Top Recommendations for Backyard Chicken and Duck Raising Books

For those considering or already engaged in backyard chicken and duck raising, choosing the right books can greatly enhance your experience. As someone with practical experience on the farm, I can recommend several titles that are packed with valuable insights and practical advice. In this article, we will explore some of the best books available to help you start, maintain, and thrive with your backyard flock.

Raising Chickens and Ducks: A Comprehensive Guide

Territorial Press is one of the go-to publishers for books on backyard poultry. Their book A Guide to Raising Backyard Chickens and Ducks by Jody Braverman, Kim Flottum, and Joan Orr is an excellent resource for anyone interested in raising these animals on their property. The authors provide detailed information on everything from choosing the right breeds to managing routines and solving common problems.

Key Takeaways:

Comprehensive breeding strategies Feeding and nutrition guidelines Veterinary care and health management Behavioral insights for handling and keeping the flock happy Seasonal care and management tips

Natural and Sustainable Farming Practices

Another highly recommended book is The Chicken Raising Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Raising Your Own Chickens by Emily Suzanne Long. This book is particularly suitable for those interested in sustainable and ethical farming practices. Long's book emphasizes natural and organic methods, which can be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Key Takeaways:

Organic and natural feeding methods Biodynamic farming techniques for poultry Combining chicken raising with other sustainable practices Essential tools and equipment for backyard farmers Recycling and waste management in poultry farming

Specific Advice for Ducks

Regarding raising ducks specifically, Ducks: Raising Your Own Backyard Ducks by Kelley Hughes is an excellent choice. This book offers a wealth of information on all aspects of duck care, breeding, and management. It also includes chapters specifically dedicated to duck care in various climates, making it a versatile resource for duck owners.

Key Takeaways:

Dietary and nutritional needs of different duck breeds Common health issues and their management Housing and shelter requirements for ducks Breeding and raising ducklings Behavioral insights and flock management tips

Additional Resources

In addition to the books mentioned above, here are a few more resources that can be useful for backyard chicken and duck enthusiasts:

Online Communities and Forums

Reddit: Subreddits like r/BackyardChickens and r/ducks provide a wealth of community insights and support. Forums: Websites like Chicken Chat or DuckMaster offer user-generated content and advice from experienced poultry keepers.

YouTube Channels and Blogs

Backyard Chickens TV: This YouTube channel offers a variety of videos on chicken and duck care, including guides on setting up coops, health tips, and more. Wild Duck Adventures: Emily of Wild Duck Adventures provides in-depth tutorials and tips for raising ducks.

Conclusion

No matter whether you are new to backyard poultry or a seasoned farmer, the right resources can make all the difference. With these recommended books and additional resources, you are well on your way to enjoying a thriving and rewarding backyard chicken and duck operation. Happy raising!