Episodes

Venture back in time with us to a world where standardbred poultry was prized as much for their ability to lay eggs or grace our dinner tables as they were for their feathers. In our latest chat, we lift the veil on the historical tapestry of poultry breed standards, moving beyond the glossy sheen of the exhibition to reveal their profound influence on the breeds we adore today. From the Rhode Island Reds to the industrious Leghorns, we trace the impact of the 1874 American Standard of Perfectio...

How can we make our Podcast better? Join us as we share the new planned improvement for this podcast. 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/@PoultryKeep...

Unlock the secrets of poultry perfection with our experts Mandy, John, and Rip as they traverse the complexities of selective breeding and the magic of meticulous record-keeping. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or new to the coop, this week's episode is a treasure trove of insights. We’ll show you how a snapshot can speak a thousand words about lineage and progress, and why a breeder's watchful eye can reveal surprising traits in your feathered charges. Our conversation illuminates the heart o...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to amplify your poultry flock to the pinnacle of health and productivity? Let Mandolin Royal, Rips Talvi, and I, John Gunterman, guide you on a journey through the world of advanced poultry keeping. Mandolin, with her leap to managing 400 birds annually, spills the secrets on how she selects for the finest traits and the fascinating enigma of late bloomers among the roosters. We'll navigate the hurdles that come with a burgeoning flock, from stretching resour...

Ever wondered how the cost of chicken feed trickles down to the eggs on your breakfast plate? Prepare to be enlightened as we discuss the economics of poultry keeping, examining the pivotal role of feed costs in egg production. We'll share with you the phenomenon of 'chicken math,' revealing the game-changing strategy of measuring feed by weight rather than volume. Through the episode, we navigate the textures of poultry meat and the importance of tailoring your cooking techniques to optimize th...

Embark on a journey through the art of culling and flock management with us—Mandolin Royal, Rip Stalvey, and John Gunterman—as we share our tried-and-true strategies for ensuring the vitality of your chickens. Discover the transformative power of selective breeding and the meticulous care it takes to cultivate a flock that's not just surviving, but thriving. We delve into the tough choices of which birds to cull, and how traits like comb size, laying patterns, and even the enthusiasm a chicken s...

Unlock the secrets to succulent poultry as we dissect the myths surrounding self-basting turkeys and brining. Say goodbye to bland birds and hello to full-flavored feasts; our discussion sheds light on how brining techniques employed by commercial brands may not be the moisture miracle you've been led to believe. Get ready to learn why additives aiming for consistency could be sacrificing the quality of your poultry, and how you can avoid these pitfalls. We'll also let you in on our top methods ...

Ready for a culinary journey to discover the true taste of chicken? Today, we’ll uncover why that store-bought bird lacks flavor and how heritage dual-purpose breeds enrich your palate with authentic depth of flavor. We’ll travel back to the 1940s, tracing the decline of flavor when uniformity stormed the food scene. You'll get a front-row seat to the world of terroir - the environmental factors affecting the taste of poultry. So, forget generic, join us in celebrating the diverse and delicious ...

Are you ready to give your chicks the best start in life? We've got a lively discussion lined up for you, packed with crucial insights on the first 14 days of a chick's life. This episode is all about helping chicks build a strong foundation for a healthy future. We explore the importance of the right diet and why you should hold off on treats and mealworms. Instead, we suggest a piece of sod can provide an immune-boosting playground for your chicks. From the ideal hatching egg size to debating ...

Ever wondered about the tiny details that can make or break the first week in a chick's life? Whether you're a poultry aficionado or just getting your feet wet, our chat with poultry guru Jeff Mattocks is a must-listen. Together, we delve into the fascinating world of baby chicks, highlighting the necessity of close monitoring in the first week. Jeff explains how a chick's body weight increasing three to four times can offer valuable insights about their health. We also offer useful tips and sha...

This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to better understand dual-purpose poultry breeds and their benefits. Get ready to expand your insights into the world of egg and meat production, as we explore the differences and nuances between heritage, standard, and show-quality breeds. We reveal the importance of selecting strong layers and share our top tips for transitioning between breeding generations. We embark on a discussion about heritage poultry breeds and standards, shedding light on ...

Ready for a deep dive into the world of poultry nutrition? We're shedding light on everything you need to know. From tailored feed formulas to winter feed adjustments, no details are spared. We delve into the very backbone of poultry health and productivity, discussing the differences between regular chicken feed and game bird feed. All of this knowledge is fortified with insights from Jeff's book, Niche Poultry Nutrition, and Management, an essential read for all poultry enthusiasts. But nutri...

