‘My Grandma Always Said…'

As a poultry beginner, it’s perfectly all right to be a Dummy. In fact, there is a Raising Chickens for Dummies and a companion Chicken Health for Dummies to help move you down the road.

If “Dummies-brand” books aren’t your speed, there are plenty to turn to that offer reputable advice.

You can find these on Amazon.com, and also at one-stop poultry-focused retailers.

Show me the science

AcreageLife’s sister publication, Chicken Whisperer Magazine, offers a wealth of information in every quarterly issue (with online articles at chickenwhisperermagazine.com). That magazine was founded by Andy G. Schneider who was frustrated by the proliferation of online misinformation about chicken keeping. Toward that end, each issue contains information that is science-based—that is, has a basis in scientific fact—with the hope of dispelling some of the many myths perpetuated by Grandma.

Andy has published three books:

The Chicken Whisperer’s Guide To Keeping Chickens

Fact Or Chicken Poop

The Chicken Whisperer’s Guide To Zero-Waste Chicken Keeping

Experience counts too

The rise of “The Chicken Movement” in recent years means numerous authors have stepped forward to help provide helpful guidelines for novice chicken keepers.

Other books to have on your shelf:

Storey’s Guide To Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow

Backyard Chickens: A Practical Handbook to Raising Chickens by Claire Woods

The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow

The Small-Scale Poultry Flock by Harvey Ussery

How To Speak Chicken by Melissa Caughey

With these on your bookshelf all winter, you should be equipped to move ahead with your own flock when springtime comes.

Take the time, also, to reach out to your state Extension Service, which will have plenty of information based on actual experience. The USDA also has plenty of advice, especially with regard to biosecurity.