Hentopia

Starred review from November 15, 2018

This lively read is a handy resource for chicken keepers, like having a happy, helpful neighbor to call on any time you need advice about the flock. While covering various aspects of raising chickens, it focuses more on inventive solutions for habitat and feeding than works such as Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, which provides extensive coverage of breeds and chicken care. Designer and freelance writer Hyman (Modern Farmer; Hobby Farms; Organic Gardening) excels in descriptions of fun building projects, delivered in accessible, entertaining prose. Looking to build a roost, nesting box, or fence? There's an exciting, affordable way to do it that only requires common hand tools. Concerned about predators? You can turn reclaimed materials into the ultimate secure fortress for your brood. Throughout, good ideas abound for making things easier in general and setting up everything so that any enterprising urban farmer can go on vacation, while relaxed, healthy hens have food, water, and safety in their absence. It strikes a rare mix of ingenuity and common sense that hits a sweet spot. VERDICT An excellent choice for urban farmers seeking a friendly paradise for their birds.--Dan McClure, Clatsop Community Coll. Lib., Astoria, OR

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