UMN Extension - Poultry

08/20/2026

Consider attending the hands-on, 2-night Annie's Project Retreat at Frog Tree Farm in central Minnesota September 24-26. Connect with others who farm and learn skills on topics like financial strategies, business planning, risk management and introduction to ag resources agencies and people.

For more information go to:

https://extension.umn.edu/event/annies-project-retreat-frog-tree-farm

08/20/2026

Did you know that Minnesota was recently able to declare freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the state’s poultry population? While this is great news, it's not the first time, and the work of preventing HPAI is far from over. Animal health officials and producers need to maintain vigilance and biosecurity practices while also preparing for the next wave. Read more about our history of HPAI freedom status in our August issue of Animal Bytes: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNBAH/bulletins/424f409

08/13/2026

If you've been following the bird flu outbreak for the past few years, you know that cases are down nationwide. But that doesn't mean it's time to relax our vigilance! Practicing diligent biosecurity will help us keep winning the fight against this deadly poultry disease. Learn more about biosecurity and what you can implement today on our website: https://bah.state.mn.us/biosecurity

08/04/2026

Come see us at Farmfest and play a poultry biosecurity board game and an I-Spy farm safety game!

08/04/2026

Come see us at Farmfest this Tuesday through Thursday and try your hand at a biosecurity game!

07/29/2026

Chicken care workshop!

The University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm and Extension is inviting backyard flock owners and those interested in raising chickens to attend a chicken care basics workshop.
Participants will learn practical strategies for raising laying hens, including how to keep them safe and healthy while protecting yourself and others when working with poultry. Attendees will view mobile chicken huts in action and begin the evening with a bonus tour of the certified organic fruit and vegetable plots on the Student Organic Farm.
The workshop will be held at the University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm and is free to attend. Registration is preferred, but walk-ups are welcome.

Registration, farm location, and parking instructions can be accessed at: z.umn.edu/chickencareworkshop


Event Details
· August 11th, 4-6 p.m.
· UMN Student Organic Farm, Dudley Ave &, Field Rd N, St Paul, MN 55108

07/23/2026

Watch this video to learn how to submit samples to the diagnostic lab!

This video explains how and where can you submit poultry specimens ...

07/20/2026

Can you spot the signs of a sick bird? Don’t wing it – keep your birds safe with proper biosecurity!

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock

07/16/2026

Learn about air quality and tips to help protect your flock! This post is from several years ago, but still applicable for parts of Minnesota and other parts of the US this week.

WARNING! There are air quality alerts throughout portions of the United States and Canada due to wildfires for the next 24-48 hours. Air quality is measured using the US Air Quality Index (AQI). It is based on a scale from 0 to 500.
Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems. They are more at risk of complications due to poor air quality exposure than humans and other animals. The effects of exposure to poor air quality can take up to 3 weeks for signs to develop.
AREAS W/ AQI OF 200 & ABOVE
*If possible, try to bring your flock indoors. Set up playpens or tents in the garage, basement, or spare room. Do not keep them anywhere near the kitchen. Heating non-stick cookware releases fumes which are toxic to birds.
*If this isn't an option, try to limit the bird's exposure and minimize exercise by confining them inside the run. Close coop vent and windows and think about purchasing a HEPA air purifier (ideally with a fan) to improve air quality.
**HEPA air purifiers should be certified and utilize mechanical filtration. Do not use electric filtration which uses ionization to create ozone. This can cause serious lung damage to the bird.
AREAS W/ AQI OF 150 - 200:
*Bring birds with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac issues inside.
AREAS W/ AQI OF 100 & ABOVE:
*Closely monitor flock for signs of respiratory distress and dust irritation.
*Minimize dust exposure by misting/dampening the area.
*Surround the run with plants and a shade cloth.
*Supplement with antioxidants to boost immune system (Vitamin C and E, Grape seed extract,Omega 3 fatty acids).
ALWAYS:
*Provide birds with plenty of fresh water (at least two water sources is favorable to have a back up).
*Regularly remove f***s and clean the coop and run to minimize dust and keep fly populations down.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
*Open-mouth breathing
*Darkening of comb
*Gasping
*Coughing
*Increased respiratory rate
*Tail bobbing
*Lethargy
*Weakness
*Loss of appetite and thirst
*Eye irritation and nasal discharge
Carefully relocate any birds demonstrating one or more of these signs indoors to a low stress recovery area and call your veterinarian.

07/14/2026

The meme is funny, but actual heat stress is no joke! Have a laugh and then read about some tips for keeping your flock safe during the heat.