Domesticated birds provide a vital global source of high-quality animal protein. Unlike wild game birds, which are hunted, poultry are systematically reared under managed agricultural conditions. Reaching high production efficiency requires balancing environmental parameters, such as house air speeds and litter conditions, which can be computed using our Ventilation Fan CFM Calculator.

Domesticated poultry belong to three primary avian taxonomic orders:

• Galliformes (Landfowl): The largest order, characterized by heavy bodies and short, rounded wings. It includes chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), quail, and guinea fowl.
• Anseriformes (Waterfowl): Web-footed birds adapted for aquatic environments, belonging to the family Anatidae. This includes domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and domestic geese (Anser anser).
• Columbiformes (Pigeons): Raised primarily for meat (referred to as squab) or ornamental showing, belonging to the family Columbidae.

Here are 10 key examples of poultry birds raised in global agriculture:

1. Chickens: Reared for meat (broilers) and eggs (layers). Compare genetic standards in our Breed Directory.
2. Turkeys: Raised predominantly for meat, prized for rapid breast meat gain.
3. Ducks: Waterfowl raised for meat (Pekin duck) and eggs (Khaki Campbell).
4. Geese: Large waterfowl raised for meat, down feathers, and weed control.
5. Quail: Small birds raised for fast-maturing meat and gourmet speckled eggs.
6. Guinea Fowl: Hardy birds raised for meat and natural pest control.
7. Pheasants: Game birds raised on game farms for meat or release.
8. Pigeons (Squab): Young pigeons harvested for tender meat.
9. Ostriches: Giant ratites raised for low-fat red meat, leather, and feathers.
10. Emus: Ratites raised for meat, leather, and therapeutic emu oil.

A poultry farm is a commercial agricultural facility dedicated to the intensive or extensive rearing of domesticated birds. Farm structures vary by purpose:

• Broiler Farms: Focus on meat production, keeping birds in large loose-housed coops. Assess FCR using the FCR Calculator.
• Egg Layer Farms: House hens in cages, aviary systems, or free-range pastures to harvest table eggs.
• Breeder Farms & Hatcheries: Maintain parent flocks to produce fertile eggs for incubation. See milestones in our Hatchery Guide.

Free-range poultry is defined as a husbandry system where birds are provided with continuous daytime access to outdoor vegetation and pastures. Under standard regulations (USDA/EU), birds must have access to the outdoors for a minimum of 51% of their life cycle, and stocking densities inside the house must be lowered to ensure high welfare, which you can calculate on our Stocking Density Calculator.