This comprehensive introduction will provide all the resources needed not only by the total beginner contemplating the possibilities, but also by those who already have chickens and who want a quickly accessible but authoritative guide to the key areas, or by those who are considering keeping other kinds of poultry, for whatever reason. Since most people select the breed they want by the nature of the laying and similar, the book is sensibly structured around this, balancing practical applicability with plenty of background information. Even more importantly, it goes beyond covering just chickens to the other types of poultry, and gives advice and practical guidelines on housing, with full explanation of key areas like welfare, behaviour and diet. For those interested, there is a separate chapter on keeping poultry for slaughter, while useful resources include a glossary, troubleshooting section, and information about exhibiting and transporting poultry. The book will be illustrated with up to 50 b-and-w drawings and a small selection of photographs.