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

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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:

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

13. Anatomy

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. 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

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

21. 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)

22. 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:
Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin
Cornell Small Farms Program:
Penn State Cooperative Extension Poultry Program Online:

23. Contact Information
Rachel Moody Equine/Livestock Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County 18 Seward Ave, Suite 300 Middletown, NY  (845) Office
Questions?