Author: Jacqueline Jacob
Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks
When eXtension first began several years ago, I put together the Small and Backyard Flocks Community of Practice. It was developed to provide the growing number of homeowners/renters keeping backyard poultry flocks with science-based information on the proper care of their birds. This information is essential for poultry welfare as well as human health from zoonotic diseases and foodborne illnesses. The online extension program includes a website with a variety of poultry-related articles, a blo
Author: Linda Hieneman
Chick incubation projects are a great way to teach youth about Agriculture Science. It also teaches them how to care for animals and learning about life cycles.The Greenup County Extension Agent for Agriculture partnered with Grayson Lake Park Ranger to respond to a request from Russell Independent Schools to offer Chicken Embryology or hatching for students at the primary school. Students in first, second and special education classes participated in the project for a total of 350 p
Author: Anthony Pescatore
The number of small and backyard flocks continues to grow throughout the nation. This trend is also occurring in Kentucky. Between January and August close to one million birds were shipped into Kentucky for the non-commercial flocks. These shipments were to 3,890 individual premises. However, shipments directly to farm stores accounted for two-thirds of the birds entering the state. In Kentucky, it is estimated that there are 10,000 premises that have poultry. There is a shortage of veterinaria
Author: William Crawford
Backyard poultry rearing is increasing in popularity for a variety of factors. Egg prices being at an all-time high are one contributing factor. Beginning in early 2022, the United States began facing the largest bird flu outbreak in the nation’s history. The highly transmissible and fatal strain of avian influenza decimated chicken populations and subsequently decreased the amount of eggs available to consumers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average retail cost of a
Author: Maggie Forsee
The problemThere is a lack of knowledge in the Carroll County community pertaining to raising backyard poultry.The educational program responseFour members of the Carroll County community attending the Raising Backyard Poultry held at the Carroll County Extension office. Two of these individuals already have some chickens, but were interested in how they could improve their operations, as well as earn a profit. The other two members do not currently own any chickens, and they live in the city li
Author: Kelsey Marcum
Avian Influenza is a threat to poultry producers all over the world. Not only is it disastrous for flocks but it causes devastating financial losses for producers. We have seen firsthand in other parts of Kentucky and in other states what Avian Influenza can do to the poultry industry. As a result of this it is important for producers to understand the dangers it poses as well as what they can do to manage it.In an effort to educate producers on the prevention and management of Avian Influenza C
Author: Gary Stockton
Homeowners are still interested in learning about chickens and raising their own eggs in the backyards. It has become very popular and there are many questions asked throughout the year about getting started with chickens. We decided to put together a series of Backyard Poultry programs and have a backyard poultry program every 3 months, getting a little more details on production as we go. This first program was focused toward those homeowners that do not have chickens yet but are interested in
Author: Daniel Allen
According to the American Pet Producers Association 8% of the households in our region of the country have backyard chickens. With this trend growing in urban and suburban areas, and specifically among Millennial and Gen Z populations, the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service offered a Successful Backyard Poultry program at both of our locations. This program was holistically designed to include breed selection, equipment needs, feed, sanitation practices and flock biosecurity
Author: Taylor Graves
The average price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. was $4.21 in February 2023, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is more than double the price in February 2022 of about $2.00 a dozen, so it came as no surprise when community members began to reach out seeking information on starting their own backyard flock. This inspired the Washington County County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent to host a class on the basics of backyard poultry. The progr
Author: John Fourqurean
In August of 2022 the McLean County Extension Service hosted the Poultry Expo at Myer Creek Park in Calhoun, KY. The Expo was moved from February 2022 because of a outbreak if Avian Influenza. This region is in the migratory flyway and during that time of year it is not a suitable time due to the possible spread of AI so it was moved to August. This Expo is held every other year and includes a trade show, educational meetings and a sponsored lunch featuring a poultry product produced locally. Th
