Urban and Small Poultry Production

The low investment and small area required to raise a flock of domestic poultry makes this an ideal venture for the beginning small or part-time farmer. Domestic poultry can supplement family food supplies, and small specialized poultry producers can sell to several niche markets. For example, producers can consider selling organic meat and eggs, brown eggs, range-reared meat and eggs, live birds for ethnic markets, and birds for hobby, leisure, and purebred exhibition purposes. Most small specialty poultry enterprises raise chickens or waterfowl. To ensure profitability, the small specialty poultry producer must do careful research on market opportunities. Successful producers for niche markets usually have unique products, good customer loyalty, limited competition, and the ability to maintain a profit margin when in competition with larger businesses. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, VA. Tech.

Thinking about raising poultry on a small scale? Whether as a hobby or as a source of food or extra income, the raising of poultry must be carefully considered and planned. This fact sheet will help you think through the care and management requirements and decide whether raising chickens is right for you (4 pages). Author(s): Adam Hady, Ron Kean

Developed by Robert Hawes, Professor Emeritus of Animal and Veterinary Science. Reviewed by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Professor

Tips on raising a small flock of chickens. Author(s): Beyer, R. Scott

Part of the Small Scale Poultry Production Series By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, PSU.

An explanation of a beneficial natural process, molting, which causes feather loss in poultry. Author: Beyer, R. Scott

By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, VA. Tech.

Excellent publication of basic nutrition information for small flocks by John Blake, Auburn University

A sound nutrition program is essential to a successful poultry operation. From an economic standpoint, feeding accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the cost of production. Author(s): Beyer, R. Scott, Wilson, Kenneth J.

Producing Poultry on Pasture (A3908-01) is the first in a new series of publications called “Poultry for Small Farms & Backyards” that address the concerns of those who keep chickens in an urban or small farm setting. In this publication, the pasture system of raising poultry is presented, including the benefits and drawbacks, the various pasture systems available, and information on pen design, poultry breeds, feed requirements, and marketing. Author(s): Adam A. Hady

Individuals may raise and process poultry broilers using simple equipment, and achieve results with no more food safety risk than broilers purchased at the supermarket.

Urban chickens are in, but are they for you or your community? This publication will help you understand what it takes to successfully raise chickens in an urban setting (4 pages; 2011).Author(s): Adam A. Hady, Ron Kean

Gives guidance on what to consider in planning to raise poultry in an urban area as well as basic production information. Part of the Small Scale Poultry Production Series By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, PSU.

University of Maryland

Good layers develop from healthy, well-bred chicks raised under good feeding and management programs. Buying the right type of chick is important for the most economical production. By: Melvin L. Hamre, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota.

In the 1980s and 1990s, small-scale egg production has made a comeback, mainly because of changing consumer demands and emerging niche markets. This six-page publication, part of the Agricultural Alternatives series focusing on small-scale and part-time farming operations, covers small-scale egg production marketing, production considerations, disease problems, and regulations, and includes sample budgets and references for more information.

Nice 1980's publication By: Ralph A. Ernst Extension Poultry Specialist University of California, Davis.