Collins Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible: A practical guide to identifying and rearing backyard chickens (Hardback) - Jessica Ford

Chickens are many things: sources of meat and eggs, lovable pets, amusing images on merchandise, and a source of comfort at the end of a hard day. Whether we're considering joining the growing flock of backyard chicken-keepers or simply cheered by leafing through images of gorgeous poultry, our love for chickens is strong.

Chickens are many things: sources of meat and eggs, lovable pets, amusing images on merchandise, and a source of comfort at the end of a hard day. Whether we're considering joining the growing flock of backyard chicken-keepers or simply cheered by leafing through images of gorgeous poultry, our love for chickens is strong.

The trend for backyard chickens has surged during the pandemic. Amazon searches for chick supplies are up 758%, with local hatcheries recording a 500% demand increase, as people look to reduce environmental impact, improve food traceability, connect with nature, or simply to relish the pure joy of chicken company.

The Collins Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible is the fourth title in this stunning and engaging series, and the perfect smallholder companion to The Beekeeper's Bible. It is packed with everything you need to fully embrace your new chicken-keeping lifestyle. A sumptuous aesthetic is paired with practical tips on identifying backyard breeds and supporting good chicken health, from basic brooding to common ailments, the best backyard breed for you to the right equipment for starting your own home flock, packaged into a beautiful, illustrative gift book. Discover the soft cuddliness of a bantam Silkie, the superb egg-sitting skills of a Plymouth Rock, the best method for constructing a chicken coop, and how to keep your chickens happy and thriving. With The Collins Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible, discover more about these magnificent and beloved creatures.

About the Author

Jessica Ford is a writer, mother, life-long keeper of chickens, former competitor at American Poultry Association shows, and the chicken and homestead contributor to Home, Garden and Homestead-an online "Guide to Modern Living" to creating an independent, healthy, and sustainable homestead lifestyle. She is also a self-professed "chicken nerd at heart."

Sonya Patel Ellis is a writer, editor and artist exploring the botanical world and the interconnectedness of nature and culture. Her books include The Birdwatcher's Bible, The Botanical Bible, The Heritage Herbal and Nature Tales: Encounters with Britain's Wildlife. She is co-author and botanical consultant on The Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible.

Rachel Federman is a writer and nonprofit consultant who has written over 20 books for adults and children, including The Mindful Gardener (Clarkson Potter) and Test Your Dog's IQ (HarperCollins).