Housing, Health, and Reproduction

This unit covers practical backyard poultry husbandry: selecting and designing housing and brooders, managing health and nutrition, and understanding reproduction and egg‑production strategies (natural and artificial). It also addresses neighborhood, regulatory, and ethical considerations that affect flock planning and ongoing care.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze local zoning, neighbor concerns, and production goals to select an appropriate housing type and site plan for a small backyard flock
• Apply biosecurity, first‑aid, parasite control, and environmental‑management practices to maintain flock health and prevent common injuries and disease
• Demonstrate the ability to design and set up a functional brooder and basic coop (including bedding, feeding/pantry layout, grit provision, ventilation, and lighting) to support chick rearing and adult layers
• Evaluate reproduction and egg‑production options (breed selection, natural brooding vs. incubator use, supplemental lighting, and management of laying years) to make informed decisions about hatching, flock composition, and humane processing