Julia Hollander became a chicken keeper on a whim. By contrast, I’m still agonising over whether to take the plunge and can’t honestly say whether herpleasingly written and charmingly illustrated book has swayed me for or against, In Chicken Coops for The Soul: A Henkeeper’s Story (Guardian Books, £12.99), she waxes lyrical about the joys of chickens for children, of fresh eggs for breakfast and the soothing effect of a couple of chooks scratching around the kitchen door.

So far, so good. On the other hand, the undertaking seems rather complex. I had never envisaged the need for so much kit — chicken coops, runs and perches, feeding and watering systems, food pellets, mite-control and inconclusive visits to the vet.

Hollander shares her personal anecdotes with honesty and generosity. The insights that she gained on her journey from impulse buyer of two pet hens, Ruby and Loxy, to committed poultry keeper are presented with a freshness and humour that make this an entertaining read, especially as she reveals her internal struggles and the reactions of her young family. The chapter on “headless chickens” with its detailed account of Hollander’s first kill and the “Ruby Soup” that followed is particularly engaging.

In places, the less practical passages on subjects ranging from hen history, genetics and the biological formation and nutritional benefit of an egg can be a bit heavy going for the (potentially) interested amateur, though they may be a real turn-on for aficionados.

However, this book is not only useful but a lot more enjoyable than you might expect. Don’t buy a chicken without it!

l Julia Hollander will talk about chickens at Barracks Lane Community Gardens, off Cowley Road, at 2pm on Saturday.