Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens - Hardcover

Keeping chickens has become increasingly popular. If at one time this used to be the privilege of farmers and those living in the countryside, these domestic animals are now slowly taking over city gardens as well.

The book has been specially written for people who do not know much about chickens yet, but who are already keeping some, or are considering getting some in the future. The text and pictures provide practical information on the feeding, care, and breeding of chickens, as well as the laying of eggs and the kind of shelter the birds require. You will find clear information about common diseases and disorders, the chicken's anatomy, and an overview of the main color variations.

The comprehensive information in The Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens is organized into chapters on the history of keeping chickens, choosing chicks, breeds of chickens, housing, care, and feeding. Other chapters provide details on diseases, abnormalities, and parasites. Reproduction, anatomy, and plumage are also described in this encyclopedia. An index and directory make this a complete resource.

Aad Rijs has been breeding and exhibiting chickens ever since he was a small child, and this enthusiasm has never left him. In recent years he has mainly dedicated himself to the rare Belgian bantam breeds. His reputation shot up when he managed to breed back the extinct Burmese bantam. His years of hands on experience, together with his knowledge of genetics, have landed him seats on various fowling commissions. He also acts as an official judge for several breeds.

For years Esther Verhoef's name on the cover has guaranteed very readable and practical books on domestic animals. As a rule, her books receive positive reviews from the dedicated press and general readers alike. A number of her books have made it to the top 100 of bestsellers, something that is very unusual in the world of animal books. All her books have been translated and quickly found their way to other countries. But Esther Verhoef does not only occupy herself with writing books and photographing pets; she is also editor in chief of a general animal periodical, writes for several magazines, and is a partner in a flourishing international photographic collection that specializes in photographs of domestic animals.