Backyard Poultry Rachel Moody Equine/Livestock Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

Back Yard Poultry Flocks Poultry are likely the best “starter livestock” for most owners. Their needs are more easily and cheaply met, and the home owner can start on a smaller scale. Raising poultry within urban and rural limits can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved, but much planning is required.

What to Consider Purpose Homework/research Meat Eggs Both Pet/Show Housing/equipment Pest/waste management Predators Feeding Breeds Health

Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Health Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Breeds Health

Confinement Do not let birds roam free chickens know no boundaries Clean, dry, draft-free space with good ventilation Space requirements 2ft² per bird + 4ft² run 8” roosting perch/bird Keep structure 25 ft. from property lines

Equipment Avoid Egg Loss Feeders Waterers Nesting boxes 1 box/4 birds Though nest box units can be purchased, you can make your own—12”H by 12”W by 16“D Fill them with straw or other clean, soft organic material. Avoid Egg Loss By mounting the nests above floor level Providing enough nests Collecting eggs regularly Get creative

Shavings, straw, shredded paper, fake turf, etc. Nesting Boxes Simple or Creative Shavings, straw, shredded paper, fake turf, etc.

Pest/waste management Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Breeds Health

Waste Pests Keep facility clean Clean waste regularly Store feed One hen produces about ½ lb. of waste/week or 2 ft³ a yr. Frequent cleaning will control odor & promote health Keep facility clean Composting Sell/give away Household waste Double-bagged Getting rid of waste Controls fly population Controls odor Clean waste regularly Feed attracts many critters Use metal containers Clean up messes Store feed

Predators Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Anatomy Feeding Health Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Breeds Health

Predators You WILL get predators other animals like chicken too! Usual suspects: Canines, snakes, cats, opossums, raccoons, weasels and birds of prey Predator proof Wire/fencing Traps Cover outdoor pens, lock birds in at night Good resources: http://www.grit.com/animals/predators-of-chickens.aspx http://www.raising-chickens.org/chicken-predators.html http://www.communitychickens.com/10-tips-for-predator-proofing-chickens/

Anatomy Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Feeding Health Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Breeds Health

Anatomy http://poultryhub.org/AnatomyoftheChicken/

Feeding Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Health Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Breeds Health

Feeding Keep fresh feed available at all times. Limit amount of feed in feeders to avoid waste. If leftover feed is not clean and palatable, remove it before refilling feeders. Never put moldy or contaminated feed in feeders. Clean feeders and water containers regularly. *Note* Keep a close check on birds' weight and feed consumption, big indicator or bird health

Always have fresh, clean water available! What to Feed % protein 14-16% Pullet Grower 20-22% Broiler Grower Finishing 18% 15-18% Layer Ration Oyster shells for calcium May not be necessary in free-ranging birds Grit for gizzard Always have fresh, clean water available! All Purpose 16% Protein

Feeding Hints You need about four inches of feeder space per bird. Plan to have enough so all birds (of any age) can eat at the same time. Feeders & waterers should be raised as the birds get older Pasture poultry still need feed Range cannot provide a complete diet for birds.

Health Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Health Breeds

Health Disease Pullorum (salmonella) Weather Frostbite Heat stress Quarantine all new birds for 2 weeks Buy chicks vaccinated for Marek’s and Newcastle Pullorum (salmonella) Weather Frostbite Heat stress Parasites Coccidia Lice Mites Prevention is the best method of control – keep things clean and dry

Breeds Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Homework/research Housing/equip. Pest/waste management Predators Anatomy Feeding Health Breeds

Breeds Layers vs. Broilers Heritage vs. Hybrids Fancy vs. Traditional Colored eggs Araucanas Americaunas Brown eggs Rhode Island Reds Barred, White, Partridge, Buff Rocks White eggs Leghorns Qualities: Average to above-average layers Cold-hardy Robust Early to moderate maturing Heritage vs. Hybrids Dual purpose or all meat? Qualities to look for: Cold-hardy Robust Early- or moderate-maturing Heritage breeds: Plymouth Rock, Sussex, Holland and Wyandotte Hybrid breeds: Cornish Cross (White Cornish x White Plymouth Rock)

Good Resources American Egg Board: www.aeb.org Backyard Poultry Magazine Chicken Coops by Judy Pangman Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius OK State Breeds of Livestock: http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin Cornell Small Farms Program: www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/index.cfm Penn State Cooperative Extension Poultry Program Online: http://poultryextension.psu.edu

Contact Information Rachel Moody Equine/Livestock Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County 18 Seward Ave, Suite 300 Middletown, NY  10940-1919 (845) 344-1234 Office ram72@cornell.edu Questions?