[Lizmar]

I'm almost ready for my first purchase of chickens and house. I read everything I can on here, but still would like a book to refer to. Feel there is still tons I need to knoW, though always have had a tendency to learn by my mistakes in all walks of life!
Can someone recommend me one of the books below or any they think are straight forward and informative.
Thanks. Liz

[bucketman]

Hi
Sorry but cant recommend a book. but just got the go ahead to get some chickens will start work at the weekend on the land they will live on. and Ive got so many questions i feel daft but I wish you all the luck in the world

[Rosemary]

Michael Roberts "Chickens at Home" in the Gold Cockerel series is a nice, basic wee book that's not terrifying. About £7 or so.

[doganjo]

Hi
Sorry but cant recommend a book. but just got the go ahead to get some chickens will start work at the weekend on the land they will live on. and Ive got so many questions i feel daft but I wish you all the luck in the world

The only DAFT person is the one that doesn't ask the questions they would like to ask - feel free, we're all a wee bit daft on here lol

[MiriMaran]

These are the 2 books I have and refer to regularly especially the second one.

Starting With Chickens By Katie Thear
Chicken Health Handbook By Gail Damerow

Good Luck!

[jameslindsay]

I think sometimes it is quicker to learn if you go and get the animals. Of course it is vital that you do your homework first and provide adequate housing etc, but the best way to learn is the "hands on" approach. I used to always panic and question if I have made the right decision when I bring an animal back to its new home but they quickly settle in. Now so long as I know I can give the animal a good life and happy life it is much easier. The good news is now you have this site you can ask any questions and have them answered very quickly, relax, buy and enjoy your chickens.

[shetlandpaul]

It is good to know the basics but you can just borrow any chicken book from the library they are usually very easy to look after. just use your common sense and don't rush to buy loads of things. If you have the shelter a safe place for them to wander about, you know what food that they need and the oyster and flint grit and water of course your ready to go.

[Lizmar]

Thanks everyone - I will get a book or two, but I think I will just 'do it' and see.  Sad soul that I am, I an soooooo excited
Liz

[doganjo]

You are NOT sad - we all felt liek that when we got our first hens,  I still feel like that when I get more ex batts.

[starcana]

Hens in the Garden, eggs in the Kitchen, but can't remember the author and I've lent it to my neighbour who's just got her first chickens. It's got some very good recipes in as well as being informative about starting with chickens. Got it from Amazon.

[Pomona]

I have to say, I have a couple of chicken books but I've learned far more from being able to ask on forums like this one where you get specific suggestions for your queries, rather than hoping a book will cover every eventuality. 

I think books are great to start with, and I certainly got a lot out of them, but once the basic setting up was done, it's been a case of learning as I go along and asking people who already have hens and have probably had the same issues