Episodes

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most critical yet overlooked components of poultry nutrition—amino acids. Whether you're raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, understanding the role of amino acids can dramatically improve your flock’s health, productivity, behavior, and appearance. Learn how amino acids like methionine, lysine, and threonine affect feather development, muscle growth, egg production, immunity, and even tem...

In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey is joined by Mandelyn Royal and John Gunterman to explore one of the most powerful yet misunderstood aspects of poultry breeding: Smart Selection. Whether you're raising birds for eggs, meat, show, or heritage preservation, this conversation breaks down how purposeful culling and intentional selection can make or break your flock's future. Discover when and how to begin selecting birds, how to use records and daily obse...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey breaks down what it really takes to feed your quail for success at every life stage. From the high-protein, high-fat needs of newly hatched chicks to the adjusted calcium and vitamin requirements of breeders, this episode covers the full nutritional roadmap for small flock quail keepers. Based on insights from Jeff Mattocks’ “Quail Nutrition 101” presentation and his book Niche Poultry: Feeding and Management, you'll get prac...

In this Coop Wisdom bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey walks you through a step-by-step, non-fasting molting method that supports your flock’s health, comfort, and future egg production. Learn what molting is, when it occurs, why it matters, and how you can manage it humanely without depriving your hens. You’ll discover how to adjust your flock’s diet, lighting, and care to guide them through this critical rest-and-renewal phase with confidence. Whether you're new t...

In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we continue our deep dive into the fascinating world of grow outs. Hosts John, Mandelyn, and Rip explore the subtle and not-so-subtle messages your young flock sends you every day—if you know how to look. From activity levels and social behavior to the impact of nutrition, grit, and space on development, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for backyard poultry keepers. You’ll learn how to spot early signs of issues, make smart ...

It’s mosquito season—and that means your birds may be at higher risk of Fowl Pox , a viral disease that spreads rapidly through bites, contact, and contaminated surfaces. In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey breaks down: What fowl pox is and how to recognize it How it spreads in your flock What treatments help reduce symptoms and secondary infections The best ways to prevent outbreaks before they start Whether you’re a backyard hobbyist or a seasoned ...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we dive into a vital but often overlooked trait in poultry breeding: body capacity . Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, or sustainability, understanding and improving body capacity can elevate your flock's productivity and long-term health. Hosted by Rip Stalvey, this episode covers: What body capacity really means in poultry How to evaluate it using hands-on methods Why it's a key trait for feed efficiency, egg production, and ...

Discover the secrets hidden in your young flock’s development! In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we dive deep into the overlooked but crucial grow-out phase —the time between brooding and maturity. Learn how to observe, track, and interpret the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages your birds are giving you. Join Rip, John and Mandelyn as they share proven tips on: Early growth indicators and what they mean Choosing future breeders through observation Managing nutrition, ho...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most important questions in poultry hatching: What is the most critical part of the incubation process—and when does it matter most? While many poultry keepers focus on temperature, humidity, and egg turning, Rip explains why the first 10 days of incubation are the true foundation for hatch success. You’ll learn what’s happening inside the egg during this window, how early mistakes can lead to wea...

In this personal and down-to-earth episode, Rip Stalvey shares why poultry nutrition isn’t just about feed—it’s about the food we ultimately serve our families. When we raise backyard chickens, their health, egg quality, and meat flavor are a direct reflection of what we put in their feeders. That’s why we say: We are what we eat, eats. You'll learn how intentional poultry feeding choices—like balanced amino acids, calcium, high-quality fats, and grit—make all the difference. We’ll explore why...

In Part 2 of the Grow Out Secrets series on The Poultry Keepers Podcast , Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman return to the conversation on raising and evaluating young poultry during the critical grow-out phase. This episode dives into the real-world decisions poultry keepers must make when selecting future breeders and culling out the rest. Learn how to spot activity levels, how nutrition impacts development, when to expect certain traits to appear, and how to manage your gr...

In this bonus audio, host Rip Stalvey introduces a simple but powerful model for raising better birds: The Poultry Keeper’s Pyramid . This foundational framework focuses on three equal, interconnected pillars— Genetics, Management, and Nutrition —and shows how balancing all three leads to healthier, more productive, and more consistent flocks. Whether you raise birds for eggs, meat, show, or sustainability, this conversation offers clear, relatable guidance for diagnosing problems and mak...

