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Small Flock Management

Poultry producers take pride in owning a well-managed, productive flock. However, most flocks suffer from management problems that prevent the birds from ever reaching their productive potential. The vast majority of problems encountered in the poultry house are not related to nutrition or disease, but from mismanagement by the poultryman.

The information contained in this section is designed to assist the poultry producer in avoiding management problems and preventing potentially serious problems in the flock. The emphasis in poultry production must always be placed upon the prevention of problems, rather than correcting them after they occur.

The discussions and publications that follow can be useful to both novice and experienced poultry producers for expanding their knowledge of poultry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Information

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News

White chickens with red faces eat from a red feeder.
Filed Under: Agriculture, Poultry, Avian Flu March 21, 2025

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Until an avian flu vaccine for chickens or other alternative is federally approved, commercial poultry operations in the U.S.

Doctor in a white coat smiling and standing beside a microscope
Filed Under: Agriculture, Animal Health, Poultry, Avian Flu February 4, 2025

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- If egg prices have seemed higher than ever lately, it’s because they are, and consumers can place much of the blame squarely at the feet of the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Chickens stand at a feeder in a coop.
Filed Under: Poultry, Avian Flu January 30, 2025

With highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in the environment in Mississippi, owners of backyard flocks have to take extra steps to keep their chickens healthy.

Avian influenza poses an extremely low risk to human health and none to food safety in Mississippi, but its presence poses a risk to backyard flocks and the state’s $3 billion commercial poultry industry.

Success Stories

A large group of people standing on a covered patio.
Volume 10 Number 2

In late February, Mississippi State University hosted the 2024 National Floriculture Forum, an annual conference held at different locations around the country. 

A girl wearing denim smiles as she feeds her chickens.
Volume 10 Number 2

Children who enjoy hands-on learning and want to showcase their accomplishments and compete against fellow participants can join the 4-H Poultry Chain Project.

A woman, smiling, holding a 4-H flag and 4-H trophy and standing in front of several 4-H plaques affixed to the wall.
Volume 9 Number 3

She grew up in the 4-H youth development program in Indiana, and her husband was in Ohio 4-H. Fast-forward a few years, and Inez Saum became a volunteer leader for Mississippi 4-H.

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