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Hi all,
I am soon to embark on keeping chickens. Can you recomend a good book which will guide through. I have my chicken house and will be constructing a run for them in the next few weeks. I am looking for a book that will take me through the basics to ensure so that when I get my birds I am fully prepared.

Thanks Steve

One that I would recommend is teach yourself series 'Keeping Poultry' by Victoria Roberts ISBN 978-0-340-92602-4

You may find it best to go to the library and get a selection as I find there is often something in different books that is useful

There are lots of really basic introductory books, but TBH you'd be better off looking for that sort of advice on the internet.  By far the best book on keeping chickens that we have is the one in the Storey's Guide series.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Chickens-Storey/dp/1603424695/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362728347&sr=8-1

It's American, so you have to make allowances for the different pests and some different veterinary treatments, but everything she says is spot on.  It's the book we always return to for good practical advice.

Chicken/poultry keeping magazines are good source of info too and do you know any other poultry people who could help you with 'hands on' stuff to start with?

The Haynes one is really good IMHO - although I agree you can get a long way with the basics from t'internet. Keeping a few hens doesn't usually need much expertise anyway - food, water, shelter and some space works for us!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chicken-Manual-Complete-Step---step/dp/1844257290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362734697&sr=8-1

Thanks for all your advice. I do have someone local I can call on for advise but I like to read up about any project I am going to undertake and I dont think you can beat a good book. 

So what chickens are you planning to get, steve1967?

Not sure yet melbourne, but I believe hybrids are the best layers. Any guidance will be appreciated.