American Standard of Perfection (latest edition), American Poultry Association. If you ever graduate from pet chickens to poultry fancy, this book is a must for your library.
The Chicken Book, by Page Smith and Charles Daniels (University of Georgia Press, 2000). A wide-ranging exploration of chickens from past to present.
The Chicken Health Handbook, by Gail Damerow (Storey Books, 1994). A complete guide to health care for and the epidemiology of chickens.
The Chicken Tractor: The Permaculture Guide to Happy Hens and Healthy Soil, by Andy Lee and Patricia Foreman (Good Earth Publications, 1998). Addressed more toward the poultry rancher than the backyard chicken keeper, but offers good information on making and using a portable chicken pen.
Extraordinary Chickens, by Stephen Green-Armytage (Harry N. Abrams, 2000). Lots of great photographs of some of the world’s most unusual-looking chickens.
The Fairest Fowl, by Ira Glass and photographer Tamara Staples (Chronicle Books, 2001). Photographs of ribbon-winning chickens from poultry shows across the country. A good insider’s look at the world of chicken fanciers.
How to Build Small Barns and Outbuildings, by Monte Burch (Storey Books, 1992). Detailed instruction on installing foundations and framing for small structures, like coops and henhouses.
Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, by Gail Damerow (Storey Books, 1995). Lots of great technical information. A book for the more than just the casual chicken keeper.