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
Photo by Justin McGovern (Cropped from original)
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
Raising Chickens in Urban Environments
Guidelines for urban dwellers interested in raising chickens in their residential yards.James Hermes | Oct 2013 | OSU Extension Catalog
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 costsAndy Bary, Carol Miles, Karen Gilbert | May 2001 | Online resource
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Poultry and Rabbits
