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Poultry and rabbits

Photo Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)
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From backyard flocks to small-scale rabbit producers, we provide producers with vetted information on housing, nutrition, disease prevention, and processing regulations. Through publications and trainings, we help small-livestock operations thrive and remain compliant.

Latest Resources

Can eggs from backyard chickens be donated to a food pantry?

Q: With egg prices being so expensive at the grocery store, I wonder if the excess eggs from our backyard chickens can be donated to our local food pantry?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Meat and poultry processing regulations in Oregon: A short guide

Farmers and ranchers around Oregon raise and sell livestock and poultry for a variety of local and regional markets. Processing is a necessary but often complex link in the chain connecting farms to end consumers. Here are ...

Lauren Gwin, Rebecca Thistlethwaite | Dec 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How do I get rid of chicken mites?

Q: My chicken coop seems to have become infested with mites. How do you recommend getting rid of them?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Avian Influenza in Oregon

In this webinar hosted by OSU Extension's Small Farms Program, Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture’s state veterinarian, provided details about the disease, health concerns for people and other animals, prevention/biosecurity and the quarantines.

Watch it now

Latest News

Critter Campus teaches 4-H youths about small animals

The classes were taught by registered judges, 4-H professionals, industry professionals, seasoned volunteers and expert 4-H’ers, 4-H alumni and local veterinarians.

Chris Branam | Mar 24, 2025 | News story

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, 2023 | News story

Are you thinking of raising chickens because of record-breaking egg prices? Do your research

Raising and keeping chickens isn’t cheap so you’re not going to save money compared to buying eggs at the market.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 3, 2023 | News story

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Raising Chickens in Urban Environments

By James C. Hermes

This 3-page guide outlines everything that an urban dweller needs to know about raising chickens. Topics include how to construct a chicken enclosure, dietary suggestions, how to look after the health of your chickens and common behavioral concerns for those living with neighbors nearby.

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Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

Poultry

Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Oregon

Information from Oregon Department of Agriculture about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a serious and deadly disease in domesti​​c poultry and in waterfowl (ducks and geese).

Spanish: Notificación de Influenza Aviar de Alta Patogenicidad (HPAI) en aves de corral y aves acuáticas

Mar 2022 | Online resource

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 | OSU Extension Catalog

Labeling requirements under Oregon’s 1,000 bird exemption

Oregon's 1,000 bird exemption allows small poultry producers to sell directly to consumers. But there are labeling requirements that include safe food handling instructions and other information. Learn what's required.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Oregon Farm Direct Marketing: Guidelines for Selling Eggs

People who produce and sell eggs directly to consumers must follow specific labeling and handling requirements to qualify for the farm-direct licensing exemption. Learn about the requirements and best practices for providing high-quality eggs to your customers.

Sara Runkel, Heidi Noordijk, Melissa Fery, Rebecca Landis, Sarah Schwab | Jun 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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A Best-Practices Guide to Open-Air Poultry Slaughter

By Lauren Gwin and Rebecca Thistlethwaite

Oregon poultry producers who meet certain conditions can slaughter chicken, turkey and other birds in an open-air setting. But they still must meet requirements for sanitation, monitoring, recordkeeping and more.

Spanish version: La guía de buenas prácticas para el sacrificio al aire libre de aves de corral

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Photo Credit: Sergey Bogdanov - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Rabbits

Slaughtering and Dressing Rabbits

This Mississippi State University Extension publication covers slaughtering and dressing of rabbits. It also includes methods for tanning skins.

Mississippi State University Extension | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Living on The Land: Raising Rabbits for Meat—Providing Basic Care

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on raising rabbits as a source of meat. Topics include choosing the correct feed, nail care, and breeding. Use the ...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Ellen Hammond, Shilah Olson | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Living on The Land: Raising Rabbits for Meat—Getting Started

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on raising rabbits as a source of meat. Topics include choosing which breed to raise and selecting your initial breeding...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

More Rabbit Resources

Rabbit Coat Color Genetics

Wonder what color your rabbit will be? Learn how genes work together to display different combinations of rabbit coat color and patterning. Rabbits are bred for 4-H projects, hobby farms, as personal pets, and for other uses such as meat and fiber production.

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Photo Credit: Victorio - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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Meet Our Experts

Logan Bennett
Small Farms and Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Contact for Farming and Gardening Questions in Douglas County

Teegan Stalford
Education Program Assistant 2, 4-H Youth Development Program
Rebecca Thistlethwaite image
Rebecca Thistlethwaite
NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

See All Poultry and rabbits Experts
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Can eggs from backyard chickens be donated to a food pantry?

Q: With egg prices being so expensive at the grocery store, I wonder if the excess eggs from our backyard chickens can be donated to our local food pantry?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions