Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, Animal and Poultry Sciences
The low investment and small area required to raise a flock of domestic poultry makes this an ideal venture for the beginning small or part-time farmer. Domestic poultry can supplement family food
supplies, and small specialized poultry producers can sell to several niche markets. For example,
producers can consider selling organic meat and eggs, brown eggs, range-reared meat and eggs, live
birds for ethnic markets, and birds for hobby, leisure, and purebred exhibition purposes. Most small
specialty poultry enterprises raise chickens or waterfowl.