When my grandmother tended her flock of chickens decades ago, she relied on wisdom passed down through generations. Today, as more of us return to homesteading practices—whether on large rural properties or small suburban backyards—we’re turning to books to rediscover this knowledge.

With egg prices fluctuating wildly due to recent avian flu outbreaks and supply chain disruptions, raising chickens has become more than just a hobby; it’s a practical step toward self-sufficiency. These five essential books have guided my family’s journey from complete novices to confident chicken keepers and have helped strengthen our homesteading foundation.

The Essential Homesteader’s Chicken Library

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1. The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens by Kathy Shea Mormino

Kathy Shea Mormino delivers practical, science-based advice that makes chicken keeping accessible to anyone. What makes this book invaluable is its perfect balance of detailed information and approachable guidance.

The sections on coop design and predator management proved essential when we built our first henhouse. During our area’s recent coyote problems, her security recommendations potentially saved our entire flock. The health basics section has become our first reference whenever something seems off with one of our hens.

Bottom Line: The ideal starting point for new homesteaders who want clear, reliable information about integrating chickens into their lifestyle.

2. The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo

Anne Kuo’s practical approach focuses on creating a happy, healthy flock that benefits your entire homestead. Her book excels in explaining chicken behaviors and needs in the context of a working homestead.

The winter care section was particularly valuable during our first December with chickens, when temperatures dropped unexpectedly. Her troubleshooting guides helped us identify molting when we panicked about sudden egg production drops, and her space planning advice proved critical as our flock inevitably expanded.

Bottom Line: Perfect for homesteaders in challenging climates who need practical solutions for integrating chickens into their yearly planning.

3. The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow

This comprehensive A-to-Z resource covers everything from anatomy to zoological classification of chickens. Unlike typical encyclopedias, Damerow’s work is surprisingly engaging and readable.

This book transformed our understanding of chicken terminology, making veterinary advice and other chicken resources more accessible. When integrating chickens with our other homesteading activities, the cross-referenced entries helped us understand how different aspects of chicken keeping connect with gardening, composting, and pest management.

Bottom Line: The reference book that ties together all aspects of chicken keeping within a broader homesteading context.

4. The Homesteader’s Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook by Amy K. Fewell

For homesteaders committed to natural and sustainable practices, Amy Fewell’s handbook is revolutionary. The focus on herbal remedies and natural approaches perfectly aligns with holistic homesteading principles.

We’ve implemented her herb garden suggestions, creating a dedicated space that serves both our chickens and our kitchen. The natural remedies have helped us address minor health issues without resorting to pharmaceuticals, and her guidance on creating a chicken business helped us turn our egg production into a legitimate side income that supports our homesteading goals.

Bottom Line: Essential for homesteaders seeking to integrate chickens into a natural, self-sufficient lifestyle with minimal outside inputs.

5. The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow

Damerow’s comprehensive health guide has saved us countless hours of worry and potentially hundreds in veterinary bills. With detailed information on preventing and addressing virtually every chicken ailment, it’s the safety net every homesteader needs.

In the context of current avian flu concerns, the sections on biosecurity and disease prevention have been particularly valuable. The diagnostic charts helped us correctly identify and treat a respiratory issue in our flock before it spread, potentially saving our entire chicken operation during a critical production period.

Bottom Line: The definitive health resource that every serious homesteader needs to protect their flock investment.

How These Books Support the Complete Homesteading Journey

Together, these five books create a comprehensive library that supports not just chicken keeping, but broader homesteading goals:

• Self-sufficiency: Detailed guidance on egg production, breeding, and meat birds helps reduce dependence on commercial food systems.
• Sustainability: Natural approaches to chicken keeping integrate with sustainable homestead practices.
• Economic resilience: Information on creating egg/chicken businesses provides income diversification.
• Waste reduction: Tips for integrating chickens into composting and garden systems create closed-loop systems.
• Health security: Understanding disease prevention helps protect not just chickens but other livestock investments.

A Family Tradition Renewed

My grandmother would barely recognize today’s homesteading movement with its social media sharing and technical innovations, but she would recognize the fundamental principles these books promote: careful observation, preventive care, and integration of chickens into the broader homestead ecosystem.

When my children collect eggs each morning or help sprinkle herbs in the nesting boxes as these books suggest, they’re connecting with agricultural traditions while building practical skills for an uncertain future. With ongoing egg shortages and rising food prices, these books don’t just help us care for chickens—they help us create resilience.

Essential Tools for Modern Homesteaders

Whether you’re managing a few backyard chickens or developing a full-scale homestead, these five books provide the knowledge foundation you need. Start with either Mormino’s or Kuo’s guide based on your experience level, add Fewell’s natural approach as you develop your systems, and keep Damerow’s references handy for when deeper knowledge is required.

In times of economic uncertainty and food system vulnerabilities, these books represent more than just chicken advice—they’re guideposts toward greater self-reliance and connection with our food sources.

What’s your experience with homesteading and raising chickens? Has the recent avian flu situation or egg price increases motivated you to start your own flock? Share your journey in the comments below!