Important HPAI considerations before starting a backyard poultry flock

The initial HPAI outbreak is now three years old.

In that time, USDA has culled 100 million birds. As egg prices soar, we are seeing more interest in people starting backyard flocks.

Keeping chickens at home has only grown in popularity since the pandemic. Right now, the average for a dozen eggs is upwards of $4 and we’re seeing a resurgence in the trend.

When considering backyard poultry it is important to keep a few things in mind:

  • Zoning permits and noise ordinances
  • Input costs
  • Exposure to the elements
Related Stories
Duvall’s connection to cowboy culture extended beyond the screen.
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
Stream all the action from livestock shows across Rural America with your annual subscription only on RFD+
Chef and influencer Marcia Smart joined us to discuss Italian-inspired beef dishes, nutrition for active lifestyles, and how global events shape home cooking.
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
“California Bountiful” brings you up close with the people, places, food and farms that make California so delicious! The weekly show delivers a fun, entertaining and educational look at California’s farm to fork lifestyle, and everything in between.
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.
“Somewhere West of Wall Street” is simply the most recent addition to the long list of noteworthy accomplishments by the Renaissance cowboy, singer-songwriter, poet, author, and show host Red Steagall. Join Red and his quarter horse, Grey Dog, as they explore the people, places, and stories of the American West.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.
Join host Allen Treadwell and the Hayden Outdoors crew plus landowners across the country as we bring you exciting adventures on the land with the most amazing properties for sale and learn what it means to broker these magnificent properties.