{"product_id":"raising-chickens-for-dummies-isbn-9781119675921","title":"Raising Chickens For Dummies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour hands-on guide to modern chicken-raising methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThinking about raising chickens? You've come to the right place! This new edition of \u003ci\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e provides the most up-to-date, thorough information on the many aspects of keeping chickens in your backyard. Inside, you'll find hands-on, easy-to-follow instructions on choosing and purchasing chickens, constructing housing for your birds, feeding your chickens for optimal health, combating laying issues, controlling pests and predators, optimizing egg production, and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising chickens on a small scale is a popular—and growing—pastime. If you're interested in keeping chickens as pets or as a source for eggs, \u003ci\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e gives you plain-English explanations of everything you need to know to about caring for chickens. Inside, you'll learn about basic chicken biology, breeds, and behavior, which chicken breed is best for you, how many you need, ways to spot healthy chickens, how to build a chicken coop, best practices for mating your chickens, how to incubate eggs, how to hatch and nurture chicks, manage laying hens, collect and store eggs, and butcher meat birds.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eOffers practical advice on choosing and purchasing chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHelps you construct the right housing for your chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvides tips on feeding and caring for your chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIncludes top tips for raising healthy chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhether you're a first-time poulterer or you've been raising chickens for years, this comprehensive guide provides practical how-to advice for keeping chickens in virtually any backyard.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e (9781119675921) was previously published as \u003ci\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e (9781118982785). While this version features a new \u003ci\u003eDummies\u003c\/i\u003e cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntroduction 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout This Book 1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoolish Assumptions 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIcons Used in This Book 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond the Book 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to Go from Here 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 1: Getting Started with Raising Chickens 5\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: The Joy of Chickens 7\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Things First: Dealing with the Legal Issues 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what info you need 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding the info 9\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConfronting restrictions 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing Your Capabilities: Basic Chicken Care and Requirements 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpace 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoney 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocusing Your Intentions: Specific Considerations 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWant eggs (and, therefore, layers)? 14\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThinking about home-grown meat? 14\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnticed by fun and games or 4-H and FFA? 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering Neighbors 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Basic Chicken Biology and Behavior 19\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamiliarizing Yourself with a Chicken’s Physique 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLabeling a Chicken’s Many Parts 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking out the differences 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHoning in on the head and neck 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking out the bulk of the body 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at the legs and feet 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking out chicken skin 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding out about feathers 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Picture of Health 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn Chicken Behavior 29\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProcessing information 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunication 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable manners 32\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSleeping 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocializing 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRomance 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe celibate hen — living without a rooster 35\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNew life 35\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBath time 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInteracting with Other Poultry and Animals 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDogs and cats 37\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDucks and geese 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTurkeys 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGuineas 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePheasants and quail 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLivestock 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChapter 3: A Chicken Isn’t Just a Chicken:\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour Guide to Breeds 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat You Need to Know: A Brief Synopsis 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommon breed terminology 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow breeds are categorized 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf You Want It All: Dual-Purpose Breeds 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor Egg Lovers: Laying Breeds 46\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite-egg layers 47\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrown-egg layers 48\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eColored-egg layers 50\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBest Breeds for the Table 51\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShow Breeds 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerfect for Pets: Bantam Breeds 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeritage and Rare Breeds 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Buying Chickens 61\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning Your Flock 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding what you’ll start with: Eggs, chicks, or adults 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the Sex 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting the right number of chickens 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCounting the Costs 66\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarting with Chicks 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to get chicks 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen to buy chicks 71\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to look for 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling chicks 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarting with Adults 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to buy adult chickens 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to look for 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransporting your birds safely 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 2: Housing Your Flock 81\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Choosing Your Housing Type 83\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat a Chicken Needs in a Home 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShelter from wind and rain 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtection from predators 85\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTemperature control 85\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnough space to move about normally 86\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSufficient lighting 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFresh air 88\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClean surroundings 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurveying Your Housing Options 90\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising chickens in cages 91\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping birds cage-free, but indoors only 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePairing a shelter with a run 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOffering shelter with free-range access 95\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMobile housing methods: Pastured poultry 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing a Type of Housing 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Designing and Constructing a Coop 105\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo Repurpose, to Build, or to Buy? That Is the Question 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking on housing restrictions 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking do with what you’ve got 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding from scratch 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying a chicken coop 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the Right Location 111\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCombining Form and Function: The Basic Coop Blueprint 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoop size and shape: Giving your birds some breathing room 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVentilation: Allowing fresh air to flow 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoost and relaxation 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeathering their nests 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWiring, Fixtures, and Other Important Amenities 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding the hookups (electrical, that is) 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLighting up 121\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBaby, it’s cooold outside! 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFighting the heat 123\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeing Mindful of Materials 123\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting to the bottom of flooring 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConstructing the frame 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrapping your head around fencing 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupporting fencing with posts 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Coop, Sweet Coop: Furnishing and Housekeeping 127\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBedding Down 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Nests Comfy and Cozy 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting the Table and Crafting a “Pantry” 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeeding containers 131\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatering containers 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProper feed storage 135\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCleaning House 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGathering cleaning supplies 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeing what you need to do and when 138\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisposing of manure and old bedding 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 3: Caring for Your Flock: General Management 143\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Feeding Your Flock 145\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeeding Basics 146\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding why you need to manage your birds’ diet 147\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what nutrients chickens need 149\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing your feed options 151\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe plain truth about homemade feed 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFood to avoid feeding chickens at all costs 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the Right Commercial Feed 159\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemystifying commercial rations 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelecting a form of feed 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDouble-checking the label 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupplementing Diets with Grit 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding When to Put Out Feed 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermining How Much to Feed 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping the Diet Interesting by Offering Treats 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHydrating Your Hens (And Roosters) 168\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: Controlling Pests and Predators 171\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Pests from Infesting the Coop 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreventing pests 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying and eliminating common culprits 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFending Off Predators 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding safe surroundings 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing common chicken predators 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out who’s causing trouble 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatching the troublemaker 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with the neighbor dogs 186\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Keeping Your Flock Happy and Healthy 189\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding Biosecurity for Your Flock 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintaining biosecurity 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing when to quarantine chickens 191\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Disease and Parasites Away 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving vaccinations 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePutting up barriers against parasites 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning about chickens and human health 196\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eControlling Environmental Conditions 198\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with heat, cold, and dampness 198\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping your chickens from eating poisons 200\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSafely Handling Your Flock 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatching chickens 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCarrying and holding chickens 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaming chickens 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiffusing Stress 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging the molt 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing new birds carefully 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscouraging bullying behaviors 207\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmploying Optional Grooming Procedures 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarking birds for easy identification 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrimming long, curled nails 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrimming wings and other feathers 210\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11: Handling Health Problems 213\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Decisions about Treatment 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing to treat ill chickens 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding to eliminate chickens 215\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding a vet to treat chickens 215\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreating Injuries 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow to give your bird the once-over 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWays to keep an injured bird safe 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSkin injuries, cuts, and puncture wounds 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoot sores (also known as bumblefoot) 218\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHead injuries 219\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBroken legs or wings 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrostbite 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEgg binding 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Rid of Parasites 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternal parasites 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExternal parasites 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing and Dealing with Disease 230\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking for signs of disease 230\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding some common chicken diseases 231\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdministering Medications 237\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEncountering Death 238\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReporting Diseases and Deaths 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 4: Breeding: From Chicken to\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEgg and Back Again 243\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12: Mating Your Chickens 245\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRooster or Hen? 245\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexing young chickens 246\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexing mature chickens 247\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing the Reproductive System 248\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoosters 248\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHens 249\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow an egg forms 250\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSperm Meets Egg: Fertilization 251\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReproductive Behavior 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCourtship and mating 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNesting and brooding behavior 253\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMating Methods 253\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlock mating 254\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePair and trio mating 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArtificial insemination 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelecting Birds for Breeding 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the right combinations 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProducing purebred chickens 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProducing hybrids 258\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProducing sex-\/color-linked colors 259\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Birds Ready to Breed 260\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeeding future parents 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintaining lighting and temperature 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrimming feathers 262\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13: Incubating Eggs and Hatching Chicks 263\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking More Chicks: Incubation Basics 264\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing Your Hatching Method 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at the two methods: Hens versus incubators 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermining which method is best for you 266\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLetting Mother Nature Do It: The Hen Method of Incubation 268\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding why some hens brood and others don’t 268\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEncouraging your hens to brood 269\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding eggs to the nest 270\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving a sitting hen what she needs 271\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaring for a hen and chicks 273\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing Artificial: The Incubator Method 275\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing an incubator 275\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccessorizing your incubator 277\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting up and caring for your incubator 278\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding and storing fertile eggs 281\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaring for eggs in the incubator 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking Inside the Egg 284\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEgg ultrasound: Candling an egg 285\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what to look for: Stages of embryonic growth 286\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHello, World! Hatching Your Eggs 288\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlaying doctor: Helping a chick hatch 288\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling the bad hatch: When things go wrong 290\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 14: Raising Chicks 291\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Basics of Brooders 292\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing when chicks need a brooder 292\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the brooder size and shape 293\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting the temperature just right 293\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLighting