Small-Scale Poultry Flock, Revised Edition

The most comprehensive book on how to raise and breed your own poultry flock is now fully updated and expanded"e;The ultimate book for those who want to know everything there is to know about raising poultry."e;-Gene Logsdon, author of Letter to a Young Farmer"e;There's no better introductory reference on the joy of home-raising chickens."e;-BooklistThe first edition of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock helped thousands of small-scale farmers and homesteaders successfully adopt a practical and integrative model for working with chickens and other domestic fowl based on natural systems. In this expanded and thoroughly revised edition, readers will find plenty of all-new material. Author Harvey Ussery introduces readers to his new favorite breed of chicken, Icelandics; describes how he manages his breeding flock using a clan mating system; presents detailed information on the use of trapnests and record-keeping spreadsheets for evaluating breeding hen performance; and provides step-by-step instructions for construction of an ingeniously designed mobile poultry shelter.Readers will also find fully updated information and tips on all aspects of flock management, including:Growing (and sourcing) feed on a small scaleCultivating earthworms and grubs as high-protein poultry feedBrooding (and breeding) at homeImplementing manure managementUsing electric net fencing for ranging flocksUsing poultry as insect and weed managers in the garden and orchardEnlisting your chickens as garden tillers and compost-makersProtecting the flock from predatorsKeeping the flock healthyWorking with mother hensUssery presents a sustainable and ecologically friendly model that can be adapted for use at a variety of scales. His advice and examples throughout the book will prove invaluable for beginner homesteaders, growers looking to incorporate poultry into their farm, or experienced flocksters seeking to close their loop.