Ready to enhance your knowledge about poultry keeping? This episode of the Poultry Keepers podcast promises to equip you with practical tips and valuable insights. We're talking about line breeding, the spiral clan mating system, and the importance of selecting the right birds. Our focus is on the essentials of breeding and incubation, with an emphasis on ethical considerations when dealing with birds that don't make the cut. We share firsthand experiences with space needs, housing scenarios, a...

Join poultry experts Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman in this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast as they delve into essential chicken-keeping strategies. They discuss the pros and cons of pastured versus cooped birds, addressing predator threats and weather considerations. The conversation also covers effective breeding strategies, the use of electric fencing, and training birds to avoid potential dangers. As colder weather approaches, the hosts provide insights on cold-weathe...

Ever wondered about the fine line between successfully showcasing your poultry and making grave mistakes that cost you the prize? This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge as we discuss the critical process of wing and leg banding, handling techniques, and how the Scale of Points in the SOP guides breeding decisions. Prepare to gain a new perspective and hear some game-changing advice! This episode is also a deep dive into the challenges and risks of breeding for extreme sizes, with the Cor...

Ready for a deep dive into the world of poultry breeding? This episode offers a wealth of insights that will help you understand the intricacies of flock quality and the biological marvels inside your birds. We kick things off with a look at how the behavior of male birds can affect fertility and overall flock quality. You'll be surprised to learn about the critical function of grit in a bird’s diet and how internal organs like the gizzard play a pivotal role in extracting nutrients. The story ...

Ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of poultry breeding? This episode promises to arm you with all the know-how to start your own breeding program, right from selecting your initial flock, determining goals and understanding your operation's scale, to seeking expert advice and grasping the importance of quality breeders. We'll share our top tips, tricks, and some insider secrets that will make your poultry breeding endeavor a resounding success. Record-keeping, intentional earl...

Ever pondered how the timing of hatches influences your chickens' behavior and health? Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation where we dissect this intriguing aspect of poultry keeping. We share our first-hand experiences on the effects of hatching in different seasons and how they shape your birds' habits. Ignite your understanding of the crucial role timing plays, especially when preparing your feathery friends for shows. Discover the magic of introducing chicks to the great outdoors ...

Calling all poultry enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your bird game? This episode unravels the science and art behind poultry breeding and selection, a path that can take your casual interest in birds to a whole new level. We guide you through the maze of information, from understanding the essential factors like egg laying rates, persistence and molting rates to the different breeding strategies that can set a solid foundation for your flock. Be warned, though - in-breeding can be a double...

Get ready for an invigorating journey into the world of poultry, as we unravel the intricacies of laying cycles, bird selection, and egg production. Our expert guides are seasoned veterans in the poultry hobby. We'll draw on their wealth of knowledge to delve into the impact of various factors on the laying cycle, from lighting to regional variances. They reveal golden strategies for keeping track of the best eggs and spotting poot quality hens, emphasizing the importance of selecting for vigor ...

Get ready for an eye-opening discussion as we navigate through expert advices on post-molt poultry care, with our guest Jeff Maddox. Ever wondered why your birds' feather quality deteriorates? Or why the color changes occur? You'll learn how to create an ideal environment that promotes healthy feathers, including the significance of ample space, enrichment items, shade and cleanliness. But that's not all, we'll also throw light on the often overlooked dangers of ammonia. You'll walk away with a ...

How often do you find yourself perplexed about managing the molt of your poultry Flock? Ever wondered how a well-managed molt can augment your birds' health and productivity? Join us as we dissect this topic with our seasoned experts, Jeff Maddox, Karen Johnston and Rip Stalvey. They unpack the complexities of molt, its natural occurrence, and the profound effects it can have on your flock. Discover the critical steps to ensure your birds’ comfort and productivity during molt occurrence. Jeff al...

Ready to step up your poultry keeping game? In today's episode, we unpack a treasure trove of educational resources to transform your poultry journey. We cover everything from Morley Jull's 'Poultry Breeding', to Jeff Maddox's "Niche Poultry:N Nutrition and Management" covering insights on nutrition, and management for Standard Bred Poultry and even delve into the depths of the online world with resources from the University of Kentucky extension program, Archive.org, Ferttell Company, and Mandy...

Imagine having the key to unlock the wealth of poultry rearing knowledge. This episode promises to hand you that key. We guide you through the labyrinth of poultry husbandry, lending you our insights and expertise every step of the way. From setting realistic goals to developing robust information filters, we've got your back. We help you navigate away from emotional pitfalls and unnecessary drama while emphasizing the importance of consulting experts in the field. Dive into the sea of resource...