Chickens: Their Natural and Unnatural Histories

Really a downright interesting book! Is not the kind of guide «How to raise chickens» but a fascinating journey to the enchantment of chickens. As Saint Augustine wisely said - there is a past of the present time and a present of future times - this book enlighten us on many current behaviors by a parallel with the ancestors.A must have for every backyardchicken owner, in a beautiful edition for a very affordable price.

What a great book! I've always liked chickens and have raised them from time to time, but didn't realize the breadth and scope of their place in human history.Janet Lembke covers it all, their biological history, origin from the dinosaurs, their niche in human agriculture, myths and true facts, chickens as muse to the arts, culinary history and even some really nice current recipes to augment the unpreparable historical cookbook entries. Breeding, bird fancying, scientific salvation, chicken mega farms, grass pastured flocks, every conceivable angle you can think of when you think of chickens (you DO think of chickens, don't you?) gets a chapter.This is NOT a book on how to raise chickens...there are plenty of those and if your goal is to raise chickens you should definitely invest there. While the book covers some basics on the care and feeding of chickens both now and throughout history, this is more of a love story than a textbook.This book will give you a great feel for the bird you are choosing to bring into your yard, and a greater appreciation for the quirky, wonderfulness that is the chicken.Lembke's style is personal while factual, so the history reading is not dry, and it becomes the ultimate in personal at the end when she describes how she finally acquired and ultimately blessed her flock.This is a wonderful read with appropriate illustrations and would make a good gift for the chicken lover in your life, or to give you the backing you need when trying to explain your fascination with this bird to your friends, neighbors and family.

Do like the availability of history.

Given as a gift. well received.

Great!