Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
K Devaki, P Mathialagan, P Kumaravel and SMK Karthickeyan

Abstract:
Folkways and mores play a major role in traditional backyard poultry farming. Hence an attempt was made to document the prevailing traditional practices, folkways and mores in backyard poultry farming in the areas where poultry population is high. Tirunelveli, Namakkal, Vellore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu State were selected for the study based on the highest livestock population. A sample of 240 farmers were interviewed through structured interview schedule to document the traditional practices as well as folkways and mores in backyard poultry farming. Birds as gift during ceremonies and marriages, Reducing broodiness through traditional methods, Bamboo basket housing for poultry birds and sacrificing black/brown cock during annual rituals or festivals were the top four identified traditional practices. The cock which crows (sounds) in the night should be culled / removed from the flock, Crow, pigeons etc., cross from left to right was taken as good omen during journey, it was a good omen to see a crow/peacock/goose seen singly or in couples either at right /left and during marriages of certain communities, poultry birds were given as a gift (especially cocks) for karivirundhu (meat feast) were the top four folkways and mores identified.