If you've ever wanted to wake up to fresh eggs or have considered raising chickens in the suburbs, this comprehensive guide will demystify the process. Andy Cawthray and James Hermes explain the history and science of poultry farming, and introduces 15 of the most common breeds of chicken. Here too are troubleshooting tips on buying chickens, housing your flock, selecting the best diet for them, assessing the quality of the eggs, keeping the chickens healthy, creating a first-aid kit, and thwarting predators. Color photos appear throughout, while Kate Osborne's watercolor illustrations of the birds are both stylish and precise.