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Small Flock
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Updated: May 16, 2022
Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Production
This webpage is the production archives of the Women In Agriculture webinars.
Updated: May 12, 2022
Common Crop Issues in Backyard Chickens
Crop issues are an occasional problem in small flocks. This fact sheet goes over some of the more common crop ailments and how to deal with them.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Conclusion and References for Small Flock Poultry
References for raising your own home chicken flock and suggested reading list to learn more.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Exhibiting and Registering Your Flock
Maryland regulations for registering and exhibiting poultry at fairs or other shows.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Maryland Regulations for Poultry Product Sales
State or federal inspection is not required if you are producing and processing less than 20,000 birds for meat annually and do not sell other than directly from the farm. You must register any poultry premises with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) as part of their avian influenza control efforts. There are no fees for registering your premises unless you have laying hens in excess of 3,000 birds.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Home Processing and Egg Laying/Handling
The quality of ready-to-cook chicken is only as good as the live bird. When choosing chickens to be processed; look for healthy, well-finished chickens. Consider the weight and age that are desirable for your particular need. It is also recommended to withhold feed for 9-12 hours before processing to limit fecal contamination from the gut.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Disease Management
It is important to consider several factors that relate to the quality and health of the flock once the type or breed has been chosen. Purchase stock only from reputable breeders or hatcheries. Stock purchased from magazine advertisements, especially bargain offers, can mean serious problems later. Stock should be purchased from Pullorum-Typhoid clean flocks under the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).
Updated: May 11, 2022
Biosecurity
Biosecurity includes management practices that prevent the entrance of disease-producing germs (pathogens) into the flock and into neighboring flocks. There are several biosecurity measures that must be taken.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Feeding the Flock
Feed represents about 70 percent of the cost of raising a chicken. The small flock owner deals in smaller quantities of feed – typically 50 to 100 pounds– and thus pays a higher cost per unit for feed. Chickens must be fed an adequate diet for maximum productivity. There are six categories of nutrients that are required in a diet to maintain and promote a healthy flock.
Updated: May 11, 2022
Housing Requirements
Housing should provide protection from all kinds of weather, predators, injury, and theft. Consider the location of your poultry house on your property. Locate the building in a well drained area, with access to water and electricity. Your job is to keep the birds comfortable at all times.
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