Production and Management
Whether you are new to the poultry business or have plenty of experience in poultry production and management, the resources below will help you with valuable tips on chicken breeds, laying versus meat chickens, cannibalization, egg production, and flock management. Penn State Extension offers information on flock production and management for commercial-scale flocks, as well as backyard and urban poultry farms.
Raising Chicken for Meat and Eggs: Deciding on a Breed
If you are still at the planning stage, it is worthwhile to get familiar with best poultry management practices and have a clear idea whether your priority is egg production or raising chickens for meat.
Commercial breeds of laying chickens produce up to 260 eggs per year with the results dependent on the specific breed and factors such as floor space, the type of feed, nests, and lighting. Backyard farmers looking to raise a small flock of laying chickens can find a quick guide with tips on feeding, proper cooping, healthcare, and egg sale laws.
Professional egg producers can increase the output of laying hens to nearly 300 eggs per year, twice the average during the middle of the 20th century. Key factors include providing a diet rich in calcium and managing the number of laying cycles.
One important factor when choosing meat birds – also called broilers – is how quickly and efficiently they are able to develop a desirable carcass. Commercial hybrids can reach the desired weight much faster and on less feed, compared to purebred birds. It is recommended to slaughter broilers as soon as they reach their desired weight since older birds require more feed and may accumulate fat.
Backyard poultry producers are more likely to be interested in raising chickens for both eggs and meat. In this case, dual-purpose breeds are the best choice. Those interested in producing poultry products with a distinctive flavor may want to consider heritage breeds. While heritage birds will likely need more feed and will not be able to match hybrids in terms of growth rates, they can yield high-quality poultry products, which is especially important in organic poultry production.
This section also contains useful information on poultry reproduction and genetics. You can find resources on rooster and hen reproduction, biological processes within the fertilized egg, distinguishing fertilized from non-fertile eggs, and incubation charts for many different fowl species.
Safety and quality are important aspects of any product. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is the best farm-to-table approach for reducing the risk of contamination of eggs with pathogens such as Salmonella enteritidis. In small flocks, the quality of the eggs depends on how well the flock is raised, how the coop and nests are organized, and how eggs are collected and handled. More information on this topic, as well as detailed advice on meeting HACCP standards, is available.
Raising Backyard Chickens and Small Poultry Flocks
Small poultry producers can find advice on how to start their first flock: from hatching eggs and caring for young chicks to handling pullets and adult laying hens. Those who wish to grow broilers can join the Small-Scale Poultry Production and Processing Workshop for advice on feeding broilers, managing the flock, processing basics, and important regulations.
Raising fowl in urban areas is becoming increasingly popular. Beginners can also find valuable tips on how to organize small-scale egg production with specific advice on budgeting, getting started, sanitary and health requirements, regulations, and organic modes of production.
Poultry Cannibalism, Diet and Health
Poultry cannibalism is a serious and costly problem that may affect a flock that is not managed correctly. This harmful behavior is usually a sign of stress and needs to be dealt with swiftly. Mismanagement in the form of poor diet, inadequate space, introducing new birds or health problems in some birds may cause poultry cannibalism.
As monogastric animals, chicken are more susceptible to foodborne pathogens and more sensitive to the food they are given, compared to ruminant animals. Detailed information about pelleted food and food safety plans is available here. This section also contains information on water quality, disinfection steps, water tanks, and water lines.
Visitors will find numerous resources on health with information about particular common diseases such as avian flu, Marek’s disease, and West Nile encephalitis. Respiratory diseases and common leg and foot disorders are also described. Most diseases can be prevented if good hygiene is maintained and stringent biosecurity standards implemented. Biosecurity minimizes the risk of pathogens spreading in a facility and affecting flocks, helps to limit the spread of diseases, and protects farm workers.
How to Start a Chicken or Poultry Farm
Poultry production has many different sectors, such as broilеrs breeding, layers breeding, and egg production, poultry feed production, hatchery, and poultry egg and meat processing. Information on broiler hybrids and the steps involved in harvesting good-quality broilers and turkeys is available here.
Knowledge about biology, physiology, and environmental factors is no doubt important but so is information about the business side of poultry farming. This section offers information on new workshops and conferences as well as articles about flock plans for raising poultry, turkey, pheasant and game birds.
