Small Flock | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: March 9, 2023

Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Production

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

Updated: February 8, 2023

Learn more about livestock suited to urban production

This article provides an overview of the types of livestock suited to urban production, and connects the reader to additional resources for each type of livestock.

Updated: January 27, 2023

Hatching Eggs at Home (FS-1114)

Hatching eggs at home can be a rewarding way to increase the size of your flock, while teaching family and friends about embryology. While chicken eggs are the most common eggs to hatch, eggs from other species can be incubated as well. As always, before starting a hatching project, make sure you have everything in place to take care of the chicks when they hatch and that you comply with all state and local laws. Authors: Jonathan Moyle, Maegan Perdue, Dr. Tom Tabler, Dr. Shawna Weimer, and Jennifer Rhodes; Title: Hatching Eggs at Home (FS-1114)

Updated: January 27, 2023

Winter Weather and Small Flocks: What You Need to Know (FS-1133)

As winter approaches, it is important to make sure that equipment and housing are ready well in advance for your small poultry flock. By starting winter preparations early, there will be plenty of time to fix any problems before the cold sets in. Authors: Dr. Jonathan Moyle, Maegan Perdue, Emily Lhaman, and Dr. Jennifer Timmons; Title: Winter Weather and Small Flocks: What You Need to Know (FS-1133)

Updated: January 10, 2023

Covering Poultry Legal Issues: Suspicious Vehicles and Drones (Video & Article)

Oct 26, 2022 "Covering Poultry Legal Issues: Suspicious Vehicles and Drones" with Paul Goeringer, Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist, Anthony 'Tony' Gorski, Attorney at Law in Annapolis, Wicomico County Sheriffs, John Alessandrini and Burley Williams.

Paul Goeringer, Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist

Updated: November 2, 2022

Identifying and Preventing Poultry Predators in the Mid-Atlantic Region (FS-1132)

Owning a flock of chickens can be a rewarding and educational hobby as well as a source of fresh eggs. While more often a problem for small and backyard flocks, predators can cause damage and loss of birds on farms of all sizes. This damage can range from an occasional bird loss to many birds nightly until the problem is fixed. Authors: Dr. Jon Moyle, Maegan Purdue, Dr. Tom Tabler, Jennifer Rhodes, and Paul Goeringer; Title: Identifying and Preventing Poultry Predators in the Mid-Atlantic Region (FS-1132)

Updated: October 19, 2022

Rodent Control on Small Poultry Farms

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.