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