Here is a database of resources for individuals interested in producing poultry. The majority of resources focus on small flocks and primarily on chicken production.
Please note that some practices, regulations, pests, or management needs will vary based on location and region. Should you need specific guidance for your area, please contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent for assistance.
Should you need resources a resource you do not see here, please let us know at rlstew2@uga.edu.
Small Flock Education Webinars
“Incubation, Brooding, & Processing“
Zach McCann, M.S.University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing chicken incubation, brooding, and processing. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, July 29, 2020.
“Chicken Breeds and Biology of Egg Production”
Dr. Claudia Dunkley, University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing popular breeds of chicken for hobby flocks and the biology of egg laying hens. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, July 8, 2020.
“Small Flock Management“
Dr. Casey Ritz, University of Georgia Extension
Webinar busting common myths and misconceptions about poultry production as well as poultry health and biosecurity. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, July 15, 2020.
“Coop Design and Predator Management”
Robyn Stewart, M.S., University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing proper coop design for bird health and safety as well as common predators and how to manage them. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, July 1, 2020.
“Chicken Nutrition and Feeding“
Robyn Stewart, M.S., University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing the dietary requirements of poultry and how to meet nutritional needs and select a feed program. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, July 22, 2020.
“Health Management of Small Flocks”
Dr. Casey Ritz, University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing flock health management and biosecurity emphasizing organic production. UGA Extension’s Novel Production Practices for Hobby Flocks Series, August 12, 2021.
“Gardening With Chickens“
Robyn Stewart, M.S., University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing gardening with chickens and considerations for nutrition in free-range flocks. UGA Extension’s Novel Production Practices for Hobby Flocks Series, August 19, 2021.
“Designing and Implementing Poultry Tractor Systems“
Zach McCann, M.S.University of Georgia Extension
Webinar discussing the use of poultry tractors for meat bird production. UGA Extension’s Novel Production Practices for Hobby Flocks Series, August 26, 2021.
“Introduction to Poultry Operations“
Dr. Casey Ritz, University of Georgia Extension
Discussion of how to start a poultry operation and considerations for success in managing commercial and small flocks. UGA Extension’s Hobby Flock Webinar Series, September 28, 2021.
Written Publications and Resources
Breeds
“Breeds, Varieties, and Strains“
University of Wisconsin Extension
Extensive list of chicken breeds with in-depth information on their origin, size, egg color, and other characteristics.
“Choosing a Chicken Breed: Eggs, Meat, or Exhibition”
Purdue State Extension
Provides a detailed look at available chicken breeds based on their intended purpose.
Incubation and Brooding
“Incubating and Hatching Eggs”
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Provides in-depth information on egg quality, collection, storage, and incubation management and process.
“Guidelines for Successfully Incubating Chickens”
University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension
Quick look at factors that influence successful hatching of eggs including temperature, humidity, and turning eggs.
“Small Flock Series: Brooding and Growing Chicks“
University of Missouri Extension
Details brooder set up and management from egg hatch through adulthood for small flocks.
“Brooding and Caring for Chicks“
University of New Hampshire Extension
Discusses the needs of new chicks and how to effectively set up your brooder.
Housing
“Small Scale Poultry Housing”
Penn State Extension
Provides information on coop safety, required space and elements, and other housing considerations.
“Housing Backyard Chickens”
Utah State Extension
Provides an introductory look at coop design and considerations, including additional external resources.
“Predator Management for Small and Backyard Poultry Flocks“
Poultry Extension .org
Discusses the identification of potential predators and how to minimize predation of your flock.
“Protecting Small Poultry Flocks from Predators”
Oklahoma State Extension
Outlines telltale signs of different predators and advice on how to design your coop to minimize their impact.
“What is a Chicken Tractor?“
University of Wyoming
Introduces the concept of a chicken tractor and how to construct one.
Nutrition & Feeding
“Nutrition for the Backyard Flock”
University of Georgia Extension
Introduces the 6 essential nutrients and approximate dietary needs for different classes of birds.
“How to Feed Your Laying Hens”
Pacific Northwest Extension
Discusses the nutritional requirements of laying hens and how to feed them throughout their laying cycles.
“Principles of Feeding Small Flocks of Chickens at Home”
Utah State University Extension
Provides practical information on types of feeders and waters and general feeding schedules for flocks.
“How Much Will My Chickens Eat“
University of Kentucky Extension
Publication discusses the factors that impact feed intake and provides estimated feed requirements based on age and purpose.
Health Management
“Poultry Health and Management for the Small Flock“
University of New Hampshire Extension
Introduces disease transmission, identifying unhealthy birds, and appropriate biosecurity for small flocks.
“Basics of Poultry Health“
The Ohio State University Extension
Presentation (.ppt format) discussing the basics of poultry health, what to look for, common diseases, and how to handle them.
“Preventative Medicine for Backyard Chickens“
The Ohio State University Extension
Provides a checklist on actions to take in order to improve the health of your flock and reduce disease incidences.
“Avian Influenza Awareness“
Utah State University Extension
This fact sheet introduces Avian Influenza, one of the most economically impactful viral diseases in poultry, and what flock owners can do to protect their birds.
Egg Production
“Factors Affecting Egg Production in Backyard Chicken Flocks“
University of Florida/IFAS Extension
Discusses key components of egg production and common issues including age, nutrition, health, predation, and general management.
“Producing Your Own Eggs”
University of New Hampshire Extension
Provides a general introduction to keeping laying hens, what to expect, and management considerations specifically for egg production.
“Safety Tips for Handling Farm Fresh Eggs“
University of Minnesota Extension
Introduces food safety practices for egg handling including collecting, cleaning, candling, grading, and storing.
Meat Production
“Feeding Meat-type Chickens“
Pacific Northwest Extension
Discusses key nutritional concepts for raising birds for meat production including mixing grain yourself and novel ingredients.
“A Quick Guide to Raising Pastured Broilers”
Penn State Extension
Introduces the production of meat chickens (broilers) on pasture including breed, timeline, and space considerations.
“Raising Chickens for Meat“>
University of Minnesota Extension
Discusses the production and management of chickens for meat production on a small scale.
Processing Poultry
“Home Processing of Poultry”
University of Minnesota Extension
Introduces concepts of food safety and handling, product inspection, and the process for safely and humanely slaughtering poultry.
“Processing Chickens”
University of Kentucky Extension
Provides a step-by-step guide with photos to humane processing of chickens.
“A Best-Practices Guide to Open-Air Poultry Slaughter“
Oregon State University Extension
Publication heavily emphasizes sanitation, pest management, and food safety. Please note, not all regulations will be accurate in all states.
Miscellaneous
“Economics of Small Poultry Flocks“
University of Maryland Extension
Presents example budget and expenses associated with keeping small flocks.
“Enterprise Budgeting for Small Poultry Flocks”
Penn State Extension
Introduces the concept of an enterprise budget and how to develop an effective one for your operation.
Other Poultry
“Raising Waterfowl”
University of Wisconsin Extension
Contains information on the production of ducks and geese including breeds and varieties, housing, and nutrition.
“Raising Japanese Quail”
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Discusses the keeping and production of quail from hatch to processing.
“Raising Guinea Fowl”
University of Kentucky Extension
Contains information on the care and management of guinea fowl.
“Feeding Quail“
Mississippi State University Extension
Discusses the feeding and nutrition required for the production of game birds like quail.
“Small Flock Turkey Production”
Penn State Extension
Introduces production and management information for small flock production of turkeys.