Let's All Keep Chickens!: The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World

by Dalia Monterroso

Dalia Monterroso, founder of the popular website Welcome to Chickenlandia, brings a fresh, inclusive voice to the community of backyard chicken keeping with this entry-level guide designed to empower anyone who's always wanted to keep chickens but may have thought it required special knowledge and a large investment in equipment. Monterroso's enthusiasm is contagious as she conveys the basics of chicken keeping, with an emphasis on low-cost, natural practices and shares her belief that humans have an innate ability to care for chickens. Asserting that the backyard chicken community welcomes everyone, she addresses a broad audience, including those in urban and suburban locations. Readers will learn how to plan their flock, how to raise baby chicks, what to look for in a chicken coop, how to keep chickens healthy naturally, and more. Drawing from her own experience as the child of Guatemalan immigrants, Monterroso celebrates how chicken-keeping has been practiced around the world and offers an opportunity to connect with previous generations and transcend cultural, racial, economic, and political divides.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Reference

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2023

Reviews

[Jess Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful chicken book I’ve read so far! I was able to get an electronic ARC from netgalley and preordered the paperback before I even got halfway through the book (yes, it’s that good!).

Just a disclaimer, I do not have chickens yet. My family is moving from a suburban to a more rural area and one of the first orders of business for us is a small backyard flock. We have friends who have kept chickens but we’ve never done so ourselves so I’m in “gather as much info as possible mode” right now. I cannot tell you how many websites and books I’ve read or how many YouTube and TikTok videos I’ve watched over the last six months or so but it’s A LOT. “Let’s all keep chickens” has been the most complete, easiest to understand guide. And it’s laid out in a helpful way that makes sense.

The reason I ordered this immediately is because I’m going to want it handy to answer my questions while we’re in the thick of it. For instance, I’ve been feeling intimidated about getting chicks. Grown birds don’t scare me but little fragile chicks did. The chapter on taking care of chicks was so thorough and explained what all is needed in such a way that I now feel completely capable and ready. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s thinking about getting some chickens off their own!

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for people who want to get started in keeping chickens. Especially if they have no clue. I found this one to be informative.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't possibly resist this book once I saw the title and the adorable cover! Thankfully the content lived up to my expectations!

As a disclaimer, I do not own chickens. I love chickens and have many friends that have chickens, but I am certainly a beginner in terms of understanding all of the ins and outs of chickens ownership. One day I would love some, but we currently have many small children taking up my time, so in the meantime, chickens books will have to suffice. That being said, this book is extremely approachable for a beginner with no experience. Dalia manages to include a vast amount of information in a fun and entertaining narrative. This is not your typical dry how to book. She beautifully weaves in her stories between informative chicken care and many lovely pictures abound for both. Her writing is both approachable and enjoyable to read. She is realistic and identifies both the joys and hardships of chicken ownership as well as including feeds recipes and so many other tips for keeping chickens happy and healthy. If you are considering jumping into owning chickens or if you already have a flock or even if you just love chickens and would like to be informed for a future or dream flock, this book is for you!

Storey Publishing's books have been so on point lately and I'm happy to add this one to my collection! I definitely will be keeping an eye on Dalia for potential future books!

Thank you to Storey Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, mostly because it’s not the ordinary down-home chicken keeping book. It’s political, it’s got Guatemalan history in it, it’s thoughtfully written.
I gave it 4 stars because it lacks a bibliography and repeats what many other books proclaim as heathy/medical herbal remedies for chickens. Monterroso has a lot of experience, but when it comes to this topic, I’d really like to see a peer reviewed scientific study. Of course, pushing back against corporate ag is part of the author’s point here, but Monterroso is very conscious of the expense of everything in the book, except for the homeopathic/aromatherapy tinctures she discusses.
Overall highly recommend.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

My timing couldn't be worse-- I decided last year that 2025 would be the year I got chickens for the coops that came with my house. Unfortunately, egg prices mean that now everyone is thinking about getting backyard chickens, which is going to make it harder for me to find hens or pullets. Boo.

But in the meantime, I'm still planning to, but I was born and raised in the suburbs. We didn't even have much in the way of a vegetable garden, let alone livestock. But like many people, over time I've gotten more curious about growing and raising my own food, or even just enjoying chickens as fluffy little companions. The thought of tossing kitchen scraps like strawberry hulls and broccoli stems and overly limp salad greens out to a tiny flock of dinosaurs in exchange for eggs... well, there's some appeal there. But first I have to learn how.

