Poultry Resources for Small Farms

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

Management

Raising Baby Chicks

To have a successful flock, all producers must follow a few simple rules for years of productivity and enjoyment. Learn how to prepare bedding, temperatures, starter diets, and more for the new chicks.

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

Labeling Requirements under Oregon’s 1000 Bird Exemption

If you are processing and selling poultry under Oregon’s 1000 bird exemption, you are required to attach a label to each package with the information listed below. These requirements come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture...

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

Seasonal changes affect poultry

With attention to management, the poultry flock will remain healthy and productive through the fall and winter.

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

As spring is now upon us, many begin to think about raising some baby chicks for the home flock or to supply eggs for sale. There are several considerations for those contemplating purchasing a few chicks.

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

Nutrition

Basic Poultry Nutrition

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

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 from predators,...

Brian Tuck | Apr 2014 | OSU Extension Catalog 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 | OSU Extension Catalog 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

April 2018

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

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Federal and state licensed slaughter facilities

This file contains spreadsheets with contact information for all federal and state licensed slaughtering facilities in the state of Oregon. These are arranged by business name, facility type, and county location. Species-specific information is also included. Some of these facilities do meat processing too. Non-slaughter, meat processing facilities will be added in the future.

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Small scale meat farming: growing, finishing, processing

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Despite pandemic, county fairs and livestock shows go on for 4-H exhibitors

Oregon 4-H faculty, staff and volunteers worked throughout the spring and summer to highlight the hard work of 4-H youth exhibitors and provide a quality educational fair experience in a healthy, safe environment.

Shana Withee, Jan Williams, Elli Korthuis, Traci Reed, Dani Annala, Wendy Hein, Erin Hansell-Heideman, Jon Gandy, Amy Derby, Susan Busler, Marilee Anderson | May 2021 | Impact story

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.

Gene Pirelli, Chad Mueller | Mar 2009 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Oregon 4-H Rabbit Advancement Program

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

May 2005 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 own. Develop ...

James Hermes | Mar 2004 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 Foundation, and is a...

James Hermes | Mar 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Poultry Wall Chart Leader Guide

Poultry wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has poultry parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17.5 x 22.5 inches.

Jan 2009 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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.

James Hermes | Jul 1999 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

4-H Pigeon and Dove Project

This manual introduces 4-H members and their leaders to the possibilities of raising pigeons and/or doves as a 4-H project. Pigeons and doves can adapt to nearly all conditions. You may raise them in rural, suburban, or urban...

Jul 1995 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Chicken Tractors: Moveable Flocks Help Manage Orchard Pests

It can be difficult to manage insect pests and weeds in an orchard, where tilling is not an option. Could scratching, foraging chickens be part of the solution? In this study, researchers deployed two types of hens against ...

Linda Brewer | Jun 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Tips for livestock care in high temperatures

When experiencing a heat wave, these five tips can make a difference in caring for your livestock.

Jenifer Cruickshank | Jun 2021 | Article

Canned Meats, Poultry and Fish: Problems and Solutions - SP50-741

Publication provides information about common problems and solutions when pressure canning meat, poultry, and fish.

Mar 2018 | Publication

Animals and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Here is some information on animals and COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It includes the latest research and website resources .

Shelby Filley | Apr 2020 | Article

OSU Extension livestream of hatching chicks returns for eighth year

The livestream started today and will documents the chicks as they hatch. The cameras will remain on until 5 p.m. April 2.

Chris Branam | Mar 26, 2021 | News story

Seasonal changes affect poultry

With attention to management, the poultry flock will remain healthy and productive through the fall and winter.

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

Purchasing Chicks

James Hermes | Mar 2021 | Article

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