Poultry Resources for Small Farms

This collection was designed to provide information for the poultry producer/owner.

Management

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

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.

Dec 2016 | Article

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 | Dec 2016 | Article

Growing Your Range Poultry Business: An Entrepreneur's Toolbox

This Toolbox is written for anyone who desires to make a profit from range poultry production, whether by direct-marketing 'pastured poultry,' building a processing plant, or working cooperatively with other producers. This Toolbox was produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture as part of a Heifer International project to enhance the opportunities to expand range poultry businesses.

Anne Fanatico, David Redhage | Apr 2002 | Online resource

Range Poultry Housing

In this publication experienced pastured-poultry producer Robert Plamondon discusses housing designs for outdoor production, including daily-move pens, machine-portable housing, fixed housing, and feed shelters. Numerous examples of different types of poultry housing are pictured and described.

Robert Plamondon, Anne Fanatico, Richard Earles | Apr 2003 | Online resource

Small-Scale Poultry Processing

In order to sell poultry meat products, they must be processed in a way that results in a quality and economically viable finished product while taking into account animal welfare and environmental impact. This publication explains the poultry slaughter process step by step and some of the factors that affect final carcass quality. This guide also covers equipment needs, waste product management, and packaging needed to get poultry meat to market.

Anne Fanatico | Apr 2003 | Online resource

Alternative Poultry Production Systems and Outdoor Access

This publication discusses differences between alternative and conventional production systems. Various aspects of free-range systems in the U.S. and abroad are presented. Common poultry housing approaches are also discussed, as well as integrating poultry production with vegetable production or livestock grazing. Considerations related to organic poultry production are presented. Production topics such as outdoor access, pasture management, and predator control are also addressed.

Anne Fanatico | Apr 2006 | Online resource

A Small - Scale Agriculture Alternative: Poultry

To ensure profitability, the small specialty poultry producer must do careful research on market opportunities. Successful producers for niche markets usually have unique products, good customer loyalty, limited competition, and the ability to maintain a profit margin when in competition with larger businesses.

Phillip J. Clauer | Apr 2009 | Online resource

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

Breeds, Reproduction, Hatching & Brooding

Poultry Genetics for Pastured Poultry

This publication provides information on the Cornish-Rock crosses in outdoor production, discusses several slower-growing breeds and provides information on hatcheries that offer these alternative breeds.

Jan 2015 | Online resource

Poultry Breeds

A compilation of chicken, duck, turkey, geese, and other poultry breeds. For more information regarding poultry care and management please take a look at the Poultry Resource page.

Apr 2018 | 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 | Article

Nutrition

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

Health

Parasite Management for Natural and Organic Poultry: Coccidiosis

Both small and large poultry producers are interested in the sustainable management of the parasitic disease coccidiosis. This publication provides information on its life cycle, transmission in free-range production, management in the brooder and on pasture, natural treatments, drugs, and vaccines. On a small scale, coccidiosis can be handled without medication by careful management, especially during brooding, and adequate pasture rotation; however, on a larger scale, it is more difficult and vaccines are an important alternative to drugs in organic production. References and further information follow the narrative.

Anne Fanatico | Apr 2006 | Online resource

Other Poultry Resources

Living on the Land: Backyard Chicken Coop Design

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on elements of chicken coop design for the backyard and small flock producer. Topics include tips for protecting chickens...

Dani Annala, Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Ellen Hammond, Shilah Olson | Apr 2014 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Raising Chickens in Urban Environments

Guidelines for urban dwellers interested in raising chickens in their residential yards.

James Hermes | Oct 2013 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

APPPA: American Pastured Poultry Producers Association

The American Pastured Poultry Producers' Association (APPPA) is a nonprofit educational and networking organization dedicated to encouraging the production, processing, and marketing of poultry raised on pasture.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Poultry Processing Regulations and Exemptions

Poultry processing regulations can be confusing, especially for small operations. Here we walk you through the federal law and small-scale exemptions and state-level laws and regulations.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Composting of Poultry Offal Demonstration Project

Develop a successful composting process of poultry offal to produce finished compost that is environmentally sound, economically feasible, and returns nutrients to the farm. Compare compost made from materials produced on Lopez Island to compost made from traditional composting materials that are imported to the island. Compare efficacy of composting as well as costs

Andy Bary, Carol Miles, Karen Gilbert | May 2001 | Online resource

Apr 2018

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Poultry and rabbits

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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?

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

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Canned Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Problems and Solutions (SP 50-741)

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Oregon Carcass of Merit Procedures and Guidelines

The Oregon 4-H Carcass of Merit Program offers recognition to Oregon 4-H members who breed and/or buy, feed, and raise animals whose carcasses meet the "ideal" for red meat: lean, early maturing, high yielding, and containing minimal external fat.

Matt Kennedy, Randy Mills, James Thompson, Gene Pirelli, Chad Mueller, Vicki Avery, Mark Boggess, Dave Hobson, Ron Rowan, Clay E. Weber | Jul 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Watch chickens hatch on OSU Extension’s popular livestream

Since the annual livestream launched in 2014, more than 83,400 people from around the world have watched chicks hatching on the OSU Extension website and more have watched on TV station websites.

Chris Branam | Mar 10, 2023 | News story

Experts: It’s OK to leave up bird feeders as avian flu outbreak reaches state

Currently veterinarians say there is very low risk to native songbirds from the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 3, 2022 | 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, 2020 | News story

'Heart of a lion': 4-H'er jumps in to rescue Clackamas County animals

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Oregon 4-H boasts several top-10 results at national horse, poultry contests

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