Resource Hub for Small Flock Poultry Health
The Western Small Flocks Collaborative (WSFC) supports small flock owners across the western region by providing practical information on biosecurity, flock care, and poultry diseases. The WSFC is a regional effort put forth by university and state officials in Colorado, New Mexico, Navajo Nation, and Wyoming to help small flock owners take simple, everyday steps to protect their birds and keep a healthy flock.
Bird Basics
Simple guides on poultry care.
Bird Basics
Thinking of getting birds? Start with bird basics
Coop Management
Clean and safe housing helps stop disease
Egg Handling
Collect and store safely to protect birds and people
Common Pests
Lice, mites, and wild visitors can carry germs
Healthy Birds, Happy Flocks
Resources for keeping poultry safe, healthy, and thriving.
Biosecurity
Practical tips for keeping your flock healthy.
- Keep new germs out
- Clean the right way
- Handle sick birds safely
- Reduce risk at fairs and shows
- Avoid bringing disease home
Poultry Diseases
Recognizing common poultry diseases helps you take action early and protect your flock.
- Prevent disease
- Monitor for signs of disease
- What to do if your birds are sick
- Disease Library – Learn more about ILT, Marek’s, Mycoplasma, and other diseases
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI)
Bird flu continues to affect poultry across the U.S. Stay alert and prepared.
- Know the signs of illness
- Learn what to do if your birds are exposed
- Report unusual illness or death in your flock
Get Support in Your State
Poultry health contact information for Colorado, New Mexico, Navajo Nations, and Wyoming.
Includes contacts for available poultry hotlines, diagnostic labs in each state, state animal health official offices, and the National Poultry Improvement Plan.
About This Project
Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, you’ll find simple, practical tools on how to care for your birds, protect your birds from disease, and monitor for diseases.
The Western Small Flocks Collaborative is a regional effort put forth by university and state officials in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico to help small flock owners take simple, everyday steps to protect their birds—starting with biosecurity.
This site focuses on three key areas:
- Bird Basics – housing, feeding, handling, and management tips
- Biosecurity – how to keep your flock safe from disease
- Disease Awareness – recognizing, responding to, and reporting illness
The Western Small Flocks Collaborative is a regional partnership led by Colorado State University with New Mexico State University, New Mexico Livestock Board, and the Wyoming Livestock Board. This project was funded by a USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) grant.
Together, we’re working to reduce the risk of disease in small flocks, and provide owners with the tools to take action with confidence.