Houdan. Nankin. Indian Runner. Narragansett. These may sound like exotic place names or unusual varieties of produce, but each actually refers to one of the many hundreds of lesser-known poultry breeds that tempt the livestock owner who's prepared to venture into less-familiar territory. Providing an alternative to commercial breeds and hybrids, heritage breeds each boast their own unique characteristics and personality traits, and are a valuable (and entertaining) addition to a sustainable food system.

Pure Poultry is the first book in nearly 100 years to focus specifically on heritage breeds of chickens, turkeys and ducks and their role in a self-reliant lifestyle. This timely, beautifully illustrated resource includes:

• Detailed guidelines on everything from housing, breeding and day-to-day care to processing, cooking and preserving
• Much-needed information on using heritage breeds for egg and meat production
• Tips, inspiration, recommended reading and additional resources
• A unique planning worksheet that simplifies the process of starting out with poultry

Brimming with quiet humor, Pure Poultry is an immensely readable how-to and why-to resource. Based entirely on her personal experience, author Victoria Redhed Miller includes plenty of lessons learned the hard way. Pure Poultry shows how heritage-breed poultry can enhance and deepen anyone's quality of life, whether you have a farm, a small backyard, or a neighbor with space to share.