  If you have access to a library perhaps you could see what books they have in and 'try before you buy'?  If the library don't have a particular book in, most will see if they have copies available in other libraries and will get it in for you - usually for a fee of about 50p.  Its a cheap way of seeing the books and then if you find one you really like then you can order it from Amazon.

[Gazchook]

Hi,

I just bought Keeping Chickens from Amazon. It came highly recommended and has some great pics as well as sound advice.

Less than 9 quid on Amazon, 14.99 in bookshops

Gaz

[gabbo]

i was going to ask the same thing, didnt know that about libraries - that will be our first stop 

[Gazchook]

Hi

I used the bookshop like the library, instead of having to wait for books I flicked through the ones available and found Keeping Chickens to suit a beginners needs. Nice to have a chicken book to look at while sitting out in the garden with them, but the real tips are found on this site. Lots of newcommers which is good, and lot's of experienced keepers who clearly enjoy sharing their knowledge.
I read somewhere the other day that chicken keeping is the country's fastest growing hobby. We have had our two Light Sussex for 3 weeks now and love having them around. Wish we'd done it years ago.

Good Luck

[Catsmuvva]

My first book was Starting with Chickens by Katie Thear which covers the basics but a far more comprehensive book is the Haynes Chicken Manual which I recommended on another thread and seems everyone who's got it agrees that it's great - good price on Amazon as well!

[22fox]

ive learnt more from this website than anywhere else and also home farmer is very good!!!!

I think best way is just to read the posts on here!