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most critical yet overlooked phases of poultry keeping: the grow-out stage. From the moment your chicks leave the brooder until they reach maturity, every behavior and growth milestone offers clues—if you're paying attention. We guide you through the importance of daily observation, growth tracking, and hands-on evaluation to make informed decisions about which birds to keep, which to cull, and how to improve your floc...

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked grow-out phase of poultry keeping—the critical time between brooding and maturity. Join Rip and guests John and Mandelyn as they explore the importance of observing your chickens’ behavior, tracking growth milestones, and making informed decisions about nutrition, genetics, and flock management. Learn how daily observation, record-keeping, and hands-on evaluation can reveal future breeder potential, uncover n...

Are rodents invading your chicken coop? In this bonus content of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into why rats and mice are drawn to backyard chicken coops, the damage they can cause to your flock, and—most importantly—how to eliminate and prevent them. Learn practical, humane, and effective strategies to keep your chickens safe, your feed secure, and your coop clean. From rodent-proofing tips to natural deterrents and smart feeding practices, this guide will help you take back contro...

In this clip Jeff Mattocks shares his thoughts on giving baby chicks electrolytes. You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.com Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837 Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973 Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/feat...

In Part 2 of our series on best practices for brooding baby chicks, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks continue their discussion on creating the ideal environment for young chicks. This episode dives deep into important factors like adjusting brooder temperature, choosing the right protein levels for chick starter feed, managing amino acid intake, monitoring crop fill, preventing pasty butt, and why grit and probiotics can make a big difference in early chick health. Topics covered include: · How...

This bonus episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast focuses on the importance of early feeding in chicks and how to monitor their feeding success through crop fill. It explains the necessity of ensuring chicks start eating and drinking immediately after hatching to support growth, immune function, and reduce mortality. The show outlines how to monitor crop fill, tips for addressing feeding issues, and the long-term benefits of this practice. The recording aims to educate poultry keepers on improvi...

In this Bonus Content, Jeff Mattocks shares how to get baby chicks off to a strong start by feeding them beef liver and boiled eggs. You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.com Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837 Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973 Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - h...

In this episode, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks dive deep into best practices for brooding baby chicks. Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock or managing a large brooding setup, starting chicks off right is the key to developing healthy, productive birds. Topics covered include: · Brooder setup and spacing for chicks · Ideal brooding temperatures and how to manage heat sources · Expert feeding techniques, including using liver...

Discover the art and science behind selecting and breeding true dual-purpose chickens in Part 2 of our series! Join us as we dive deep into evaluating carcass quality, balancing body structure for meat and egg production, and how nutrition and genetics both shape your flock’s success. Learn firsthand from real breeders’ experiences, feeding trials, and practical selection methods to create resilient, productive birds. Whether you’re a homesteader, breeder, or serious poultry enthusiast, this epi...

In this information-packed episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into how to evaluate and select true dual-purpose poultry breeds for both meat and egg production. Join Rip, Jeff, Carey, and Mandelyn as they discuss hands-on selection techniques, key body traits, breed standards, carcass evaluation, and how to use real production data to make better breeding decisions. Whether you’re breeding American Bresse, Rhode Island Reds, or other traditional dual-purpose breeds, this episo...

In Part 2 of “Spring Fever Is Real,” the Poultry Keepers Podcast team dives deep into the realities of spring chick season, feed shortages, overstocked coops, and the consequences of poor planning. Hosts Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman share personal insights on how chicken math can spiral out of control and offer real-world advice on incubator capacity, grow-out planning, feed availability, and breeder burnout. Whether you're new to poultry or rethinking your hatching goals, th...

It’s chick season—and that springtime excitement is real. But before you load up your brooder or place another hatchery order, let’s take a moment to think it through. In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we’re tackling the realities of chicken math, impulse hatching, and what happens when enthusiasm outpaces preparation. Whether you’re new to poultry keeping or heading into your 10th spring with birds, this discussion will help you plan smarter and avoid common seasonal mistakes. Y...