by Angie Pollock

Created on: June 25, 2009

Authored by Carol Ekarius, "Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds" is a poultry guide detailing over 125 different types of birds. This book covers hundreds of different poultry breeds including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, and swans, among others. Whether you are a novice or are more experienced in raising poultry, this guide will provide useful information on the many breeds available.

Like with most guides of this sort, the book begins with an introduction and history of poultry. This short section takes you on a journey of the history of these feathered creatures. Ms. Ekarius gives insight on the debate of the Araucana chicken breed and how they could hold the key on who arrived in America first, Columbus or perhaps, the Chinese.

Following a bit of poultry history, the book leads into the different species, breeds, and varieties of poultry. Understanding registered breeds, one must understand what "standard bred" means when referring to those breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) and the American Bantam Association (ABA). Ekarius goes into short detail about these standards and without going into full details, she only recommends investing in a copy of the appropriate standards for raising or showing standard-bred poultry.

If you are interested in poultry biodiversity and genetics, there is a section devoted just for you. The author goes into detail of the DNA structures and genetic traits of different poultry. And finally before Ekarius gets into the breeds, she gives information on breeding and steps to take in becoming a poultry breeder. Before learning about the different breeds of poultry, there are several pages dedicated to the feather colors and patterns which include color photographs of these differences.

The poultry breeds are broken down within the book by species. Beginning with chickens, these are also broken down by laying, meat, and ornamental breeds. Each breed has a short outline of their history, characteristics, and traits. Following this outline, the author gives a block of information that breaks down the facts of the breed which includes the class, size, colors, and special qualities of the breed. Out of the many species of poultry, this guide covers the different breeds of chicken over all other species.

The third chapter covers waterfowl which includes ducks and geese. This chapter begins with raising waterfowl and the different classifications. Next Ekarius discusses turkeys which includes some information on Heritage Turkeys, a topic that is becoming increasingly popular among backyard breeders. The final chapter discusses other birds including emus, guinea fowl, the ostrich, partridge, pheasant, peafowl, pigeons, doves, quails, and the swan.

"Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds" is just what the title states - it is a guide to breeds. There is very little information provided concerning the health and care of poultry. There are professional color photos of each bird giving readers better insight of the breed. If you are looking for a care manual, you will need to find an alternative as this book is simply an introduction to the many breeds of poultry. Those who appreciate and enjoy poultry will enjoy this guide especially learning about the history of the different breeds.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

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