Poultry Resources for Small Farms

Management

Photo Credit: WONG SZE FEI - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog

Credit: slunicko24 - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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

Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

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)

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 | Mar 2024 | 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

Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog

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

Nutrition

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 | Mar 2024 | Online resource

Other Poultry Resources

• Living on the Land: Backyard Chicken Coop Design: Learn the elements of chicken coop design for backyard and small flock producers. Topics include tips for protecting chickens from predators, coop size, ventilation, and maintenance, as well as details for roosting ...
• 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.
• 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.