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