Poultry

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Poultry Livestock Team provides research-based information for both new and experienced poultry keepers. Explore resources on poultry health, nutrition, housing, and flock management. Learn what to consider before starting a backyard or small-scale poultry operation, and access online courses, diagnostic services, and contact information for UMaine Extension and state agencies.


Poultry Contact Person:

Colt Knight
Assistant Professor of Extension, State Livestock Specialist
5735 Hitchner Hall, Room 133, Orono, Maine 04469
Email: colt.knight@maine.edu
Phone: 207.581.2953 or in Maine 1.800.287.0274

Dana Hill
Extension Veterinarian, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, Maine 04409-5735
Email: dana.c.hill@maine.edu
Phone: 207.581.2789

chickens in barn; photo by Edwin Remsberg

Upcoming Poultry Events

Explore by Category:

Before You Start with Poultry

Incubator

Brooder

Water / Nutrition / Housing / General Care

Eggs

Broilers

Winter Care

Zoom Course: Keeping Backyard Poultry

Part 1 – YouTube Video

  • Pros and Cons of raising chickens
  • Brooding chicks
  • Feeding and watering
  • Choosing the breed

Part 2 – YouTube Video

  • Chicken Nutrition
  • Chicken Feeders and waterers
  • Chicken housing
  • Winter care of chickens

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

  • Dana Hill, Extension Veterinarian
    University of Maine Cooperative Extension
    17 Godfrey Drive
    Orono, Maine 04409-5735
    207.581.2789
    dana.c.hill@maine.edu
  • H. M. Opitz, Veterinarian and Associate Professor Emeritus
    mopitz@myfairpoint.net

State Agencies

  • Stefanie Bolas, State Veterinarian, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Tel: 207.287.3701. Email: animalhealth.agr@maine.gov.
  • Donna Flint, Poultry Health Technician, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Tel: 207.557.4623. Email: donna.flint@maine.gov.
  • Celeste Poulin, Director, Maine Department of Agriculture’s Division of Quality Assurance and Regulation. Tel: 207.287.3841. Email: celeste.poulin@maine.gov.

Note: Where trade names or company names are noted in this document, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is implied.

UMAINE EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS CATALOG

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).