This is a great reference guide for first-time chicken farmers. There are lots of beautiful photographs, illustrations and sidebars. The book is well organized and gives an in-depth overview of chickens and looking after them.
**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a temporary digital ARC of this book. The thoughts expressed are my own.

I don't have chickens, but if I were going to get some, I would have this book on my shelf for sure. It is very comprehensive with what looks like sound advice on raising chickens.

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th edition by Gail Damerow continues the long tradition of quality Storey's Guides with a revisit and updating of this 22 year old classic on the care and maintenance of the home flock. The first edition of this book is one of the very first books I bought when we were still in the 'dreaming and planning' phase of our smallholding. It's still the first book I recommend to people who are interested in home fowl.

I think it's vitally important (especially when caring for or interacting with other living creatures) to do the very best we can to give them the highest quality life possible. This is a well written, understandable and accessible reference guide which covers pretty much everything to do with chickens in a no-nonsense and scientifically sound manner.

The book contains 424 pages with hundreds of photographs, sidebars, and illustrations. The book is split up into logically arranged chapters. The chapters progress from the truly basic and introductory (What is a chicken? What are the different breeds and what are their plus and minus characteristics? How do I get started?)... to the advanced whys and wherefores of managing breeding flocks, selecting stock, even a section on artificial insemination.

Disease management and culling are explained and defined very clearly along with illustrative discussion on whether to maintain an open or closed flock (the author herself has a closed flock).

The chapter on killing and butchering chickens and other fowl is well presented along with a good and complete explanation of the physiological mechanics involved in the musculature and why light meat is 'light' and dark meat is darker.

I have relied on the earlier editions of this book for many years for support and guidance with my own flock and I'm happy to see this updated version with newer links and further reading sections, updated glossary and updated info. The general feel and layout of the book are true to the Storey's Guides format and will be recognizable and usable for anyone.

Five stars, a great successor to a long-lived and successful title.

This is a great book for beginners and the experienced who are wanting to learn more about raising chickens. Storey's guides are always informative and educational. Learn more about Chickens through this great guide today!

Excellent starter guide to raising chickens in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Great color photos and charts.

As a chicken owner, Story's Guide to Raising Chickens has become my go-to reference for any new information
I am seeking. It's a highly informative, concise book on all aspects of raising chickens.
It covers breeds, nutrition, diseases, injuries, etc. There are ideas on different ways to run your own coop, whether for pets, eggs, meat, or combination.
I recommend it to all new chicken owners.

An interesting and informative how-to book for the novice who is interested in raising chickens. From every step the author gives tips and advice from breeds, feed, coops, etc. All the way from buying chicks to providing for them from birth to table. A good resource that covers a lot of questions the novice will have and many they will not know to ask. Useful and practical advice, and highly recommend this book if you are thinking about wanting to start raising chickens..