Booklist Review

As many suburban families have joined the backyard chicken movement, older children and tweens have become interested in caring for these birds. Caughey, creator of the Tilly's Nest blog, brings firsthand experience and plenty of know-how to this guide for children. Before delving into basic chicken chores and care, Caughey explains the importance of understanding the town rules about raising poultry. Next, she describes the 10 best breeds emphasizing which do best in different parts of the country and shows readers how to build a brooder for chicks and coops for when they're grown. A diagram of a chicken identifies its anatomical breakdown, so that readers can better understand the birds in their care. Feeding, managing health, and handling receive their own chapters, with the final chapter filled with enticing egg recipes. The book contains color photographs including pictures of children working with chickens and the text is broken into manageable chunks, with sidebar facts and testimonials. An index and other resources conclude. A good addition for public libraries.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2015 Booklist