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Chicken Boy

My Life with Hens

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Chicken Boy

By: Arthur Parkinson
Narrated by: Arthur Parkinson
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A charming portrait of life in the company of hens, by the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flower Yard.

Growing up in an ex-mining town in Nottinghamshire, Arthur Parkinson never wanted a dog, or a cat, or a pony - just hens. As a kid, he was known as 'chicken boy', a taunt Arthur now proudly reclaims with his crested coterie that includes countless hens, from Sheila the white Silkie to Clarissa the champagne-coloured Buff Cochin.

A personal and humorous memoir of Arthur's life amongst his hens, this is an invitation to discover the joy that is only possible in the company of these intriguing creatures: Pekins are friendly, Lavender Leghorns aloof, while Burford Browns have a bad habit of feather-pecking...

Having already earned renown as 'king of the small-space garden', Arthur's appreciation for the natural world is inspiring and relatable. The quiet fulfilment of hen-keeping rituals has rescued his mental health from pervasive depression. His sanctuary is the backyard: nurturing chicks who grow into happy hens and planting hardy, chicken scratch-resistant foliage.

Chicken Boy is a joyful ramble through the hen house - sleeves rolled-up - and a testament to the mutual rewards and delights of keeping hens.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Arthur Parkinson (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Arthur's love of living things is completely infectious." (Joanna Lumley)

What listeners say about Chicken Boy

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Beautiful account of a life with Hens

A beautiful account of a life with hens, their care and joy.
Arthur adds in his own biography along the way, which gives the book a great honesty and depth.
Filled with love and the best advice for hen keepers, but written with such beauty and attention to detail.
Thank you very much Arthur, yet another gorgeous book.

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Brilliant

I am so pleased that I found this title. It is one of those that I will listen to more than once. As a keeper of a small flock of hens it was wonderful to listen to someone who deeply respects and cares for these intriguing creatures, whilst picking up practical tips and advice along the way. Anyone curious about chickens would also enjoy this. The author's performance was engaging and relaxing to listen to. I found the narrative to be very open, generously honest and joyful. I am thankful to the author for sharing his story.

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Delightful

A joy to listen to. A practical hen-keeping must-read chock full of chicken tips. Wistfully romantic and touchingly personal too. Will be buying the book and all.

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Heartwarming and practical book

A wonderful and inspiring listen for a new or experienced hen keeper. Practical advise, inspiring words and heartwarming story.

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Fabulous book . It makes one want to get a flock of chickens first , and then meet Arthur Parkinson.

Love this book . Wonderfully narrated and captivating. Please Arthur another book please soon.
I have learnt so much about an important subject .

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Poultry mad and loved it

Excellent book from start to finish, after 35 years of poultry keeping/showing this book has reignited my love for all things fowl, I related to so much and picked up some tips along the way, ideal for the novice or expert keeper or even just an insight into us mad poultry folk.

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