Poultry

Are you looking for information on poultry farming and the poultry industry? Penn State Extension offers the most updated information on a range of topics relevant to commercial poultry growers, as well as to backyard farmers. The discussed topics include biosecurity, nutrition, poultry production and management, commercial hatcheries, small flock production, and poultry diseases.

Poultry and Chicken Farming Industry

Pennsylvania is one of the leaders in the US in terms of poultry farming. It is one of the largest egg producing states and has taken innovative steps to ensure egg safety and poultry health.

The Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program (PEQAP) was the first voluntary program in the US to tackle the risk of Salmonella contamination of shell eggs. The state has also led the way in terms of monitoring for Avian influenza. Together with the state’s meat and fish industries, poultry farming generates more than $4.3 billion dollars in sales each year.

Growers can get the most important updates on different types of poultry farming by attending the Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference and the Northeast Conference on Avian Diseases.

Raising Backyard Chickens

Raising a flock of chickens in the backyard is an enjoyable activity for some people and, with some planning and precautions, can even be done in urban areas. However, it is important to remember that buying commercially-grown eggs may turn out to be cheaper than producing them on a small scale. Before considering raising backyard poultry, people should get detailed information about local zoning codes and regulations.

A wide array of articles, videos, and workshops on poultry and egg production and management is available here. Issues such as hot weather management of poultry, common pests, requirements for laying flocks, and many others are discussed. Information on turkey farming and raising other types of domestic birds is also available in this section.

Growers who are interested in egg production need to consider aspects such as selecting the most suitable hybrids, space requirements, litter management, diet, nests, and many more factors. In all types of poultry farms, watering is an important issue, related to the quality of the provided drinking water. Growers can get useful tips on water disinfection and safe ways to maintain water tanks and water lines.

Small flock poultry producers, as well as urban or backyard poultry hobbyists, may be interested in the Small-Scale Poultry Production and Processing Workshop which discusses a whole host of issues: biosecurity, budgeting, animal health and welfare, brooding, egg production, and meat processing.

Egg and Poultry Meat Production

There are many components to the successful management of a chicken or turkey farm. A well-detailed flock plan takes into account the applicable farming laws and local regulations and plans for aspects of biosecurity. Penn State Extension offers updated information on different aspects of poultry farm management.

A key factor for success is the safety and quality of the produced eggs and meat. Growers can find information about all the different inputs needed for an optimal result: handling laying chickens, adhering to HACCP standards, and controlling and maintaining meat quality. Details on how to handle laying chickens and eggs in all stages of the process are available here.

Anyone involved in poultry farming will benefit from attending the Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference and the Northeast Conference on Avian Diseases.