University of Maryland Extension

Small Flock Production

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New Fact Sheet:  "Hatching Eggs At Home"

Putting All You Eggs in One Basket - a YouTube course for Backyard Flocks!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJntkUbeMh47AFsVcpH4SabU89g8uUDYB...

CORYZA INFORMATION:  Infectious Coryza - FAQs  

  

(Photos by J. Moyle)

Interested in owning a small flock? Do you already have a small flock? Raising a backyard flock can be very rewarding for the entire family. There is an activity for every member of the family to participate in when raising poultry. Small flock owners raise birds for several different reasons:

Meat

  • Shows & exhibitions
  • Eggs
  • 4-H
  • Game birds
  • Business 
  • Pets
  • Poultry clubs
  • Fun  

There are many different species of poultry that can be raised - from chickens to ostriches! The species you decide to raise will depend on the type of production you want to be involved with as well as your own personal preference. Poultry is usually classified into three categories: 1) egg layers, 2) meat-type, and 3) dual purpose. As a producer, select the characteristic that is most important for your production purposes. There are a large number of breeds of birds so your choices on types of birds to raise are endless!

See Publications Tab above for more Resources for Backyard/Small Flock

Backyard Farming                                            

Raising your own food can be a rewarding experience. It provides physical activity and a source of fresh food. Raising plants and animals in order to produce food is a great activity for the entire family and can be excellent for mental health. To assist small producers, novice livestock owners and gardeners and those thinking of trying their hands at backyard farming, the University of Maryland Extension has put together a series of educational webinars on various livestock and gardening topics.  

The following topics have been scheduled and are offered both on Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 7 pm.

 

To register for the Monday sessions at noon, visit https://go.umd.edu/mondaybyf

To register for the Thursday sessions at 7 pm, visit https://go.umd.edu/thursdayfarming

Join us for Flock Fridays at noon. These sessions will focus on backyard poultry production.

These presentations are perfect for those looking to diversify their operations, new producers, 4-H families and those looking to expand their knowledge of livestock production.

For more information, contact Maegan Perdue at mperdue@umd.edu or 443-523-4389 or Dr. Jon Moyle at jmoyle@umd.edu or 443-754-0539. 

Section: 
Worcester County
Section: 
Maryland Poultry
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