The Small-Scale Poultry Flock, Revised Edition: An All-Natural Approach to Raising and Breeding Chickens and Other Fowl for Home and Market Growers

By Harvey Ussery

The most comprehensive book on how to raise and breed your own poultry flock is now fully updated and expanded

"The ultimate book for those who want to know everything there is to know about raising poultry."--Gene Logsdon, author of Letter to a Young Farmer

"There's no better introductory reference on the joy of home-raising chickens."--Booklist

The 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 scale Cultivating earthworms and grubs as high-protein poultry feed Brooding (and breeding) at home Implementing manure management Using electric net fencing for ranging flocks Using poultry as insect and weed managers in the garden and orchard Enlisting your chickens as garden tillers and compost-makers Protecting the flock from predators Keeping the flock healthy Working with mother hens

Ussery 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1645021017
• ISBN13: 9781645021018
• Release Date: November 2022
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing Company
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Best small flock book ever.

I have the prior addition. It is my first go-to for chicken questions even after 11 years of having a small flock. Great detail on every step of poultry husbandry. He emphasizes that different people have different ways that work and he covers all of the basic info including pitfalls to avoid. Mr. Ussery helped us to manage our flock well, even as our goals and abilities have changed through the years.