Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Emus, Guinea Fowl, Ostriches, Partridges, Peafowl, Pheasants, Quails, Swans - Softcover

Farmers and fanciers keep an astonishing variety of poultry breeds and these birds provide meat and eggs to nourish us and feathers to keep us warm. Their quirky personalities and charming good looks make them farnyard favourites. They inspire passionate devotion from show breeders and provide a living for farmers. Presented here, breed by breed, are more than 120 farnyard fowl - from chickens and turkeys to emus and pheasants. For each animal, readers will find stunning colour photography, a brief history, and a detailed description. The identifying characteristics included for each breed are: class (standard and bantam); size (for cocks and hens); appearance of comb, wattles, and earlobes; colour (everything from black-breasted red to silver laced); place of origin; conservation status; and special qualities (including longevity, size and quantity of eggs, quality of meat, and other relevant uses). Author Carol Ekarius provides enough information to satisfy both the dedicated browser and the serious farmer weighing the pros and cons of multiple breeds. Now farmers, breeders, backyard chicken keepers, and unabashed poultry fanatics will have a definitive guide of their own. If it's poultry - fair or fowl - it's in this book.

More than 128 birds strut their stuff across the pages of Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds, the ultimate primer for farmers and fancies alike. Admire the handsome black and white plumage of Lakenvelder roosters, read the fascinating history of the Blue Hens of Delaware, and marvel at the petite size and toylike appearance of Call ducks. And if you're curious to know which heritage turkeys are making a comeback, look no further.

This definitive guide to North American barnyard and wild fowl includes a brief history of each breed, detailed descriptions of identifying characteristics, and colorful photography that celebrates the birds' quirky personalities and charming good looks. If it's fowl facts and photos you want, you'll find them all here.