Small Flock

Protecting your chickens from predators:  It’s one of a chicken lover’s worst fears – losing a beloved chicken to a predator. It can happen to the best of us no matter how well we build our coops, how closely we watch our birds while they free range, and how much we love our chickens.

This Fact Sheet shows how owing 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

In Maryland, you may sell your products from your property, but you may not sell at a farmer's market location or any other location off the farm without certification from Maryland's Food Quality Assurance program.

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems. It is a management tool used to protect food in the food supply against biological, chemical and physical hazards.

The Maryland Egg Law Synopsis

​The Egg Inspection program is responsible for enforcement of the Maryland Egg Law enacted to provide Maryland consumers with wholesome, high quality eggs. The law also provides fair trading practices for the egg industry as all sellers of eggs must comply with the requirements.

In the state of Maryland, all eggs must be graded and sized if they are for sale. The sale of unclassified eggs is not permitted.

There are special requirements for raising birds for different production purposes. The basic requirements are the same with minor changes made for raising layers, meat birds, waterfowl, or ratites.

The main purpose of housing poultry is protection. For many species, having outside runs in addition to housing provides additional space needed for optimal performance. To protect your birds from predators while they are exploring the outside world, confine poultry with fencing and covered runs.

Instructions for the proper use of a footbath on poultry farms for biosecurity measures.