MARYLAND SMALL FLOCK POULTRY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

RESEARCH SURVEY

Impacts

Rhodes, *J.L.1, Timmons, J.R.2, and Nottingham, J.R.3

1· Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County, Centreville, Maryland 21617 2· Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 3. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Somerset County, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853

University of Maryland Extension’s Small Flock Poultry

Educational Program (SFEP) provides farm families with

educational resources to assist with management decisions as

they continue to develop, maintain, and operate economically

viable and environmentally responsible poultry operations.

In 2011, a statewide survey was conducted to evaluate the

economic, bird health, and performance impacts of the

SFEP. Small flock owners used the following extension

resources or services to obtain information: small flock workshop

(42.2%), extension publications (34.9%), direct contact with

Extension employee (27.7%) and small flock website

(15.7%). Forty one percent of survey participants indicated that

their flock health and performance improved as a result of what

they learned from the SFEP. Participants indicated an average

increase of 20% in flock income for a two year period (2009-

2011). Participants were asked to report if they had implemented

any biosecurity practices on their premises as a result of the

information they received from the SFEP: 41% isolation of new

birds, 19.3% isolation of birds after showing, 19.3% controlling

traffic, 42.2% sanitation, 26.5% dedicated footwear, 15.7%

species separation, 27.7 % composting of mortality, 30.1%

purchase new birds from National Poultry Improvement Plan

approved hatcheries, and 8.4% provided appropriate

clothing/equipment for visitors.

Workshops Abstract

Locations of Small Flock Workshops

Conducted From 2008-2012

www.healthybirds.umd.edu

A series of twelve Small Flock Short Course workshops

were held throughout the state. (2008-2012) This state

Extension program was developed by J. R. Timmons,

J. L. Rhodes, N. Zimmerman, N. Tablante and J. R.

Nottingham. This program was initially funded by a USDA-

CSREES, Special Needs Fund ($52,150). Additional funds

($16,800) to support this program were awarded in 2011 by

the University of Maryland Extension Agriculture and

Natural Resources Profitability Impact Team Fund. A

website, several workshops, publications and mailings were

developed to promote flock health among small flock

owners in Maryland. Publications include three brochures

titled “Protect Your Small Flock”, “Preventing the Spread of

Avian Diseases”, and “Know the Most Common Avian

Diseases”. In addition the Raising Your Home Chicken

Flock (MEP 300) publication was revised and updated in

2010. Since 2008, twelve 2-3 hour workshops have been

held throughout the state for over 250 small flock growers.

Topics included biosecurity, common poultry diseases, small

flock management, nutrition, poultry processing and table

egg guidelines. In addition, a biosecurity tips sheet in the

shape of an egg was developed containing the names and

phone numbers of the Maryland Diagnostic Laboratories.

The goal of this program is to promote biosecurity education

for small flock owners in Maryland.

Program Description