Chicken & Eggs – Mark Diacono (2013)

Chickens are a fantastic addition to a garden or outdoor space, and you do not need to live in the middle of nowhere to keep a few clucking around and providing fresh eggs. They come in all shapes and sizes: some are reliable layers, while others are simply born to strut. Mark Diacono begins with the basics, explaining how to raise chickens from eggs and care for them once they start laying their own. The first part helps you decide what kind of chickens you want and how many to get, whether you are looking for a breed that lays regularly, one you might eventually eat, or one chosen for its decorative appearance. Among the breeds discussed are Orpingtons, Derbyshire redcaps, Muffed Old English Game and Leghorns. The book then covers breeding, encouraging hens to lay, identifying different kinds of eggs, day-to-day care and preparing the birds for the table. The final section offers recipes that go far beyond roast chicken, with plenty of ideas for fresh eggs and home-reared chicken. With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, this is a comprehensive guide for anyone who cannot stop thinking about chicks.