"The Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens"

richard · Post by **richard** » 23 Oct 2005, 19:59

Excellent book for the novice. Lists 100 breeds with colour pics. Good section on breeding.

stephen · Post by **stephen** » 01 Nov 2005, 21:32

Amazon links:

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fenwoman · Post by **fenwoman** » 02 Dec 2005, 19:42

I have this book and although it is full of nice pictures some of the info is very misleading for novice people.
For instance. Page111 top picture shows a Barbu d'Anvers hen in millefleur, yet the description says "Antwerp Belgian hen porcelain".
Then on page 311 Polish bantams are called "Dutch crested" and on page317 still more 'dutch cresteds' and the colour chamoi is called 'yellow white laced'.
It is written by what appears to be a Dutch person and hence the misnaming. There are lots of odd breeds not seen here like the Bielefelder and several more.
Not a bad book but it would confuse a complete novice as I have found when people have phoned me asking for some of the breeds I have mentioned and totally confused me until I remembered the book. Upon asking they admitted that yes, they got their info from this book.

richard · Post by **richard** » 27 Feb 2006, 12:12

I recommended this book and I must admit that there are problems with the names of breeds, probably because of the differences in Holland. Also, it seems to be aimed at the American market but when it comes to getting you started with things like type of housing, how much space you should have and feed & care for your birds, I found it extremely helpful. It's also helpful when choosing the type of breed that will suit you best.

fenwoman · Post by **fenwoman** » 27 Feb 2006, 19:14

Hmm I would not necessarily agree about the last part of your post since I hgave had too many people phoning me for breeds I've never heard of, until they tell me where thay found the info. I bought a coipy of the book and was very disappointed. There is better information out there in English books costing less money and of course the internet too. It is a bad do when a potential customer tells me I obviously know nothing about poultry because I didn't even know that a black laced silver wyandotte was the correct term and not silver laced wyandotte, and since I had not got black laced silver wyandottes, but only silver laced, I didn't have what he wanted anyway.
I have a problem with people reading a book like this and being given wrong information since invariably they believe that if it is in a book it MUST be correct and I must be wrong.

stuffed · Post by **stuffed** » 01 Mar 2006, 15:59

Well I have a copy for sale if anyone wants it after reading previous posts. I'd like to point out that I'm only selling it as I've had to give up the chooks.

richard · Post by **richard** » 01 Mar 2006, 18:05

It's a really good book, I bet it would sell quick on Amazon

dan_didit · Post by **dan_didit** » 13 Mar 2006, 00:35

I bought this book at the weekend - Yes theres a few mistakes, but otherwise I think it's great! :D

Dan

RobMad · Post by **RobMad** » 20 May 2006, 17:47

Brilliant book - a good insight into different chickens. Well worth the money!

Spana · Post by **Spana** » 20 May 2006, 22:22

I like it too and I had noticed it has some mistakes. I've bought two copies from Holsworthy market where its only £5.99, one for me, one for grandson who picks up my copy as soon as he arrives here.

Post by CP » 21 May 2006, 00:11

I bought this book for OH's Christmas pressie last year. :D

Jan, are you not far from Holsworthy? We know that area fairly well. My best friend lives in Pyworthy! :D

Spana · Post by **Spana** » 21 May 2006, 17:32

We go through Pyworthy on our way to Holsworthy

My OH calls Holsworthy 'The Centre of the Universe'. He dont get out much poor soul

. You can buy anything there as long as you dont want choice.

Post by CP » 22 May 2006, 01:03

Ahhh, it's a lovely town, Holsworthy! :D

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » 06 Jun 2006, 16:59

I got this book last week and found it a very good and informative read

Clucky · Post by **Clucky** » 26 Aug 2006, 07:24

I now have this book after borrowing a copy off Fenn (the catalogue she calls it which is very apt) and I AM a novice. I look at it this way....with a forum like this

you can put me straight about the errors anyways. I like the book and on a novice's perspective, it gives you an idea of all the different breeds in the world....I never knew there were so many!