When I thought about writing this blog post, I picked up my most beloved chicken books. As I flipped through the pages, there were underlined sentences, words with stars, notes in the margins, and pages that looked worn. I am a lover of books and the memories of my learning journey they hold.
Want to learn more about chicken keeping, but you don’t know where to start?
Here are my Top 5 Book recommendations below and why I love each one.
This book is great for kids! The author, Jenna Woginrich, walks you through the first weeks and months of a chicks life. There are pictures that show what a chicken looks like at a certain age and the behavioral characteristics they display. There are also helpful hints for housing hens, when to take them off heat, and when to expect them to lay their first egg. Overall though, I love that this book and how it walks you through a chicks development week by week.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
This is the first chicken book I ever bought before I had any chickens. I was at a local garden store when it caught my eye at the top of a book shelf. After reading this book, I knew I needed chickens! Jessi Bloom, local to the Pacific Northwest, shows you how wonderful life is with chickens by exploring how to incorporate them into your garden. She discusses the types of trees, herbs, and plants that are good for chickens. She also gives you coop ideas, garden layouts, and how to compost. My biggest take away was the padlock system on how to rotate your chickens so they always have fresh grass. When I flip through the pages of this book it makes me smile. All of the underlining, stars, and notes in the margins takes me back to the days when the idea of chickens was so new to me. The excitement of it all still lingers…
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Homesteader’s Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook
The author, Amy Fewell, has a wonderful way of inviting you into her home through her words and photography. I truly appreciate the fact that she photographs her own images, which allows you to see things through her lens. In Amy’s book, she talks about chicken breeds, hatching chicks yourself, how to naturally keep your flock healthy without chemicals, and even how to start an egg/chick business. She was definitely the person who inspired me to make Central Valley Homestead the business it is. I invite you to take a stroll through her pages of inspiration and home remedies!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
This book is great for planning out your chicken friendly garden from location to raised beds. Lisa Steele covers the best herbs to use for the health of your chickens and how to maximize egg production. You’ll also discover creative ways to incorporate chickens into your garden with a fun nesting box, warm garden, and proper composting. Additionally, in the back are suggested perennials and annuals for your landscaping needs.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Last, but certainly not least, is this fun book filled with chicken keeping hacks. Want to make a tutu for your chicken? How about an egg holder or treat station? You’ll be able to repurpose or find materials for cheap to do these hacks. Plus, you and your chickens will love the excitement that some of these creative ideas bring!