- Webinars
Free
Introduction to Poultry Judging
When 10/14/2024Length 1 hour, 30 minutesEvent Format Virtual | LiveDiscover poultry judging essentials, including live bird assessment, product grading, and contest insights. Ideal for FFA advisors, educators, 4-H leaders, and those interested in poultry careers. - Videos
Fly Control on Poultry Farms
Flies are a nuisance on poultry facilities and can transmit diseases. Learn how to use integrated pest management (IPM) to control pest flies safely and effectively. - Articles
Behavioral Challenges in Cage-Free Housing Systems
Some common welfare issues in cage-free housing are a result of behavioral problems like pecking and aggression. Researchers in this field are searching for strategies to help with these issues. - Articles
Making Water Delivery Count
Water is the most important nutrient. Managing water well ensures optimal productivity in the flock. - Articles
Making the Best of Down Time
When the threats to disease lessen, it is a good time to review current biosecurity and make changes if needed to boost weak points in the biosecurity plan. - Articles
Prevention of Egg Eating in Chickens
Egg eating by hens is a habit which is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break. It is important you manage your facilities so the hens never taste a broken egg. - Articles
Planning to Start Raising Poultry
If you are planning to start raising poultry for the first time it is important that you understand best management practices. - Articles
Brooding of Domestic Fowl
It is very important to realize that baby fowl are totally dependent upon you to meet their needs. Baby fowl need proper environment, nutrition and protection. - Articles
Poultry Cannibalism: Prevention and Treatment
Cannibalism in poultry is a costly and vicious habit that poultry producers cannot afford to ignore. - Articles
Poultry Production - Back to the Basics
Importance of water quality in poultry. Simple tips and advice to improve water sanitation. - Articles
Mycotoxins and Their Effect on Poultry and Swine Production
Feed grains contaminated by mycotoxins hurt feed quality and are detrimental to production in poultry and swine. Some key mycotoxins can induce differential impacts on poultry and swine production performance. - Videos
Should You Raise Poultry?
Length 5:51Raising poultry has become a popular hobby, but there are things to consider before you commit. Learn what it takes to raise poultry in your backyard. - Videos
Heritage Poultry Breeds
Length 2:42Heritage breeds are those raised by our farming ancestors. Learn the advantages and disadvantages to raising these breeds. - Videos
Handling Poultry
Length 2:54Learn how to pick up and hold poultry without injuring them or you. - Articles
Hot Weather Management of Poultry
During the summer it is very important for poultry producers to be mindful of the effects warmer temperatures can have on their flocks. - Videos
Poultry Houses - Biosecurity
Length 5:27Minimizing introduction and spread of potentially harmful organisms is critical on commercial poultry farms. This video demonstrates how to safely bring a visitor onto the premises. - Articles
Small-Scale Egg Production (Organic and Conventional)
Egg production on a small scale is one of the oldest animal farming enterprises in recorded history. A small investment may yield several years of income. - Articles
Small-Flock Turkey Production
Raising turkeys can be a satisfying educational activity as well as a source of economical, high-quality meat for your family and friends. - Online Courses
$149.00
Poultry Fly Management
Sections 11Length 10 hoursLearn to manage pest flies in your poultry facility using integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Build your own IPM plan that meets FDA requirements. Earn PDA core and category credits. - Webinars
Free
Ready, Set, Hatch! - Embryo Mortality Cause and Effect
When Watch NowRecorded Oct 7, 2020Event Format On-Demand | RecordedThis webinar will cover the causes of embryo mortality through various phases. - Online Courses
$99.00
Raising Small Flock Poultry
Sections 8Length 10 hoursLearn how to run a successful small flock poultry operation (100 to 3,000 birds), including selection, best management practices, health, and marketing. - Online Courses
$69.99
Raising Poultry in Your Backyard
Sections 8Length 10 hoursLearn how to raise chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in small areas, including selection, health, and needs of egg layer, meat, and exhibition birds. - Articles
A Quick Guide to Raising Pastured Broilers
Some small flock owners choose to raise their broiler chickens on pasture. This article describes the important differences between pasture-rearing and indoor-rearing broilers. - Webinars
Living on a Few Acres: Home Butchering
Length 2 hoursJoin Extension specialists for the Living on a Few Acres webinar series to learn all about butchering at home. - Articles
Management Requirements for Laying Flocks
Learn the best breeds to raise and best management practices for a successful small layer flock.