Living with Chickens: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Your Own Backyard Flock

by Jay Rossier, American Poultry Association (Introduction), Geoff Hansen (Photographer)

Chickens-why not? Tens of thousands of people in all areas of the country enjoy raising these birds, whether for food or companionship. You can, too, with this indispensable guide. Then again, you may want to read Living With Chickens just for the sheer joy of it.
Straightforward prose and dozens of clear, detailed illustrations gives any future chicken farmer the tools he needs to get started, from step-by-step instructions on building the coop to a brief background on chicken biology ("gizzard talk"); from hints on getting high-quality eggs from the hens, to methods for butchering. Vermonter Jay Rossier draws on his own experiences and those of his fellow poultrymen in discussing how to keep marauders from the chicken coop, the benefits of homemade grain versus commercial, and how to live (and sleep) with a rooster in your midst. Personal anecdotes, interesting facts, and lush, full-color photographs of the birds and their landscape round out this comprehensive book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Gardening, Food, Nature, Reference, How To

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jessica Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my way to homesteading

[Jo Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I learned that I didn't previously know about keeping chickens:
1. the progression of a molt. Our Leah should be starting to lay again any day.
2. letting the manure mix with the litter on the floor of the coop and composting there over the winter. This is accelerated by throwing some scratch over it so the hens break up the droppings. Clean it out in the spring and add fabulous compost to the vegetable garden.

[KA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to keeping chickens, with photographs of local chickens by a neighbor of ours. Instantly helpful.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book--the photograph are teriffic. Good info on feeding, but parts of it were a little more technical than I'll probably ever need (and aimed at those keeping bigger flocks than I'm planning on). Also, big emphasis on meat birds, including a step-by-step butchering guide. Not for me! On the plus side, a very detailed explanation (with illustrations) on how to determine if a hen is laying, and how many eggs she's laid in her lifetime--cool!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read for a snowy December as I daydreamed about what would one day be a yard filled with peeping chicks and happy hens. Great resource and wonderful images. I borrowed this book from my local library.

[Michael Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was curious on how chicken raising worked, and this book did a good job of answering my questions. The book had some great pictures and diagrams when needed. I found myself learning a lot, especially about how raccoons are crazy predators, the thought process of making a coop, and how much you have to be mindful about their stress levels.

Sadly, I won't be able to own chickens for a long time, but it's good to know.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun photos and very informative; I also liked the references and glossary in the back.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Living with Chickens: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Your Own Backyard Flock" is, without a doubt, a standout book for anyone considering or already engaged in the world of backyard chicken keeping. It has rightly earned its place as a standard primer and a go-to resource for poultry enthusiasts.

This comprehensive guide offers a treasure trove of valuable information, and it covers all aspects of chicken husbandry. From choosing the right breeds for your specific needs to providing essential care, nutrition, and housing requirements, this book leaves no stone unturned. It's an indispensable resource for novice and experienced chicken keepers alike.

What truly sets this book apart is its accessibility. The author's writing style is engaging and approachable, making even the most complex topics easy to understand. The book strikes a balance between depth and simplicity, offering practical advice without overwhelming the reader with jargon or unnecessary technicalities.

"Living with Chickens" is not just about the practical aspects of chicken keeping; it also delves into the joys and challenges of sharing your life with these feathery companions. It explores the bond between humans and their chickens, making it more than just a guidebook—it's a heartfelt celebration of the joys and rewards of raising your own backyard flock.

In conclusion, "Living with Chickens" is, indeed, the standard primer for anyone interested in keeping chickens in their backyard. It's a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that covers all the essentials, making it an essential resource for both beginners and seasoned poultry keepers. If you're considering or already enjoying the delights of having chickens in your backyard, this book is a must-have that will enrich your chicken-keeping experience.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a good beginners guide to raising chickens, though it is aimed more toward large flocks than to the small backyard flocks most will choose to have. Also, unlike books that aim to educate small-flock owners, Living with Chickens also includes a section on butchering your own birds, in case you want to go that route.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovingly done. The photos are gorgeous -- Wyandottes are beautiful hens! Who knew?

And rich-in-potential-metaphor info on chickens. For instance: Did you know that you can tell how many eggs a hen has laid by how yellow her body is? After laying about ten eggs, her flesh loses its yellow tint in her head. After laying 100 eggs, her breast is pale.

Go ahead. Make something of that.

[Mephistia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually an incredibly informative, interesting and fun book. I just checked too many books out from the library and didn't have enough time to finish this one. Unfortunately, someone put it on hold, so I can't renew it, either.

I'm thinking I'm going to buy the e-book version. This is just one of those good-to-have books.

[Lon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer for us as we raise our six little chicks. Interesting chapter on butchering!!! Also, kind of rough advice on what to do when the missus gets too old to lay an egg. (I advise against chuckling about this with your post-menopausal friends--believe me, they will NOT think it's that funny.) A Spanish Fork Library book.

[Dree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly has some useful information. However, much of the coop information assumes you will have 10 or even 25 chickens. That's not for someone with a backyard--that's for someone with land. Many pictures of chickens coexisting with horses and a pig. Again, those are not backyard chickens.

So--interesting, but the subtitle is misleading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only have time to read one book before launching your backyard chicken mission, this is the book for you. It covers all of the basics concisely, without chincing on the details beginners really want to know more about (like what exactly you do about poo control).

[Kelly Sandberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have chickens, this is a great reference book to have. We bought it from the hatchery when we bought LuLu Chicken and the other one (can't remember her name). And its been a constant guide to chicken life!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you're interested in chickens, this is a great place to start. not too overwhelming, but gives you a good idea of the basics. great pictures and really solid pages -whole thing is in color - feels kind of fancy - I like that!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for backyard chicken farmers. Also provides guidance on how to butcher chickens, a section that the other chicken-rearing books I read lacked. Will probably consult again if we rear chicks from eggs.

[Lenalopatina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It has all the information one needs to raise backyard chickens. The book is technical and has a lot of quantitative information, while being not to wordy which allowed one to get lots of info in short period of time. Highly recommend it!

[Samira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very good introduction to raising chickens, but since I am not in a position to actually get a flock going, it is hard to predict whether there are gaps of information.

[Jennifer Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for basic information about our fine feathered friends.

[Nancy Hildebrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, very basic information about keeping chickens on a small scale, lots of photos. Author lives in Vermont.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I would have liked. Color photos, anecdotes and nostalgia seem to take the place of useful information.

[Eryka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read with good info -- we'll see how my chickens do!

[Me2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was excellent and gave some very good insights into what is needed to raise chickens. Though it probably doesn't go into enough depth for a real chicken lover.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the basics, easy to read and follow.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chicago and Evanston now allow for raising poultry at your residence! I am waiting for my burb to allow it, I am ready. Great book, quick read as well.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and very informative. Kids, especially Hannah, loved the pictures! Can't wait to buy our own little chicks...once we actually have a home...

[Tamara Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has beautiful photos but not much else. If you are looking for information on raising chickens I would suggest "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" instead.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, basic information.

[Amalthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good information on chicken breeds,health etc. Although, as a vegan I found it maddening to have to sift through comments on butchering.