Can you recommend a good book about keeping chickens?

[LittleB]

We're thinking about getting some chickens (well I am - DH still needs some persuading) and although I've found out loads from mumsnet I'd like to read a book about it, preferably one with plans for coops and runs to build ourselves too. Can anyone recommend one or more? Will probably borrow it from the library initially. Thanks, then I'll be back on here asking for more advice!

I like this one. Don't be put off by the 'Encyclopaedia' in the title, it's not a huge, dull book but practical and concise and has lots of pictures, especially of all the breeds. Doesn't have plans for coops though.

If you search for 'hen house' on Amazon it has several books on building coops (wish I was more practical)!

I have Keeping Pet Chickens by the eglu people, Hens in the Garden, Eggs in the kitchen which is ok, and Choosing and Keeping Chickens which is written by the editor of Practical Poultry magazine and is my personal favourite! Lots on breeds, and they even touch on ex-batts. So I would go for the first or the last one. Or both!

Thanks, I've reserved choosing and keeping chickens from my local library, I looked for the chicken encyclopedia too but they didn't have it!

I bought Choosing and Keeping Chickens in one of those budget bookshops for £6.00 yesterday.