Grit's Guide to Backyard Chickens - $6.99

[opsec]

http://www.grit.com/shopping/detail.aspx?itemnumber=4375

I'm not trying to advertise, but $6.99 seems like a good deal for a comprehensive source of information on this subject.

Item#: 4375 
Format: Paperback 
From the rooftop terraces of New York city to the sprawling lawns of rural America, the backyard chicken movement has taken hold and is making a massive impact among city dwellers and country folk alike. As the authority on rural know-how, GRIT magazine has long been leading the charge and is now proud to introduce its special Guide to Backyard Chickens.

At 100 full-color pages, this one-of-a-kind reference book is designed to arm you with all the information needed to enjoy the simple country pleasures of farm-fresh eggs and poultry, straight from your own backyard.

GRIT's Guide to Backyard Chickens includes an extensive collection of relevant articles, including:

Raise a flock from mail-order chicks
Top tips for keeping your flock healthy
What to do with all those delicious eggs: recipes galore
Guide to controlling ticks and other backyard pests
Enjoy fresh eggs all year long
Top tips for keeping your flock safe from predators
Chicken coop and chick brooder plans
How to hatch fertile eggs to replenish the flock
Save money by growing your own meat
Choose the right chicken breed and Raise chickens in the city.

[darkdwarf]

Thanks, I been putting off chickens, as I had a very bad experience with a rooster when I was 5. Still got scars and nightmares...

[opsec]

Roosters are no match for a tennis racket.

[Wellspring]

We've got eight hens shared with our neighbor.  I've hear of GRIT.  Recently discovered tens and tens and tens of rats wondering around the run and into the run for leftover food.
Argh~
Will order the guide for more info/reference on the fine art of keeping egg-laying hens.

Thanks.

[opsec]

Rats: Take a 5 gallon bucket with the lid off. Take a short piece of broom handle about the same length as the bucket is wide and place it so one end reaches about 2 inches from the center of the bucket and the other end reaches outside the bucket. Afix the broom handle to the bucket with a small door hinge such that the handle will tilt downwards into the bucket. Glue some seeds onto the end of the handle that is inside the bucket. Bury the bucket up to it rim in the ground. Fill it 1/2 way up with water. Leave a trail of seeds going onto the broom handle. Empty the dead rats out of the bucket periodically.