Appealing to all levels of poultry fans
Appealing to all levels of poultry fans
CODE-named or numbered hybrids may now dominate the international poultry business, but interest in the many breeds which preceded todays commercial strains is alive and well at fancier level.
Of the 150 identifiable breeds, 44 are given the colour plate treatment they deserve in a delightful book* by Victoria Roberts. A skilled breeder and judge, now studying to be a vet, her deep knowledge and love of poultry come through strongly in an informative text.
Breeds from flightly Anconas to Wyandottes and their bantam equivalents, are described in detail, coupled with their utility value and special requirements.
Information about egg colour, numbers expected annually, broodiness and behavioural traits, time to maturity, adult weight and light or heavy type, is summarised conveniently in a useful five-part appendix.
The result is a comprehensive guide for newcomers to poultry, who will find tips on housing and management and the suitability of breeds for different conditions particularly useful. In sum-total, a book which is enjoyable to look at, informative to read and with wide appeal at serious fancier level. HPH
*Poultry for Anyone, by Victoria Roberts, Wittet Books Ltd, Hill Farm, Stonham Road, Cotton, Suffolk (£19.99).