Poultry and rabbits

Latest News

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

Are you thinking of raising chickens because of record-breaking egg prices? Do your research

Raising and keeping chickens isn’t cheap so you’re not going to save money compared to buying eggs at the market.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 3, 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

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Latest Resources

Livestock & Wildfire Resource Hub (in English)

Wildfire, via smoke and flames, can endanger the health and productivity of livestock. We are investigating the effects of wildfire—particularly smoke—on cattle. With a more thorough understanding of how wildfire smoke changes animal physiology, we can develop better strategies to alleviate that stress. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about this hazard and our research and outreach projects. Feel free to contact project members at Oregon State University or the University of Idaho with questions.

Jul 2023 | Online resource

Market Poultry Lesson Plans: From Egg To Animal

Raising animals is one of the foundational learning experiences for 4-H youth. Chickens are fairly easy for children to start with, but there is a learning curve. This bulletin conveniently compiles all the ...

Jeremy Case, Suzann Dolecheck Dolecheck, Scott Nash | May 2023 | Extension Catalog publication

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Raising Chickens in Urban Environments

By James C. Hermes

This 3-page guide outlines everything that an urban dweller needs to know about raising chickens. Topics include how to construct a chicken enclosure, dietary suggestions, how to look after the health of your chickens and common behavioral concerns for those living with neighbors nearby.

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Photo Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

Poultry

Notificación de Influenza Aviar de Alta Patogenicidad (HPAI) en aves de corral y aves acuáticas

Si encuentra un pájaro enfermo o muerto, no lo toque, repórtelo. El Departamento de Agricultura de Oregón está pidiendo la ayuda del público para detectar la HPAI, una enfermedad grave y mortal en las aves domésticas y aves acuáticas (patos y gansos). El seguimiento de los casos es fundamental. La ODA pide a los propietarios de aves que informen de los aumentos inusuales de las tasas de enfermedad o muerte en sus bandadas.

Inglés: Reporting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry and waterfowl

Mar 2022 | 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

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

Oregon Farm Direct Marketing: Guidelines for Selling Eggs

People who produce and sell eggs directly to consumers must follow specific labeling and handling requirements to qualify for the farm-direct licensing exemption. Learn about the requirements and best practices for providing high-quality eggs to your customers.

Sara Runkel, Heidi Noordijk, Melissa Fery, Rebecca Landis, Sarah Schwab | Jun 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

More Poultry Resources

A Best-Practices Guide to Open-Air Poultry Slaughter

By Lauren Gwin and Rebecca Thistlethwaite

Oregon poultry producers who meet certain conditions can slaughter chicken, turkey and other birds in an open-air setting. But they still must meet requirements for sanitation, monitoring, recordkeeping and more.

Spanish version: La guía de buenas prácticas para el sacrificio al aire libre de aves de corral

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Photo Credit: Sergey Bogdanov - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Rabbits

Slaughtering and Dressing Rabbits (in English)

This Mississippi State University Extension publication covers slaughtering and dressing of rabbits. It also includes methods for tanning skins.

Mississippi State University Extension | Jun 2020 | Online resource

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

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on raising rabbits as a source of meat. Topics include choosing the correct feed, nail care, and breeding. Use the ...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Ellen Hammond, Shilah Olson | Mar 2018 | Extension Catalog publication

Living on The Land: Raising Rabbits for Meat—Getting Started

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on raising rabbits as a source of meat. Topics include choosing which breed to raise and selecting your initial breeding...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Nov 2017 | Extension Catalog publication

More Rabbit Resources

Rabbit Coat Color Genetics

Wonder what color your rabbit will be? Learn how genes work together to display different combinations of rabbit coat color and patterning. Rabbits are bred for 4-H projects, hobby farms, as personal pets, and for other uses such as meat and fiber production.

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Photo Credit: Victorio - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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Logan Bennett

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Contact for Farming and Gardening Questions in Douglas County

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Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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“Pregúntale a Extensión” es una forma de obtener respuestas del Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University. Contamos con expertos en familia y salud, desarrollo comunitario, alimentación y agricultura, temas costeros, silvicultura, programas para jóvenes y jardinería.

Haganos una pregunta

How to change my chicken's behavior?

P: 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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