Helpful Score: 1
Yes, some of the information in this book is dated. Tho, this is one of the most through chicken books I own (and I own them all!!). It was first written in 1944, my version is the 2nd revised book which was printed in 1977.
In the 'How to get Started' chapter 2, this book covers for the novice: where to get supplies, it also covers started chicks and ready-to-lay pullets and the other ABC's for the total novice. Also included were several black and white photos of equipment, homemade brooders and battery pens.
This book is one of the most through books when it comes to plans for chicken coops & feeders. It includes plans for a 6x8, 10x12 & 20x40ft coop and the author includes a bill of materials needed for each plan listed. There are also plans for nesting boxes, homemade mash feeder, range shelter, feed bin and a range feeder. Definitely, it is one of the most through chicken books I own on the included building plans.
Also the book covers butchering, preserving eggs and surplus chicken meat. It also has a decent health section with a few black & white photos. The health section covers probably the few most common chicken ailments at that time (ie bumblefoot, cholera, etc.). The common chicken breeds of the era are covered a bit, but not much.
Keep in mind when reading that this book wasn't really written when chickens were kept as well-loved pets. If you keep chickens for pure pleasure and profit as I do... you may be a bit offended when the author discusses comb-dubbing and states that chickens don't feel much pain. I totally disagree. Chickens are just good at hiding their symptoms or pain, but they DO feel pain.
Overall, a good, but obviously a bit dated book that anyone would learn from. Tho, I would pair this with an updated chicken health book such as Gail Damerow's 'Chicken Health Handbook' and perhaps a book on the various chicken breeds.
In the 'How to get Started' chapter 2, this book covers for the novice: where to get supplies, it also covers started chicks and ready-to-lay pullets and the other ABC's for the total novice. Also included were several black and white photos of equipment, homemade brooders and battery pens.
This book is one of the most through books when it comes to plans for chicken coops & feeders. It includes plans for a 6x8, 10x12 & 20x40ft coop and the author includes a bill of materials needed for each plan listed. There are also plans for nesting boxes, homemade mash feeder, range shelter, feed bin and a range feeder. Definitely, it is one of the most through chicken books I own on the included building plans.
Also the book covers butchering, preserving eggs and surplus chicken meat. It also has a decent health section with a few black & white photos. The health section covers probably the few most common chicken ailments at that time (ie bumblefoot, cholera, etc.). The common chicken breeds of the era are covered a bit, but not much.
Keep in mind when reading that this book wasn't really written when chickens were kept as well-loved pets. If you keep chickens for pure pleasure and profit as I do... you may be a bit offended when the author discusses comb-dubbing and states that chickens don't feel much pain. I totally disagree. Chickens are just good at hiding their symptoms or pain, but they DO feel pain.
Overall, a good, but obviously a bit dated book that anyone would learn from. Tho, I would pair this with an updated chicken health book such as Gail Damerow's 'Chicken Health Handbook' and perhaps a book on the various chicken breeds.
