James Hermes

Retired

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Publications
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Content by James Hermes

Raising baby chicks

Successful production of egg-laying or meat chickens requires good planning and preparation. Learn how to choose the right breed, prepare bedding, maintain a proper temperature, and provide adequate food and water for your chicks.

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

Fall brings new needs for chickens

As temperatures drop and days get shorter in the fall, the needs of chickens change. To keep them healthy and productive, a few changes in their feeding and care are in order. Those changes include increasing their ...

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

Purchasing chicks

Before purchasing baby chicks, learn how to select the right breed and get them off to a good start.

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

How to Feed Your Laying Hens

This publication helps small-flock chicken producers select the correct feeds and manage watering to meet the nutritional needs of their laying hens at specific stages of the birds' development.

James Hermes | Aug 2020 | Extension Catalog publication

4-H Poultry Project Member Guide

Member guide for the 4-H poultry project. Learn how to brood, feed, and care for chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pheasants, or other wild game birds. Learn responsibility by having a flock of your...

James Hermes | Jul 2018 | Extension Catalog publication

Oregon 4-H Poultry and Pigeon Advancement Program

The Poultry and Pigeon Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed.

Charles Fischer, Duane Johnson, Brad Jeffreys, James Hermes | Jul 2018 | Extension Catalog publication

How to change my chicken's behavior?

P: Have a small flock of four hens. All are 2-1/2 years old and have been together since birth. Recently three of the hens have "turned" on the fourth and appears they won't be satisfied until she's gone. They will not let her eat or drink in their presence. Any ideas?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Feeding Meat-Type Chickens

Guidelines for feeding small flocks of meat-type chickens. Includes a discussion of standard versus organic feeds, mixing feeds at home, and alternatives to traditional ingredients. This publication is available as a ...

James Hermes | Mar 2014 | Extension Catalog publication

Raising Chickens in Urban Environments

Raising small flocks of chickens within city limits is becoming a popular pastime for many families. These guidelines can help you avoid conflicts with neighbors and help prevent the authorities from developing ordinances that ban chickens within city limits.

James Hermes | Oct 2013 | Extension Catalog publication

For poultry producers, soy-free feed is hard to come by

Some poultry producers want to avoid soy-based feeds based on health concerns and production issues. It will take some time, however, to find substitutes that are locally produced and support growth and egg production.

James Hermes | Apr 2011 | Article

Feeding pastured poultry

The pasturing of poultry is becoming a popular management method for many small flock producers, and even some moderately sized commercial farms. When pasturing chickens, the birds are allowed to roam in large areas that have ...

James Hermes | Jun 2008 | Article

The Incredible Egg: 4-H Classroom Curriculum Guide for Grade Level 4-5

This unique curriculum integrates the concepts of chick embryology into easy-to-use math, science, and language arts lesson plans. The Incredible Egg program was funded by private gifts made to the Oregon 4-H ...

Brad Jeffreys, James Hermes | Mar 2006 | Extension Catalog publication

Avoiding Residues in Small Poultry and Game Bird Flocks

Discusses ways to ensure that residues of coccidiostats, antimicrobials, wormers, mold-inhibitors, and pesticides are not present in poultry or eggs when they are marketed. Provides clear guidelines for calculating withdrawal times for medication.

James Hermes | Jan 2003 | Extension Catalog publication

Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying?

Discusses reasons for cessation of egg laying, including decreasing day length, disease, broodiness, poor nutrition, and stress. Suggests strategies for minimizing these effects on egg production.

James Hermes | Jan 2003 | Extension Catalog publication

Raising Ratites: Ostriches, Emu, and Rheas

This publication is an overview of raising ratites. It covers topics such as incubation, brooding, growing, reproduction, and feeding. It also discusses zoning and farm plans, perception of the ratite industry, establishment of markets, and industry pricing.

James Hermes | Jul 1996 | Extension Catalog publication

Tips to keep chickens in a laying mood

Give chickens appropriate feed, water and shelter and they'll reward you with cartons of eggs.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 22, 2020 | News story