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
