Small Flock | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: September 21, 2022

Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Production

This webpage is the production archives of the Women In Agriculture webinars.

Updated: September 9, 2022

Poultry Health Guidelines and Recommendations from the APA

The American Poultry Association is very interested in making sure that birds present at any APA sponsored event are always treated in a humane manner and that state/provincial regulations governing the testing of birds are followed. Toward that end, the APA offers the following health and sanitation guidelines that the Association recommends.

Updated: September 9, 2022

Rodent Control on Small Poultry Farms

Mice and rats are nuisance animals that typically can be found anywhere that poultry are grown. These rodents can spread disease and cause structural damage to your facilities, resulting in economic losses. Rodents are known to carry up to 45 different diseases including leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, fowl pox and erysipelas.

Updated: August 24, 2022

Small Flock Biosecurity

Early detection and prevention is key to maintaining a healthy flock. It is much easier to prevent disease than to try and eliminate it. Having good biosecurity practices in place, aid in protecting your flock from disease.

Backyard Poultry picture for Biosecurity

Updated: August 9, 2022

Infectious Coryza (IC): Frequently asked questions (FAQs) (FS-1131)

Infectious Coryza (IC) is a rapidly spreading respiratory disease that mainly affects chickens and, occasionally, pheasants and Guinea fowl of all ages. Currently, there is an ongoing outbreak in some poultry flocks in the northeastern U.S. This publication addresses the most frequently asked questions about IC and how to prevent and control it. Authors: Mostafa Ghanem and Nathaniel Tablante; Title: Infectious Coryza (IC): Frequently asked questions (FAQs) (FS-1131)

Updated: July 28, 2022

Small Flock Nutrition

A good nutrition program is vital to a successful poultry operation. Nutrition is defined as the science of digestion, absorption, and utilization of the nutrients in feedstuffs.

Updated: July 22, 2022

Small Flock Layer Budget - 100 by Dale M. Johnson

This budget was developed by Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist, University of Maryland Extension. It is based on his personal experience and in consultation with other small flock producers. Small flock production is highly variable. Good management is important for efficiency. Some producers will be less efficient while others will be more efficient.

Small Flock Chickens in backyard setting

Updated: July 15, 2022

Recognizing and Preventing Marek’s Disease in Small Flocks

Marek’s disease is one of the most widespread poultry diseases in the world. It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpes virus called Alphaherpesvirinae. Marek’s disease occurs in chickens 3–4 weeks of age or older but is most common between 12 and 30 weeks of age. It can also infect quail and, rarely, turkeys. Female birds are infected more often than males. Once the virus is introduced into a chicken flock, infection spreads quickly from bird to bird and infected chickens continue to shed the virus, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle of infection. There is no effective treatment for the disease and infected birds never recover.

Poultry Mareks Disease image from Bitchin' Chickens

Updated: July 13, 2022

Basic Management of Poultry in Developing Communities

Chickens can be found throughout the world, and are efficient at converting feed stocks into high quality protein. Because of its low cost to start and operate, along with its potential to improve lives, poultry production is one of the most common beginning farm ventures in the world.

Updated: June 21, 2022

Prevention of Predation

Protecting your small flock from natural predators.