Poultry and rabbits

From backyard flocks to small-scale rabbit producers, we provide producers with vetted information on housing, nutrition, disease prevention, and processing regulations. Through publications and trainings, we help small-livestock operations thrive and remain compliant.

Latest Resources

Can eggs from backyard chickens be donated to a food pantry?

P: With egg prices being so expensive at the grocery store, I wonder if the excess eggs from our backyard chickens can be donated to our local food pantry?

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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

How do I get rid of chicken mites?

P: My chicken coop seems to have become infested with mites. How do you recommend getting rid of them?

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Avian Influenza in Oregon

In this webinar hosted by OSU Extension's Small Farms Program, Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture’s state veterinarian, provided details about the disease, health concerns for people and other animals, prevention/biosecurity and the quarantines.

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Latest News

Critter Campus teaches 4-H youths about small animals

The classes were taught by registered judges, 4-H professionals, industry professionals, seasoned volunteers and expert 4-H’ers, 4-H alumni and local veterinarians.

Chris Branam | Mar 25, 2025 | News story

Keep the eggs coming with the right chicken care

Feed complete rations, limit treats and provide water and winter shelter.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 8, 2023 | News story

Thinking about backyard chickens? Know the costs and care first

Fresh eggs are appealing, but raising hens takes daily work and real expense.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 2, 2023 | News story

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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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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: Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Oregon

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 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 | OSU Extension Catalog

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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 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

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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Business management

Local, regional and community food systems

Commercial food processing

Farm food safety

Home food preservation

Home food safety and storage

Meet Our Experts

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

NMPAN Director

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.

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Labeling requirements under Oregon’s 1,000 bird exemption?

P: What do I have to put on the label when selling processed chicken from my small farm in Oregon?

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