Humane and Healthy Poultry Production

Book excerpt: Organic poultry production systems can be sophisticated, technically advanced commercial operations or simple, small-farm add-ons integrated into a more complex agroecosystem. No matter the size or scale, the basic tenets of traditional organic agriculture apply. This NOFA guide includes information on: Organic poultry basics Establishing the facilities (housing and equipment, choosing and using litter, outdoor access, brooding, grazing and pasturing) Purchasing and brooding chicks Organic feed and supplements Poultry health care in the organic system Management challenges (production and culling, spotted shells, yolk color) Slaughter and Processing Marketing Production expectations and economic viability