Birds of every feather colour, size, shape, breed, attributes, and defects are minutely detailed in the latest edition of the book ‘NZ Poultry Standards', due out in late November.

There are 60 pages of coloured photos of most of the birds, in the 'NZ Poultry Standards' book.

The 310-page, fully-illustrated book has been researched and complied by Waitara-based Ian Selby, of Poultrynz, and up-dates two earlier editions he has also produced.

'Up to 100 people have contributed information and ideas to the latest edition, which includes 60 pages of coloured photographs and comes in two A4 formats. The first is a hardback reference book and the second version is in a binder, which will be particularly useful for poultry judges as it is easier to lay open the pages when judging birds,” says Ian, who is also a poultry judge.

Poultry enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the new book as it not only up-dates any changes to standards, but also features a number of new breed and colour descriptions. 'The New Zealand standards closely follow that of Australia, Britain and America; and we have included the best photographs we could find, which give a clear and accurate representation of each breed.

'This edition also has a history section, which hasn't been included before, but I believe it is vital that the next generation of poultry enthusiasts has an understanding of what has gone before and how poultry breeding has evolved.”

New Zealand's first poultry standard was published in 1920 and detailed about seven breeds and one breed of duck. The 2013 edition has 83 breeds, including for the first time the guinea fowl.

Orders for up to 200 copies from 20 clubs throughout the country have already been received, even though the books don't arrive in the country until late November. 'The book should also be available in libraries, as it is an important reference book,” says Ian.

He believes keeping poultry is becoming increasingly popular. 'The junior section at most New Zealand shows is growing, by up to 300 per cent; and by taking part in the shows young people have the chance to see the diversity of breeds available and hopefully become breeders themselves.”

Only about 500 of the thousands of New Zealanders, who Ian estimates keep poultry, show them. 'Before the credit crunch, keeping poultry, among all but the real enthusiasts, was almost a thing of the past. But increasingly parents are buying hens as pets for their children, because they not only learn to take responsibility for a pet but also get something in return in the form of eggs.”

Ian, 65, is a confirmed poultry enthusiast and judge, who has a business specialising in selling poultry and pigeon books and prints, as well as poultry health products. He showed his first bird, a white leghorn bantam cockerel, at age 11 in the New Plymouth A&P Show – and won the award for best junior bantam. 'That got me hooked.”

However, today he doesn't own any hens. 'We used to have hens but in recent years, because I travel extensively for judging and selling my books and products, I don't have the time to look after hens. I'm hoping to slow down and when I retire properly, I will keep hens again.”