So I browsed the chicken keeping section of the library and picked out this one because it seemed the most legit. And I think overall I was right! I've done lots of online research, but there's such a broad range of advice. Monterroso's takes strike me as pragmatic-- people have been keeping chickens for millennia, they've been thoroughly bred to coexist with us without need for any expensive or exotic equipment. They're about as low maintenance as any animal can be, and can be kept anywhere from farm pastures to urban backyards.

She gives advice about brooding chicks, about how to set up your coop, and what to do if they get ill. And it's interspersed with stories about her experience keeping chickens and how her philosophy on it has changed over the years, becoming more intuitive and more in line of how our grandparents would have kept chickens.

All in all, I think this is a great guide for people who are chicken-curious, and it comes off as very encouraging and accessible. I may have to look into her Chickenlandia content, but if you're looking for a starting point on your chicken journey, you could do a lot worse than this.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction. I have read several books on keeping chickens since I decided to join the world of backyard chickens last year. This book is so different from the others, and so refreshing. While many chicken books make you feel inferior if you don't have a custom built shed turned coop complete with curtains for the nesting boxes, this book acknowledges that traditionally chicken keeping has been done by those with little means. The author refers back to her Guatemalan grandparents who let their chickens sleep outside in trees and mainly fed them with food scraps. While she acknowledges that we all do the best we can, she ensures us that any chicken that gets to spend its life outside of a factory farm is better for it.

This book addresses so many topics, but the one that has been mot valuable to me was mud. I had a horrible time keeping my chicken run dry, and she suggested using pine pellets in the run. I found some at the feed store, put them down in the run, and now the ground and the eggs are much cleaner. This book is definitely one that could be referred to as reference when needed but I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. I look forward to digging in more to the world of "Chickenlandia."

[Janet Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been awakened by chickens for a good percentage of my life, most of the adult portion spent in urban areas, and my assumption has been that many of these have been kept for eggs and meat. The ones I grew up with during my childhood on a farm certainly were. But at age 6, my husband received a fluffy chick that grew up to be the neighborhood watch chicken, raising a ruckus whenever cars pulled into any drive in his territory. Monterroso describes keeping small flocks of chickens, usually fewer than 10 birds, primarily as pets. They do live in the back yard in nicely constructed hutches in urban, suburban, small town, and rural areas, but her chickens are used to frequent handling and appear to be affectionate.. While the book is filled with anecdotes about keeping chickens, it also contains a lot of valuable information. She spends plenty of time describing personalities of particular breeds, not just their egg laying value. There is also information about which breeds are best for various environments and weather conditions. With lovely illustrations, this is a terrific read for anyone who is contemplating adding a chicken or two to the family..

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since we're getting a small backyard flock, I was very eager to read about natural practices for chicken-keeping. I found this book to be a great resource for the beginner chicken parent. The author provides lots of advice and suggestions that she's personally used, and does so in a very gentle way. She presents differing opinions that are found in the chicken keeping world, then explains why she makes her own choices. Although I didn't really care about the author's background story, some might find that to be very relatable and interesting. I was just there for the chicken info, and this book delivered.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book for review. Opinions shared are mine.

[Kris Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously!! We all need to keep chickens. For food security, the health of our gardens and environment, and because they are just so darn fun! Dalia Monterroso does a great job illustrating the ins/outs and ups/downs of chickencare. She goes into impressive detail on every topic including the breeds, housing, feed, “dis-ease” management, and navigating life in general wherever you are with your feathered friends. All of her advice is based on a phenomenal organic, sustainable, as-natural-as-it-gets worldview. This book should be on every urban and rural homesteader’s shelf. Go get you some chickens!

Thank you, NetGalley!

[Athena Nazario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently retired and relocated to a small farm in Virginia, we’re in the process of setting up our hobby farm. We’ve watched the President of Chickenlania Videos so I decided to read the book. So glad I did. Our chicks arrive in a few weeks and this guidebook eased some of my terrors about the process, I feel much more ready for the adventure. Additionally, her personal stories about immigration and family touched my heart. And her warm loving humor about family and her chickens were a much need positive booster in uncertain times! It’s a book I will use for practical applications, but also one I will return to for the stories.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many misconceptions about raising chickens and what to expect from the experience. I've known many people who pour lots of money into a hobby only to fail over and over again. Dalia Monterroso has written the kind of guidance I would write if I wasn't so lazy. She provides clear descriptions and meaningful hints and tips on how to start and maintain your chickens' health without becoming overwhelmed by the experience. My chickens are part of an enjoyable life outside the urban borders. If you are thinking of starting the chicken hobby, read this book first; you'll appreciate it more every day.

