Small Flock

Maryland regulations for registering and exhibiting poultry at fairs or other shows.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Whether you view your small poultry flock as a hobby or a significant contribution to the family diet, it is useful to estimate the costs of maintaining the flock.

There are three basic choices in the types of poultry to purchase; a breed primarily for egg production, a breed for showing or exhibiting, or one that is bred for meat production. Care and feed requirements will vary for each type of breed.

Adequate availability of water to birds is critical to bird health and performance. Water is sometimes referred to as the forgotten nutrient. It is considered one of the most important nutrients ingested and although it is inexpensive to provide, it is often the most neglected nutrient.