Chickens, 2nd Edition

Author: Sue Weaver
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
ISBN: 1935484915
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 279

Book Description
Hobby Farms Chickens: Tending a Small-Scale Flock for Pleasure and Profit is geared toward the hobby farmer looking to begin his or her own flock of chickens on a small farm or even backyard. Author Sue Weaver, who keeps various exotic breeds and countless barnies on her farm, is an expert on all things livestock and an avowed chicken fanatic. This photo-filled guide begins with “Chickens 101” and details the physiology of chickens, members of the Phasianidea family, providing beginning hobby farmers with a basic education in the chicken’s unique physical makeup (from wings and feathers to beaks and digestive tracts), behavior, mating, and its unexpected high intelligence. The author offers advice on choosing the right types of chickens to get started: meat, egg, or dual purpose, or maybe even “just for pets.” The book is an excellent resource for selecting which breed of chicken is best for the hobby farmer, based on the birds’ traits, such as aggression, personality, noise factor, tolerance for heat, confinement, cold, etc. Chickens also provides information on selecting or building a suitable chicken coop for the hobby farmer’s brood, outlining the basic requirements (lighting, ventilation, flooring, waterers, insulation, safety, and so forth). A detailed chapter on feeding chickens offers essential guidance on nutrition, commercial feeds, supplements, and water requirements. For the chicken hobby farmer looking to start with a clutch of baby chicks (from his own hen or an outside source), the author provides excellent info on incubators and hatching as well as all of the accommodations and preparation required for hens in the nest box. A chapter on selling eggs and broilers provides timetables, requirements, and dos and don’ts to get a hobby farmer’s business off on the right foot. All chicken keepers will find the chapter on health of particular value, with expert advice on preventing common problems and dealing various maladies and diseases. Much detailed information about all of the topics in the book is encapsulated in sidebars. A glossary of over 125 terms plus a detailed resource section of chicken and poultry associations, books, and websites complete the volume. Fully indexed.

The Modern Homesteader's Guide to Keeping Geese

Author: Kirsten Lie-Nielsen
Publisher: New Society Publishers
ISBN: 1550926543
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 138

Book Description
Raise a gaggle of geese, the unsung heroes of the small farm While chickens preen in the spotlight, geese are the historic unsung heroes of small farms and homesteads. Providing weed control, large eggs, and entertainment, and acting as "security" over other animals, geese are the ultimate modern homesteading companion. The Modern Homesteader's Guide to Keeping Geese covers everything you need to know to raise geese, including: Profiles of breeds and how to select the best one for your needs How to "imprint" goslings on a person Feeding, housing, animal health, and cold weather care Using geese for weed control, soil improvement, and as "watch-geese" Cooking with goose eggs and meat Additional coverage includes a look at the rich history of geese on farms in North America and Europe that will enhance any goose keeper's enjoyment of these intelligent and unique birds. This practical guide is a must-have essential for the kitchen table of homesteaders, small farmers, permaculturists, and professional farmers looking to add the power of geese to their land.

The Family Poultry Flock

Author: Lee Schwanz
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Chickens
Languages : en
Pages : 164

Book Description
13 chapters covering choosing the right breed, how to start, brooding the chicks, rearing pullets, managing egg production, fast growing meat, birds, housing, disease control. One complete chapter on raising ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams and guinea fowls.

The Small-Scale Poultry Flock, Revised Edition

Author: Harvey Ussery
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
ISBN: 1645021017
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 433

Book Description
The most comprehensive book on how to raise and breed your own poultry flock is now fully updated and expanded “The ultimate book for those who want to know everything there is to know about raising poultry.”—Gene Logsdon, author of Letter to a Young Farmer “There’s no better introductory reference on the joy of home-raising chickens.”—Booklist The first edition of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock helped thousands of small-scale farmers and homesteaders successfully adopt a practical and integrative model for working with chickens and other domestic fowl based on natural systems. In this expanded and thoroughly revised edition, readers will find plenty of all-new material. Author Harvey Ussery introduces readers to his new favorite breed of chicken, Icelandics; describes how he manages his breeding flock using a clan mating system; presents detailed information on the use of trapnests and record-keeping spreadsheets for evaluating breeding hen performance; and provides step-by-step instructions for construction of an ingeniously designed mobile poultry shelter. Readers will also find fully updated information and tips on all aspects of flock management, including: • Growing (and sourcing) feed on a small scale • Cultivating earthworms and grubs as high-protein poultry feed • Brooding (and breeding) at home • Implementing manure management • Using electric net fencing for ranging flocks • Using poultry as insect and weed managers in the garden and orchard • Enlisting your chickens as garden tillers and compost-makers • Protecting the flock from predators • Keeping the flock healthy • Working with mother hens Ussery presents a sustainable and ecologically friendly model that can be adapted for use at a variety of scales. His advice and examples throughout the book will prove invaluable for beginner homesteaders, growers looking to incorporate poultry into their farm, or experienced flocksters seeking to close their loop.

