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

Over-the-counter sale of livestock antibiotics ends June 11, 2023. How can you prepare?

Federal rules in 2023 end the over-the-counter sale of some livestock antibiotics. You will need prescriptions from a veterinarian to treat your animals.

Charles Estill | Mar 2023 | Article

Rabbit Coat Color Genetics - Summary Table

Coat color in rabbits is due to the interaction of 7 genes, possibly more. Use this handy table to work through the information presented in the collection of articles here on the OSU Extension site. This table lists the known genotypes, their function, and wild-type alleles.

Molly Stern, Jenifer Cruickshank | Apr 2022 | Article

Signs and symptoms of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (in English)

Cornell University information on what Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus is, its signs and symptoms, information on diagnosis and next steps.

Aug 2022 | Online resource

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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: slunicko24 - Adobe Stock (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 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

Oregon Farm Direct Marketing: Guidelines for Selling Eggs (in English)

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 | Jun 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 (in English)

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 button below to ...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck | Mar 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog

Living on The Land: Raising Rabbits for Meat—Getting Started (in English)

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 stock. Use ...

Elli Korthuis, Brian Tuck | Nov 2017 | 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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What is munching my chickens?

P: I had a bunch of my chickens get their heads bit off while in their gated area and inside their coop when the door was left open. Any idea what animal eats the heads off chickens and how do I eliminate this creature?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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