The Structural Characteristics, Management, and Challenges of Backyard Poultry Farming in Residential Areas of Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to collect, for the first time, comprehensive information about the backyard poultry sector in Turkey. This included a profile of the poultry owners, flock characteristics, husbandry, housing conditions, the owners’ biosecurity measures and the challenges of backyard poultry farming in residential areas of Turkey. An online semi-structured survey was fully completed by 1094 respondents. The majority of respondents (91%) owned fewer than 50 birds and reported raising other poultry species besides chickens (64%). Most of the participants indicated that they kept poultry as food for family use (83%) and had been involved in chicken-raising activities for less than 10 years (86%). Free-range coops were the type of housing most preferred by the respondents (86%). However, there was a lack of awareness about poultry diseases and poultry health care conditions. Respondents that confirmed wild bird and rodent access to their feeders and drinkers reported high rates of internal-external parasites, Escherichia coli infections and chronic respiratory diseases (p < 0.001). Lack of regional regulations (84%), animal theft (80%), lack of information on poultry management (79%), minimizing predation (75%), and the need for vaccination and veterinary services (73%) were the most cited challenges. The results highlighted the need for improved biosecurity measures and for a regulatory framework that takes into account the risks to commercial poultry flocks and public health.

Indigenous chicken production system in different agro-ecology of Indian Himalayan Region: implication on food and economic security

“…Native chicken is also preferred because it requires less feed and inputs, produces more eggs, and grows faster. Previous studies have documented that indigenous people prefer native birds because their meat and eggs are tastier, and needed for traditional ceremonial meals ( 23 , 24 , 31 , 32 ).…”

“…Previous studies have documented that indigenous people prefer native birds because their meat and eggs are tastier, and needed for traditional ceremonial meals (23,24,31,32). The majority of households rear indigenous chickens for eggs and meat.…”

Backyard poultry: exploring non-intensive production systems

“…However, the difference in parasitic and ectoparasite prevalence is highly influenced by the topographic and climatic conditions, season, farm management, and the breed of birds ( Kebede-Tsegay, 2017 ). A survey carried out in the USA, where 1,482 backyard poultry flock owners were asked, showed that 11.4% had external parasite issues ( Elkhoraibi et al, 2014 ); a similar survey was also conducted on about 3,000 backyard poultry owners in Turkey, showing 14.3% of external parasites and 9.7% internal parasites ( Özdemir, 2020 ).…”