[Hayli Netterlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the perspective of this book and how easy the author made it to keep chickens. I agree that everyone should try to keep chickens if they can and that it’s not out of reach. She gives simple and doable options for readers but also shared the above and beyond ways to care for you flock if you can. I was encouraged by the stories in the book and the personal history that the author brought into the book rather than keeping it strictly educational. The writing was captivating, even for a book about keeping chickens.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - it is an accessible, straightforward, down to earth guide for anyone who wants to keep chickens (and like the title says, let's all do that!) I love how the author address issues or access, gatekeeping, sustainability and our shared human experience, while drawing from her own ancestry in Guatemala. There are even some nice recipes at the back of the book as a bonus! I kept chickens in the past, and plan to do so again and this was an excellent refresher and would be a wonderful intro for anyone interested in raising their own chicks! Let's all keep chickens!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Review Copy! All opinions are my own!

[JoJo Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone new to owning chickens (or is considering owning chickens). It is written by an American author, so is heavily directed towards an American audience, but there is a lot of good advice there.

I have to admit, I’ve owned hens for years and so I skim-read large parts of the book because it wasn’t relevant to me in my chook journey.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like YouTube Dalia better than author Dalia. On her channel, she is sweet and fair and funny and encouraging and informative

She was often all those things in this book, too. But I expect more from a book: sharp editing, more depth, more definition, excellent illustrations and that all photos would be of you and your actual chickens and your actual setup not stock photos.

Worth taking out of the library and reading but not worth owning as a reference.

[Ryan Walsh | Between the Rows at Hill Street Gardens · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ I’ve read my fair share of books about keeping poultry, but I always find myself coming back to this one. Let’s All Keep Chickens! by Dalia Monterroso has become my go-to reference for caring for my own flock.

Dalia shares a wealth of practical information, neatly divided into eleven chapters. She covers everything from setting up your coop and feeding routines to treating common ailments and caring for older hens. It’s truly a one-stop guide for anyone raising chickens -from fluffy chicks to wise old layers.

What I love most is how approachable the information is. The writing is clear, engaging, and easy to follow, whether you’re new to poultry keeping or have years of experience. I’ve tried several of Dalia’s holistic recipes with great success. My favorite is her Parasite Repellent Spray, a simple blend of essential oils, liquid soap, and water. I use it weekly to keep pests like mites and earwigs from taking up residence in the coop or nesting boxes.

The book is also full of cheerful color photos, many of them featuring Dalia’s own flock. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her chickens dining out of Fiestaware bowls!

For even more tips and fun, be sure to visit Dalia’s YouTube channel, Welcome to Chickenlandia, where her passion for poultry really shines.

I give Let’s All Keep Chickens! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — five stars for its thoughtful, well-organized, and often humorous approach to chicken care. It’s informative without ever feeling overwhelming, and it’s become an essential part of my homestead bookshelf.

This truly is my go-to reference for chicken raising!

Between the Rows at Hill Street Gardens
Reviews on Instagram

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Generally level-headed, down-to-earth advice with a philosophy that I find appealing. Clearly I'd recommend skipping the bits on homeopathy, but Monterroso's kind-hearted tone and her focus on making chicken-keeping accessible is laudable. This has been a good 'borrow from the library' reference book.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re new to chicken raising this is a great book. Dalia really tries to give good advice without making people feel bad. (Chicken groups on Facebook are NOT as friendly.) Her advice is solid and helpful. I really recommend her YouTube channel in which she shares basically everything in her book and more.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for the beginning chicken keeper.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot of good info, worth a read and keeping on the shelf

[Tess Desire'e · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Good beginner book. Mostly rooted in her personal experience and no bibliography included.

[Brittany G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful quick and heartfelt read for an introduction into the world of magnificent chickens. I’d recommend this book to anyone wishing to start.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been reading a few chicken books lately because THE CHICKS ARE COMING. I really enjoyed this one! AND found it helpful.

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun book! Super helpful guidance for chicken care.