Self-sufficiency and organic living have never been more prominent and hen keeping is becoming increasingly popular. This authoritative book provides an introduction to the key aspects of acquiring a self-sufficient lifestyle by keeping your own chickens and benefiting from the produce. You don't need a large garden to keep poultry and an average family only needs a couple of hens to keep them well stocked in fresh eggs all year round. The set-up costs are minimal and you don't need a whole host of expensive gadgets or equipment to care for your chickens. Packed with information on poultry keeping (housing, food and water, daily care, disease prevention and cure, encouraging egg production and breeding), there is also comprehensive information on available breeds and a list of useful resources.