Small Flock

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dr. Nathaniel Tablante - Daniel Bautista - Tom Tabler - Dustan Clark - Kayleigh Moyle

Internal parasites (worms) can affect all types of poultry. They are found throughout the world and can cause production losses and increased mortality in flocks. Commercial poultry producers use confinement to help prevent infections from internal parasites. Free-range backyard flocks may acquire these parasites as they interact with the environment. Authors: Jonathan Moyle, Nathaniel Tablante, Daniel Bautista, Tom Tabler, F. Dustan Clark, Kayleigh Moyle; Title: Recognizing and Preventing Internal Parasites (Worms) in Small Flocks(FS-999).

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dr. Nathaniel Tablante - Daniel Bautista - Dustan Clark

Avian pox is a disease that affects chickens and many other bird species, particularly in backyard, hobby, and exhibition flocks. It occurs in two forms—dry and wet—causing skin lesions, respiratory issues, reduced growth, decreased egg production, and occasional death in severe cases. The disease spreads through mosquitoes and contact with contaminated scabs, but can be prevented through vaccination. Avian pox poses no risk to humans, and early vaccination and biosecurity practices can help limit its impact on flocks. Authors: Jonathan Moyle, P.H.D., Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, Daniel Bautista, and F. Dustan Clark; Title: Recognizing and Preventing Avian Pox in Small Flocks (FS-979).

Authors: Dr. Shawna Weimer

Animal welfare is oftentimes housed under the same umbrella as sustainability because improvements in both are viewed as progress towards the future. In other words, any improvement in animal welfare also improves the sustainability of production or potentially has less impact on the surrounding environment. However, the relationships between poultry production and welfare and the impact of production on the environment are complex and difficult to balance

Authors: Zoie McMillian - Dr. Shawna Weimer

Chickens of all types use vocalizations to communicate with each other and express their needs. We can gain insight into chicken health, behavior, and overall welfare by understanding how and why chickens vocalize. Authors: Zoie McMillian and Shawna Weimer; Title: Relationships Between Chicken Vocalizations and Health, Behavior, and Welfare (FS-1177)

Authors: Jennifer L. Rhodes - Jonathan Moyle

Broiler production is the largest agricultural revenue generator in Maryland. A broiler is a chicken produced specifically for meat production. Broiler production includes small fryer- to large roaster-type chickens. Approximately 35 percent of cash farm income in Maryland was from broilers in 2016. Maryland ranked eighth nationally in the number of meat chickens produced, and tenth in the number of pounds of meat chickens.