Planet Chicken: The Shameful Story of the Bird on Your Plate

by Hattie Ellis

PLANET CHICKEN is an eye-opening book about the bird we eat and mistreat the most. Hattie Ellis traces the chickens evolution and history in farming, and reveals the grotesque scandal of the modern chicken industry, and its effect on our health. But she also talks to chicken lovers around the world, from West Indian jerk-chicken stall holders to Provenal chefs, and to the pioneers who are bringing real chickens back to our tables. This will be a shocking and informative read, but also an inspiring one.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Animals

308 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2007

Reviews

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's rare to come across books about factory farming which do not advocate for a vegan lifestyle change, so on that basis, Planet Chicken provides an insight into the global practices of industrialised chicken farming.

As you'd expect, this is a warts and all book that doesn't shy away from the horrors of these practices and how the birds are farmed, whether it's for their eggs or meat. The general focus is based here in the UK and there are some interesting parts discussing the overall history of chicken farming, with insights into how the practice can be bettered for the welfare of the animals.

[Nutkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked that the author provided a lot of context and information about the situation for both laying hens and broilers, but it felt like the book was much longer than it needed to be and kept hammering home the same point(s). Essentially, the book focuses on the importance of local food, smaller scale agriculture, knowing the farmers, chicken welfare. The author uses the book to try to share her journey into learning about chickens and their welfare, particularly in the UK.

Perhaps this would be a more interesting book for someone who had no previous knowledge of chicken welfare.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of the chicken and how it has been factory farmed. There was some really interesting stuff here. I learned how a chicken can create an egg, and how egg laying can changed. However, this book was British, so there were some things that I didn't find applicable, and some references to British farming practices that are not done in Canada and the US.

I did learn some things, but I would only recommend this to people who REALLY want to learn about chickens.

[Dawsonamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this eye opening. Even though I knew the chicken industry isn't humane, I had no idea how vast and horrific it can be. Reading this has made me pledge to shop for chicken and eggs differently. But like other comments, I found the book way too long, particularly part 2. While it too was interesting, it could literally have been about 20 - 30 pages but was over 100. It's definitely one you should definitely read though

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst enlightening to many I'm sure, in it's beginning, this book becomes another tedious example of how to rear comfortable, rich tasting chickens instead of working towards abolishing a gruesome trade.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started reading but as it was slow going skip read after about page 80. Nice to read a book about poultry processing not written by a vegetarian/vegan. (At least going by the last chapter). If it was condensed to maybe a third of its size would be good.

[Victor Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read but it still took me a long time to finish it. Lol! Entertaining enough to hold my interest and eye-opening in many ways.

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was ok