Small Flock | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: April 29, 2022

Carbohydrates: Inexpensive Sources of Energy

Carbohydrates in feed are composed of sugars, starches and cellulose. Cellulose (classified as crude fiber) is the insoluble portion of carbohydrates and cannot be utilized efficiently by birds.

Updated: April 29, 2022

Feeding the Right Ration

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of production. Sixty to seventy percent of the cost of raising poultry is feed. A wide range of high quality commercially prepared feed is available from many sources. Birds must be fed diets that meet their nutritional requirements to achieve maximum production.

Updated: April 7, 2022

Disinfectants and Sanitation

Disinfectants are agents applied to non-living objects to reduce the number of unwanted microorganisms to a safe level. Using disinfectants should be a routine part of daily farm sanitation. Sanitation includes the substances or methods used to destroy microorganisms in order to maintain a healthy, disease-free environment. Sanitation methods prevent unwanted organisms from coming back after disinfectants have been applied.

Updated: March 18, 2022

Creole - Basic Management of Poultry in Developing Communities

Poulmodènn Ou katrouvepoulnan tout peyi anplisankovyannpoul se manje ki gen anpilproteyinladanl Bon kaliteproteyin bon pou timoun kapgrandi Lèwappwodinigadepoulli bon pou asiremanjew anplisli pèmèt ou kavannli pou gen lajannan pòchou Nan monde lanou kadi chakmounmanje anviwon13.2kg (29.1lbs) vyannpoulpa ane Modènraspoulkigen kounyatout sali manje pèmèt li grandibyen li kabon pou li vannnan mache apre3 mwa Nan mond lanchakmoun konsome8.9kg (19.6lbs) pa ane Jounnenjodiayon poulkakale pliske300 zepa ane zeyokagen plizekoulè,mawon,blan,ble,vè Men koulèzea pa afektekalitezea Paskelevepoulpa chèwapwèse nan domènnsaplismoun nan mondlanchwazifè, Download PDF

Updated: March 11, 2022

Leg Health in Chickens (FS-1179)

In this fact sheet and in the associated series of infographics, we will examine a variety of illnesses which impact the leg health of poultry, including: Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO), Bumblefoot Osteoporosis, Tibial Dyschondroplasia (TD), and Twisted Legs. Authors: Anna Magnaterra and Dr. Shawna Weimer. Title: Leg Health in Chickens (FS-1179).

Updated: February 25, 2022

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Commercial Poultry Flock in Delaware

WASHINGTON, February 23, 2022 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in New Castle County, Delaware.

Updated: February 24, 2022

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Commercial Poultry Flock in Delaware

Updated: January 26, 2022

Recognizing and Preventing Internal Parasites (Worms) in Small Flocks

Internal parasites (worms) can affect all types of poultry. They are found throughout the world and can cause production losses and increased mortality in flocks. Commercial poultry producers use confinement to help prevent infections from internal parasites. Free-range backyard flocks may acquire these parasites as they interact with the environment.

Updated: January 26, 2022

Protecting Your Flocks' Health

Instructions on how to keep your flock protected when Avian Diseases are in the area.

Updated: December 20, 2021

Recognizing and Preventing Avian Pox in Small Flocks (FS-979)

Avian pox is a viral disease that can occur in two forms: dry or skin (cutaneous) and the wet (or diphtheritic) form. Mortality is usually low (1%-5%), however, severe cases of wet pox can result in much higher mortality