Your Chickens: A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing
#2 in A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing Series
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
Full of expert advice and plenty of encouragement for the youngest poultry farmers, this introductory guide is designed to show children ages 9 and up how to safely and successfully raise their own chickens. With age-appropriate language and clear diagrams, Gail Damerow provides everything kids need to know to choose, purchase, house, and show their own chickens. Whether they're interested in raising chickens for pleasure or to make money, this easy-to-use guide will help children achieve their chicken-raising goals.
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important things to remember when taking care of chickens?
If you could raise your own chicken, what would you name it and why?
How do you think the chickens feel when they are being taken care of well?
What are some of the responsibilities involved in raising and showing chickens?
Can you imagine how you would design a coop for your chickens? What would it look like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely by asking them how they would feel in similar situations mentioned in the book.
Use the book as a practical guide, discussing each step of chicken care and connecting it to responsibilities your child might have.
After reading, consider visiting a local farm or petting zoo where your child can see chickens, reinforcing the real-life connection.
Highlight the importance of patience and regular care when raising animals, relating it to caring for pets or even plants at home.
Encourage your child to describe their ideal chicken using the traits and behaviors mentioned in the book to help boost their creativity and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book guides children on how to care for chickens, teaching them the daily tasks required such as feeding, cleaning, and ensuring the chickens' health.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons to take responsibility for household chores or caring for other pets, developing a sense of duty and commitment.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Raising and showing chickens involves waiting for eggs to hatch, chickens to grow, and preparing for shows, all of which require patience.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of waiting patiently for the results of their efforts in all aspects of life, from academic to personal.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: Children learn to treat chickens with kindness and recognize their needs, fostering empathy and understanding towards animals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to extend compassion and empathy in their interactions with animals and people in their community.
Example Lesson: Commitment
Explanation: The book details the ongoing care and attention chickens require, illustrating the importance of sticking with tasks to see successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Learning about commitment through chicken care can inspire children to persevere in their educational pursuits and personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry
Explanation: By engaging with the processes of caring for chickens, children explore basic biology and agricultural science, sparking curiosity and investigative skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can promote a stronger interest and proficiency in science subjects at school, as well as encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills.