The Chicken: A Natural History

by Joseph Barber

A comprehensive, richly illustrated celebration of the natural history of the chicken

Inherently social creatures, chickens are enjoying a renaissance as prized members of many households and small farms. From feathers and flock formation to imprinting and incubating, The Chicken provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to understanding how chickens live, think, and act both alongside people and independently.

Starting with the evolution of chickens nearly 10,000 years ago and their adaptations to life with humans, The Chicken also analyzes the anatomy and behavior of modern domesticated chickens and provides practical tips for helping these amazing birds thrive. Featuring a stunning gallery of breeds with detailed profiles, the book also includes a directory of the most striking examples of chickens that have elevated this species from backyard egg producers to prize-winning poultry.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Nature

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Aaron Lebeouf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very highly recommend it to anyone who is even remotely interested in animal behavior or chickens or chicken behavior.

[André Bernhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only reason to have a garden would be to own chicken. My favourite: "Die Appenzeller Spitzhaube"!
Learn more about chickens - read this book :)

[Candis Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with more information than I ever thought I would want to know. The photographs of the chickens are wonderful.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many interesting factoids and I am only on chapter 3! My poor husband is going to be a chicken expert as I share these tidbits with him.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and interesting.