How to Keep Poultry in Your Backyard

Poultry can be kept in backyards of many suburban and town homes because the birds are relatively small and adaptable to a variety of conditions. A backyard poultry flock supplies the family with fresh eggs and some meat, both desirable foods of animal origin. A small flock of chickens will consume wastes from the kitchen and the garden, helping to reduce the cost for poultry feed.

Originally published in 1954 by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, this booklet discusses such subjects as suitable breeds, houses, methods of feeding, and sanitary requirement.

Contents Covered:

• Advantages of Keeping a Backyard Poultry Flock
• Selection of Stock
• Incubation and Brooding
• Managing Chicks
• Feeding Chicks
• Feeding Hens
• Raising Bantams
• Houses for Laying Stock
• Yards for Laying Stock
• Batteries for Chicks
• Cages for Laying Hens
• Use of Artificial Light
• Selecting to Improve Production
• Controlling Diseases, Lice, and Mites
• Record Keeping
• Finishing Chickens for the Table
• Home Methods of Preserving Eggs