Raising fish, chickens, and other animals can seem daunting for those ready to take their garden to the next level. But having ample resources to guide a gardener can make a world of difference.

The following article outlines five books that offer advice on properly caring for livestock and helpful tips for raising them in addition to a garden.

Goats enjoying pea shoots in a backyard livestock setup.

From day-to-day maintenance to understanding the needs of different types of animals, this selection has everything necessary for someone wanting to enrich their garden with unique, homegrown products.

Aquaponic Gardening by Sylvia Bernstein

Small home aquaponics system in backyard greenhouse.

Aquaponic gardening is a revolutionary way to garden that combines the best of both worlds: fresh, organic produce and beautiful freshwater fish.

Aquaponic Gardening by Sylvia Bernstein is the perfect beginner’s guide to aquaponics gardening. With step-by-step instructions and clear diagrams, it helps the reader understand the basics of aquaponics and how to build an effective system.

backyard aquaponic garden setup using totes.


The book explains clearly how to set up a simple system at home with a small budget. It also explains the science behind aquaponics and provides examples of successful systems worldwide.

IBC home ibc tote aquaponic system is great for raising fish and vegetables together.

This aquaponics guide covers important topics such as site selection, equipment, stocking fish, selecting plants, balancing pH levels, and more. It also provides further resources for those wishing to learn more about aquaponics.

Tilapia in an aquaponic tank with other fish.


Overall, Aquaponic Gardening is an excellent resource for those looking to get started in aquaponics gardening. It contains all the knowledge needed to get started without being overwhelming or intimidating for newbies. The author’s experience in aquaculture and hydroponics is evident throughout the book. Highly recommended for those interested in starting an aquaponic garden!

Backyard Livestock by Steven Thomas

Runner ducks inspecting a backyard for pests to gobble up.


In Backyard Livestock, Steven Thomas provides a comprehensive guide to raising animals at home for food and profit. The book begins with an overview of the benefits of backyard livestock, including fresh eggs, milk, and meat.

Thomas provides clear directions, from constructing a suitable animal shelter to selecting the right breed for your needs. He also offers tips on choosing materials and supplies needed to properly care for your animals and establish a safe and secure environment.

3 backyard milk goats enjoying the afternoon.

The book also provides tips on choosing the right breeds for your area. How to house, feed and keep your animals healthy. Backyard Livestock by Steven Thomas offers practical advice on selling animal products, whether you sell them at farmers markets or online. Plenty of starter recipes are provided, as well as plenty of information about the nutritional benefits of homegrown food.

Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about raising backyard livestock. Backyard Livestock is easy-to-follow, informative, and enjoyable reading that will give readers all they need to know to successfully care for their new four-legged friends. Overall, this is an excellent resource that will give readers all they need to know about raising backyard livestock. Highly recommended!

Find a guide to some of our favorite garden books here: 55 Great Books for Gardeners of All Levels

Urban Quail-Keeping by Karen J. Puddephatt

Urban Quail-Keeping by Karen J. Puddephatt is the best quail-raising book available! In this comprehensive guide, Karen provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a successful urban quail farm, including detailed information on housing, feeding, health care, and more. The book covers everything from selecting the suitable species of quail to choosing the best environment for your birds.

Additionally, Karen offers guidance on breeding and raising healthy quail chicks and helpful tips on troubleshooting common problems such as disease and parasites. With its easy-to-follow layout and clear writing style, Urban Quail-Keeping is perfect for novice and experienced quail farmers!

​Karen’s expertise shines through in this book. Her comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter is an excellent asset to the book. The helpful tips and advice will ensure that even those starting out with quail-keeping can achieve success. Additionally, this book provides detailed diagrams and illustrations to make understanding the concepts presented easier.

This book is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to raise quail at home. Urban Quail-Keeping by Karen J Puddephatt is truly one of the best quail-raising books available, and we highly recommend it. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for years, this book will provide you with all the knowledge and guidance you need to provide quail eggs for your family or create a successful urban quail farm.

A Chicken in Every Yard by Robert and Hannah Litt


Robert and Hannah, Litt’s Chicken in Every Yard, is a fun and informative guide to raising chickens in your own backyard. The book covers everything you need to know to get started, from choosing the right breed of chicken to building a coop.

The authors also share their own personal experiences of raising chickens, which makes the book even more enjoyable to read. Whether you’re looking to produce your own eggs or simply want some friendly pets, Chicken in Every Yard is a great resource that will help you get started.

The book starts off with a comprehensive overview of everything readers need to know about choosing the right breed of chicken for their needs, including detailed descriptions of many popular breeds and explanations of why certain types may be better suited for certain climates or lifestyles. Next, readers are given step-by-step instructions on setting up coops and runs, including information on where to build structures and tips on choosing materials.


The book then moves on to handling chickens, discussing topics such as proper handling techniques, disease prevention, and how to care for ill or injured birds. Other key areas covered in this guide include egg production, nutrition, common problems encountered with backyard chickens, and ways to keep your birds safe from predators.


Throughout the book, Robert and Hannah share personal experiences along with advice from experts in related fields like nutritionists and veterinarians. This adds an invaluable level of insight into what is required when it comes to raising healthy backyard chickens. The authors also include helpful visuals that further illustrate important concepts throughout the book.


Overall, A Chicken in Every Yard is an extremely comprehensive resource that will take readers through every step needed to start raising their own backyard chickens successfully. It is an invaluable book for anyone looking to get started in the wonderful world of chicken-keeping!

Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow

Gail Damerow’s Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is a comprehensive guide to all things chicken. The book covers everything from choosing the right breed of chicken for your needs to caring for your chickens throughout their lives.

One of the book’s core themes is the importance of providing your chickens with a clean and comfortable home. Damerow provides detailed instructions on how to build a variety of chicken coops, as well as advice on cleaning and maintaining them.

The book is divided into several sections, allowing readers to quickly find what they need. The initial chapters cover the basics of keeping chickens, including housing, feed, safety, and sanitation. There are also chapters on breeds, sexing chicks, feeding and nutrition, and health care. All of this information is presented clearly so that even beginner chicken owners can understand it.

Its comprehensive approach sets Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens apart from other poultry-keeping books. Gail Damerow covers all aspects of keeping chickens in urban and rural settings and offers tips for harvesting eggs and meat production. Her advice on troubleshooting common problems like parasites or poor egg production also helps even experienced chicken keepers solve their issues quickly.

Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in raising backyard chickens. It provides an easy-to-read introduction for novice chicken keepers while also providing experienced poultry enthusiasts with more advanced knowledge on caring for their flocks. With lots of helpful diagrams, illustrations, and practical advice based on years of experience, this book should be essential for anyone wanting to raise happy healthy birds in their backyard!

Calendula’s Garden is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, view our Disclaimer page.