By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Backyard poultry have become popular in recent years but even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help first-time poultry owners, the Texas A&M AgriLife Poultry Science Extension Unit, Panola County AgriLife Extension Office and Presidio County AgriLife Extension Office will host a Small Flock Poultry webinar series.
Different aspects of raising poultry for home food production or for local market sales will be covered by guest speakers Craig Coufal, PhD, Texas A&M University associate professor and AgriLife Extension poultry specialist; and Martin Ficken, DVM, PhD, resident director, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Gonzales.
Hens begin laying eggs at around 20-24 weeks of age, and each hen can lay up to 300 eggs per year depending on breed and environment.
According to Coufal, some concerns to address before buying chickens include learning more about local rules and regulations regarding farm animals, preparing adequate poultry housing, sourcing reputable breeders and deciding the flock’s intended purpose.
Protecting chickens from predators is also important. Even in an urban area, dogs, cats, raccoons, hawks and other wildlife can find their way into an unprotected coop. Poultry owners must also have a plan for fly and pest control.
Other topics to consider are vaccination and veterinary care, disease management and safe handling practices when interacting with poultry, eggs or meat.
The work can be fun and satisfying, Coufal added, but owning a flock is more involved than buying chicks and collecting eggs.
The webinars will be hosted daily from 12 to 1 p.m. May 18-21. Anyone may watch and listen by clicking here and entering “poultry” as the password.
Participants may submit questions through the webinar portal, and speakers will attempt to answer as many questions as time allows.
More information on backyard poultry is available from AgriLife Extension at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/poultry.