Small Flock | University of Maryland Extension

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 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 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.