# Best Chicken Keeping Books for New and Seasoned Keepers Source: https://chickencoopnest.com/best/best-chicken-keeping-books Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Chicken Coop Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://chickencoopnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Most chicken problems have been solved before, and a decent book gets you to the answer faster than an argument in a forum thread. Books also give you the reasoning behind coop design, flock behaviour, and seasonal care, rather than one keeper's habit. What varies is depth, region, and focus: some titles cover getting started, others go deep on breeds, housing plans, or recognising when a bird needs help. We weighed accuracy, how current the advice is, clarity of the illustrations, and whether the welfare guidance holds up. Beginner guides suit anyone in their first year with a small flock. Breed encyclopedias suit keepers choosing birds for climate and temperament. Health handbooks help you spot problems early and describe them clearly, though they are reference material and never a replacement for your veterinarian. ## Picks ### 1. Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition: Breed Selection, Facilities, Feeding, Health Care, Managing Layers and Meat Birds by Gail Damerow Our score: 9.4/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition by Gail Damerow, an in-depth reference covering breeds, housing, feeding and health. Pros: - Covers breed selection, facilities, feeding and health care in one volume - 4th Edition brings updated guidance to a long-running classic - Addresses both layers and meat birds for broader flock plans Cons: - Dense reference style can feel heavy for casual beginners - Print book lacks the quick visual walkthroughs of online videos Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/1612129307 ### 2. The Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd Edition: A Complete Guide to Maximizing Flock Health and Dealing with Disease by Gail Damerow Our score: 9.0/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) The Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd Edition by Gail Damerow, a complete guide to flock health and dealing with disease. Pros: - Focused health guide helps you spot and act on illness early - 2nd Edition updates the content for current flock health practice - Pairs well with a general care book for full coverage Cons: - Disease detail can be overwhelming for brand-new keepers - Not a replacement for an avian vet in serious cases Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/161212013X ### 3. The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens: How to Raise a Happy Backyard Flock by Anne Kuo Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo, an entry-level book on raising a happy backyard flock. Pros: - Written for beginners, so it starts from the very first decisions - Focus on a happy backyard flock suits small home setups - Approachable guide to read before bringing chicks home Cons: - Beginner scope means less depth on health problems and disease - Experienced keepers will find much of it familiar Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/1641524057 ### 4. Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens Naturally by Lisa Steele Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Fresh Eggs Daily by Lisa Steele, a guide to raising happy, healthy chickens with natural methods. Pros: - Natural approach appeals to keepers who prefer herbs and simple remedies - Lisa Steele is a popular backyard chicken author and blogger - Friendly tone makes it approachable for first-time keepers Cons: - Natural remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment - Less technical depth on disease than dedicated health handbooks Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/0985562250 ### 5. Backyard Chickens: The Beginner's Guide to Raising and Caring for Backyard Chickens by Rashelle Johnson Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Backyard Chickens by Rashelle Johnson, a beginner's guide to raising and caring for a backyard flock. Pros: - Covers both raising and ongoing care for new backyard keepers - Straightforward beginner framing keeps topics easy to follow - Useful checklist-style companion for first-year flock owners Cons: - Less established author name than Storey or Damerow titles - Broad overview leaves specialist topics like hatching fairly light Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/148390623X ### 6. Raising Chickens: Backyard Chickens for Beginners: Choosing the Best Breed, Feeding and Care, and Raising Chickens for Eggs by Maggie Gingrich Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Raising Chickens: Backyard Chickens for Beginners by Maggie Gingrich, covering breed choice, feeding, care and eggs. Pros: - Breed selection section helps match hens to your climate and goals - Feeding and care chapters cover daily routines in plain terms - Egg-focused angle suits keepers raising layers Cons: - Overlaps heavily with other beginner titles in this guide - Self-published style books can be thinner on detail and photos Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/154075412X ### 7. Raising Chickens: Beginners Guide to Raising Healthy and Happy Backyard Chickens by Janet Wilson Our score: 6.6/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10) Raising Chickens by Janet Wilson, a beginners guide to raising healthy and happy backyard chickens. Pros: - Health and happiness focus covers the basics of flock welfare - Beginner-level language keeps it accessible to new keepers - Compact read that gets you ready for a first flock quickly Cons: - Title promises little beyond the standard beginner topics - Lesser-known author with a limited track record in poultry Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/1951791592 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.