Poultry Resources for Small Farms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animals eat to acquire the energy and building materials that they need to live and grow. Animals use energy to perform normal body functions such as breathing, walking, eating, digesting, and maintaining body temperature. Nutrients provide poultry the energy and material needed for the development of bone, flesh, feathers, and eggs.

Jacquie Jacob | Jan 2018 | Online resource

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

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 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

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