Books

The Joy of Keeping Chickens: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Poultry for Fun or Profit

by Jennifer Megyesi

After witnessing first hand the horror of egg-laying hen practices in the United States, Jennifer and her husband decide that the only conscionable way to eat eggs and poultry meat, is to raise the chickens themselves. Jennifer was interviewed on the radio today on metrofarm.com’s show. I had no idea that factory-farmed chickens are bred to have thin intestinal walls for a better feed-conversion ratio. Of course, it is fraught with problems.

Check out Jennifer’s website: Fat Rooster Farm, where you could order her book.

Prisoned Chickens Poisoned Eggs: An Inside Look at the Modern Poultry Industry

by Karen Davis, PhD

This book takes you through the life and life cycle of both laying hens and broiler chickens.

Chickens in Your Backyard

by Rick and Gail Luttman

Very well written introduction to chicken-keeping.

Backyard Livestock: Raising Good, Natural Food for Your Family

by Steven Thomas and George P. Looby

Excellent section on raising chickens, including breeds, housing, formulas for making your own feed etc.

Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry

by Gail A. Eisnitz

In this book, Gail Eisnitz tell the truly shocking story of the meat industry of today. An industry indifferent to animal suffering, indifferent to workers’ safety, outputting product that is riddled with dangerous bacteria.
She writes about visiting an egg factory:

“Living on sloping wire floors, so that the eggs roll out to a conveyor belt, with the wire cutting into their feet, the hens’ legs were deformed and their feet covered with blisters and sores.”

“As is typical throughout the egg industry, the birds at this operation couldn’t stretch their wings or even sit comfortably to lay their eggs. Watching them struggle for cage space, it became clear why hatchery workers sear off chicks’ beaks–they resort to anything to prevent birds kept under these conditions from pecking each other to death.”

Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching

by Michael Greger, MD

Very well-written and referenced factual information on Avian Influenza. Complete book is available to read online at birdflubook.com

Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal: War Stories From the Local Food Front

by Joel Salatin

In this book Joel Salatin demonstrates the natural solution to our food supply system – “allow freedom for traditional food growing and purchasing choices.” An entertaining read, written in a frank manner. It seems as though Salatin is in the room talking to you.