November 6, 2009. Loyl Stromberg is one of my idols. Check my blog. Click the Shows button for information on upcoming shows and poultry events.

How to Raise Poultry grew out of my involvement with the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities. My first book, How to Raise Chickens, focused entirely on the most common domestic fowl. SPPA does not limit its dedication to chickens, however. Waterfowl, including ducks, geese and swans, turkeys and guineafowl are specifically included. Many members also keep pigeons and other game birds, such as quail, peacocks and partridges.

So it was a continuation of my work to write a book that includes all those breeds. Along the way, ratites – ostriches, emus and rheas – naturally came along.

Writing the book gave me a wonderful opportunity to focus on these birds, one at a time. Being immersed in ducks, then geese, then turkeys and the rest was a pleasure. The book includes photos of many historic poultry breeds, from actual Red Junglefowl in the wild to fighting Blue Steinbacher geese, Blue Slate turkeys and Lavender Guineafowl. The ostriches, emus and rheas were new to me. I learned so much from so many wonderful people who helped me! Male rheas incubate their yellow eggs.

In addition to specific details about the history, description, husbandry and marketable products for each species, How to Raise Poultry includes an Overview of modern small flock poultry raising, extensive information on poultry management and a conclusion comprising agricultural tourism, poultry in art and community life and a look forward into the future.

October 22, 2009 Poultry Show Season  Check the Upcoming Shows page for shows and swap meets in your area. I'll be attending the Bash at the Beach in Ventura on Saturday October 24. Join your local poultry club.  The Show page has extensive listings of upcoming shows.  Send me information about your poultry event and I'll add it to the list. This is becoming the most popular page on this site. Attend a poultry event near you!