How to Read a Chicken's Mind

I have never owned a chicken, but I have been a lifelong lover of animals. This book ... this book is a delight. It's charming, funny, and perfect (in my opinion) for younger, and evil adult animal lovers. It goes over some of the basics, like the various calls, the various flock roles, and behaviors, as well as stories and trivia that were well written and made me want to own a chicken or three.

Honestly, the fact that they can use teamwork to get into a garden, show the ability to delay instant gratification -- bypassing one available treat for another, more favored one not yet present -- and make friendships both with other chickens and their humans is all just impressive.

The writing was a highlight. Conversational, educational without ever talking down, and easily graspable. Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

First off, I have to say that I absolutely loved this short book. It was spot on in every way. I have a flock of 38 (including 12 new surprise babies I found in the barn with Miss Elvira a couple of weeks ago!) Chicken math is real, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Luckily, we have plenty of room for them. But I was absolutely delighted to see all the intricacies of chicken temperaments and personalities addressed. It is true, they are all very different little creatures. And I was so excited to see the mention of the Ayam Cemani breed. Half of my flock are Ayam crosses.

And talking about personality, different every one of them. Most of my “kids” run out to me every morning to get their treats and feed, including the roosters! One of my hens, my seven-year-old Americauna El Pollo Loco screams at me whenever she sees me. I’m quite sure she is not saying nice things. But then there’s Rocky, who I saved from being attacked by her mother as she was hatching. Every time she sees me, she insists on sitting in my lap. Some of them prefer to eat out of my hand and some just want me to throw their scratch at my feet. But the coolest thing about them is that they do remember things. Every single chicken I’ve saved from some sickness like sour crop or vitamin deficiency or even an attack remembers the hands on care that I’ve given them. When before they might have been skittish with me, they are now trusting and follow me around. They’ve associated me with safety and health. They really are like feathered dogs. Everyone I know calls me the Crazy Chicken Lady, and maybe that’s true. But these little guys and gals truly do bring me happiness. It’s nice to see a book address how awesome they are!

Huge thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Chicken raisers will adore this unique book that shares everything you'd want to about how the creatures think, what they feel, and how they interact in flocks. Fascinating!

Such a cute & well put together read. As a chicken owner myself, it was nice to read familiar thoughts and facts. The photos are wonderful. The illustrations are tasteful. Chickens are such fun creatures to have around.

That was such a fun and interesting read.
I myself own 9 chickens. And just like with any other animal I can name each. The book describes it just perfectly. Everyone has a different personalty. They trust the people they know.
It was well written and I couldn't put it down and read IT in one sitting.

Such a helpful book! I loved the pictures, the content. Everything. I feel like this will be a good resource guide for me and my flock.

A fantastic book with lots of funny anecdotes and interesting facts. My husband and I sat and made all the different noises and compared them to what our chickens say and it was spot on! Just hope the neighbors didn't hear us. Beautiful photos, very insightful and cleverly written as well. Highly recommend to anyone knows what chicken math is.

Thank you to Netgalley for a free preview of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Backyard chicken keepers delight in learning all they can about their beloved flocks. Best-selling author and backyard chicken keeper Melissa Caughey shares her years of experience with and research about our feathered friends with this entertaining and informative exploration of what chickens think and feel. From chick days to the golden stage of "henopause," Caughey offers insights into the range of emotions that chickens can express, their unexpected intelligence, different personality types, and the complexities of flock dynamics.