the brooder 295\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing brooder bedding 295\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying a commercial brooder 296\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Your Own Brooder 297\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding the body of the brooder 297\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeating the brooder 299\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePutting safety first 301\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHelping a Hen Provide Warmth and Protection 302\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeeding and Watering Chicks 303\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarter feed choices 303\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedicated feed 304\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe feeding process 305\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou can lead a chick to water 306\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Chicks in Your Brooder 306\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to do the first hour 307\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe first few days 307\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrimming beaks 309\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreventing disease 310\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatching the Stages of Growth 310\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne month: Tween-agers 311\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSix weeks to maturity: Teenagers 311\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eI’m a big chicken now: Young adulthood 312\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChicks and Children 312\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHuman health issues 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLessons on proper handling 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 5: Special Management Considerations 315\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 15: Managing Layers and Collecting Eggs 317\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing What to Expect from Your Hens 317\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe layer’s life cycle 318\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternal factors that influence laying 319\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExternal factors that influence laying 320\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging Your Hens’ Laying Years 321\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting young hens ready to lay 321\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHelping your pullets avoid stress 321\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding encouragement 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing lighting to encourage laying to start 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEncouraging Egg Production After It Has Begun 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding supplemental lighting to keep hens laying 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping up a routine and minimizing stress 324\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRetiring old birds when the laying days are done 324\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollecting, Cleaning, and Storing Eggs 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting your eggs in one basket 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCleaning your cache 327\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing Egg Quality 327\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying parts of an egg 328\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at the outside 328\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at the inside 332\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStoring and Handling Eggs 334\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow to store eggs 334\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEggs to discard 335\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to do with excess eggs 335\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with Production Problems and Bad Habits 337\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAddressing the failure to lay 338\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBringing order to hens that lay all over the place 340\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting a broody hen to go back to laying 342\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling hens that break and eat eggs 342\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 16: Raising and Butchering Meat Birds 345\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Meat Chickens 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at the three main approaches to raising meat birds 346\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the right chickens 347\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the right time of year to raise chickens 349\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding how many chickens to raise 350\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaring for meat chickens 351\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning for D-Day 355\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing when your birds are ready 356\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding whether to hire a butcher or do it yourself 357\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHiring Out the Butchering 359\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding a butcher 360\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what to expect 360\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaising Chickens For Dummies\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing to Do the Deed Yourself 362\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing the location 362\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGathering equipment and supplies 363\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing the Play-by-Play of Butchering Day 367\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeginning with the kill 367\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRemoving the feathers 371\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCleaning and inspecting the bird 372\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePackaging Home-Butchered Poultry 376\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRinsing and checking the chicken 377\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCutting the chicken in a usable fashion 377\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding freezer overload 378\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 6: the Part of Tens 379\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 17: More than Ten Tips for Keeping Healthy, Stress-Free Chickens 381\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoose the Right Breed for Your Needs 382\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSet Up Suitable Housing 382\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupplement Lighting When Needed 383\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl Pests 383\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtect Against Predators 384\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl Parasites 384\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVaccinate 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeed a Well-Balanced Diet 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide Enough Clean Water 386\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeware Disease-Transmitting Dangers 386\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Quarantines Whenever Necessary 387\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChapter 18: More than Ten Misconceptions about\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChickens, Eggs, and So On 389\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBird Flu Is a Risk to Reckon With 390\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou Can’t Raise Chickens If You Live in the City 391\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoosters Crow Only in the Morning 391\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou Need a Rooster to Get Eggs 391\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Chickens Penned Is Inhumane 392\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChickens Are Vegetarians 392\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBig, Brown, Organic Eggs Are Best in Taste and Quality 392\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFertilized and Unfertilized Eggs Are Easily Distinguishable 393\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEgg-Carton Advertising Is the Absolute Truth 393\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChickens Are Good for Your Garden 394\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChickens Are Dumb and Cowardly 394\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 397\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKimberley Willis\u003c\/b\u003e has raised numerous breeds of chickens and other poultry for eggs, meat, and showing for more than 40 years.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert T. Ludlow\u003c\/b\u003e owns and manages BackYardChickens.com, the largest and fastest-growing community of chicken enthusiasts in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eChoose and purchase healthy chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConstruct the right housing for your flock\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFeed and care for  your chickens\u003c\/li\u003e\t \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour trusted resource for keeping chickens\u003c\/b\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis hands-on guide offers complete coverage on chicken care, from feeding your birds for optimal health to controlling pests and predators—and everything in between. Learn what you need to know about the stages of growth, from chick to adult, and discover the best way to collect, clean, and store eggs. Whether you're a first-time poulterer or you've been raising chickens for years, you'll find fast, authoritative advice for keeping chickens in virtually any backyard. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside...\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderstand basic chicken  biology and behavior\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupplement feed with grit\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRecognize and deal with disease\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSafely mate your chickens\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGet tips on the latest urban farming trends\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePackage and store home- butchered poultry\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"For Dummies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47989910765797,"sku":"NP9781119675921","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781119675921.jpg?v=1761785874","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/raising-chickens-for-dummies-isbn-9781119675921","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}