Ducks

Author: Cherie Langlois
Publisher: CompanionHouse Books
ISBN: 9781933958163
Category : Ducks
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
A flock of frolicking waterfowl can be a lively addition to any hobby farm, and "Ducks" offers essential information on tending a small-scale flock, with full-color photos, a handy glossary, and advice from experienced duck farmers, it's a must-read for those drawn to ducks for their striking colors, their spirited personalities, and the valuable products they provide for home and market.

The New Rules of the Roost

Author: Robert Litt
Publisher: Timber Press
ISBN: 1604698187
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 209

Book Description
“The Litts listen daily to concerns and questions posed by customers seeking the best organic methods for keeping backyard chickens safe and healthy. Now they’ve compiled their proven solutions into this often-entertaining book.” —Gail Damerow, author of The Guide to Raising Chickens New from Robert and Hannah Litt—the authors of the bestselling A Chicken in Every Yard—comes a hardworking guide to backyard chicken keeping that goes beyond the basics. The New Rules of the Roost addresses the real problems that crop up when keeping chickens long term. The Litts cover a wide range of topics including organic health remedies and disease prevention, pest management, organic nutrition, the best breeds for specific needs, and the simplest options for daily maintenance and feeding. You'll also learn tips and tricks for introducing new birds into your flock, managing aggressive behavior, caring for mature chickens, and much more.

Small Scale Poultry Production: Technical Guide

Author: E B Sonaiya
Publisher: Daya Books
ISBN: 9788170355021
Category : Chickens
Languages : en
Pages : 132

Book Description
This technical guide promotes sustainable small-scale, family based poultry production. It gives a comprehensive review of all aspects of small-scale poultry production in developing countries and includes sections on feeding and nutrition, housing, general husbandry and flock health. Regional differences in production practices are also described. The guide provides the technical and scientific building blocks needed to develop sustainable programmes for small-scale poultry production. It will be of practical value to those keeping or planning to keep poultry and as a valuable technical reference for poultry specialists, researchers, students and those interested in broader rural development issues. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Species and Breeds; Chapter 3: Feed Resources; Chapter 4: General Management; Chapter 5: Incubation and Hatching; Chapter 6: Health; Chapter 7: Breed Improvement; Chapter 8: Production Economics; Chapter 9: Marketing; Chapter 10: Research and Development for Family Poultry.

The Small-Scale Poultry Flock, Revised Edition

Author: Harvey Ussery
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
ISBN: 1645021025
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 663

Book Description
The most comprehensive book on how to raise and breed your own poultry flock is now fully updated and expanded “The ultimate book for those who want to know everything there is to know about raising poultry.”—Gene Logsdon, author of Letter to a Young Farmer “There’s no better introductory reference on the joy of home-raising chickens.”—Booklist The first edition of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock helped thousands of small-scale farmers and homesteaders successfully adopt a practical and integrative model for working with chickens and other domestic fowl based on natural systems. In this expanded and thoroughly revised edition, readers will find plenty of all-new material. Author Harvey Ussery introduces readers to his new favorite breed of chicken, Icelandics; describes how he manages his breeding flock using a clan mating system; presents detailed information on the use of trapnests and record-keeping spreadsheets for evaluating breeding hen performance; and provides step-by-step instructions for construction of an ingeniously designed mobile poultry shelter. Readers will also find fully updated information and tips on all aspects of flock management, including: Growing (and sourcing) feed on a small scale Cultivating earthworms and grubs as high-protein poultry feed Brooding (and breeding) at home Implementing manure management Using electric net fencing for ranging flocks Using poultry as insect and weed managers in the garden and orchard Enlisting your chickens as garden tillers and compost-makers Protecting the flock from predators Keeping the flock healthy Working with mother hens Ussery presents a sustainable and ecologically friendly model that can be adapted for use at a variety of scales. His advice and examples throughout the book will prove invaluable for beginner homesteaders, growers looking to incorporate poultry into their farm, or experienced flocksters seeking to close their loop.

Free-Range Chicken Gardens

Author: Jessi Bloom
Publisher: Timber Press
ISBN: 1604693835
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 223

Book Description
“If your garden fantasies involve chickens, Jessi Bloom is here to make those dreams come true.” —The New York Times Many gardeners fear chickens will peck away at their landscape. But you can keep chickens and have a beautiful garden, too! In this essential handbook, award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom offers step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful and functional space while maintaining a happy, healthy flock. Free-Range Chicken Gardens covers everything a gardener needs to know, from the basics of chicken keeping and creating the perfect chicken-friendly garden design to building innovative coops.

Chick Days

Author: Jenna Woginrich
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1603425845
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 129

Book Description
Jenna Woginrich chronicles the life journey of three chickens (Amelia, Honey, and Tilda) from fluffy, newly hatched bundles to grown hens laying eggs of their own. As you watch these chickens grow, you’ll learn everything you need to know about chicken behavior, feeding, housing, and health care. This playfully informative guide will inspire you to confidently raise your own feathered flock.