Webinars: Small & Backyard Flocks

Safe handling of eggs from small and backyard flocks - Ken Anderson, North Carolina State University
Recorded October 11, 2016; 2 PM Central Time

Understanding and meeting your market: Conducting a local customer survey – Andy Larson, University of Illinois
Recorded November 3, 2016; 2 PM Central Time

Setting culling standards for small and backyard flocks – Greg Martin, Penn State University
Recorded December 13, 2016; 2 PM Central Time

Avian genetics: Introduction to poultry breeding – Darrin Karcher, Purdue University and David Frame, Utah State University
Recorded  January 12, 2017; 2 PM Central Time

Predator control for small and backyard poultry flocks – Matt Springer, University of Kentucky
Recorded  February 7, 2017; 2 PM Central Time

The following webinar is of particular importance for County Extension Educators who work with small and backyard poultry flocks:

Poultry medications – rule changes affecting small and backyard poultry flocks
Recorded  December 12, 2016 – 10 AM Central Time

Concerns over the development of antibiotic resistance in human medicine have led to the development of new regulations controlling the use of antibiotics in animal feed. Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) drugs are medically important antibiotics whose use is regulated. New guidelines for these drugs become effective in January 1, 2017. Some of these drugs have been used in poultry medicine. How will these changes affect small-scale poultry producers? After the end of 2016 a veterinarian prescription will be required to get medicated feed as well as purchase what were over the counter drugs. Over the counter drugs now available online or in feed stores will no longer be available without a VFD. The VFD must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and there must be a veterinarian-client relationship. Small scale poultry producers need to develop a relationship with a veterinarian so if their birds get sick they can obtain the needed drugs.