Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds

by Ekarius, Carol

• ISBN13: 9781580176675
• ISBN10: 1580176674
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-05-30
• Publisher: Storey Books

Summary

Farmers and Fanciers keep an astonishing variety of poultry breeds in North America. These birds provide meat and eggs to nourish us and feathers to keep us warm. Their quirky personalities and charming good looks make them barnyard favourites. They insprie passionate devotion from show breeders and provide a living for farmers. Presented here, breed by breed, are more than 120 barnyard fowl--from chickens and turkeys to emus and pheasants. For each animal, readers will find stunning colour photography, a brief history, and a detailed description. The identifying characteristics included for each breed are: class (standard and bantam); size (for cocks and hens); appearance of comb, wattles, and earlobes; colour (everything from black-breasted red to silver laced); place of origin; conservation status; and special qualities (including longevity, size and quantity of eggs, quality of meat, and other relevant uses). Author Carol Ekarius provides enough information to satisfy both the dedicated browser and the serious farmer weighing the pros and cons of multiple breeds. In 2005, "Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America" celebrated horses in a coffee-table reference that captivated enthusiasts of all ages. Now farmers, breeders, backyard chicken keepers, and unabashed poultry fanataics will have a definitive guide of their own. If it's poultry--fair or fowl--it's in this book.

Author Biography

Carol Ekarius has been a full time livestock farmer for nearly a decade and has been involved with the sustainable agriculture movement for many years. She is the author of How to Build Animal Housing and Small-Scale Livestock Farming. Carol and her husband live in Hartsel, Colorado, with their many critters.