Episodes

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...

Ever wondered how setting goals could impact your poultry success? Well, tune in as we shed light on this intriguing aspect. Journeying from novice poultry enthusiasts to skilled breeders, we share how our evolving interests and goals have changed over time. Mandy chats how her appreciation for any bird evolved into a keen interest in dual-purpose ones. John, on the other side, shares his shift from a focus on sustainability and feeding people to breeding and exhibitions, also revealing a decade...

Welcome to an epic episode where we introduce our newest co-host, Mandelyn Royal. Mandelyn, a highly skilled communicator, writer, and video producer, brings a wealth of knowledge to our podcast and shares her lifelong love for chicken keeping. We delve into Mandelyn's specific goals for her flock, her chosen breed's uniqueness and the challenges she faces. This episode wouldn't be complete without an in-depth discussion about breeding birds, a complex yet rewarding endeavor. Diving into the im...

Have you ever wondered how heat stress can impact your flock's health and productivity? Get ready to learn from experts Jeff Maddox and John Gunnerman as we unravel the mystery of heat stress in birds, its symptoms, and the various factors contributing to it. We'll also share some practical advice on how to help your birds cope during hot weather by adjusting their diet and ensuring adequate hydration. In this heat-induced adventure, we’ll delve into the world of water management and mulching, ...

Are you ready to feel the satisfaction of overcoming the challenge of rising poultry feed costs? We promise, in our insightful conversation, you'll gain the knowledge to reduce feed expenses effectively without compromising the health or productivity of your flock. Our discussion covers six key areas that address common misconceptions and showcase ways to maximize your poultry keeping experience, all while saving your wallet. We dive into the importance of using the right feeder, offering quali...

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks delve into the critical role of nutrition in maintaining poultry health and preventing common illnesses. They discuss the importance of a strong immune system, emphasizing adequate levels of Vitamin E and Selenium, and caution against compromising feed quality, which can increase disease susceptibility. The conversation highlights the benefits of incorporating meat-based proteins like fish meal to provide essent...

Are you tired of struggling to understand poultry nutrition for your flock? We've got your back! We sat down with Jeff Maddox, a poultry nutritionist with 26 years of experience, who shared his invaluable insights on reading feed tags, avoiding byproducts, and choosing the right feed for your birds. Plus, Jeff offers his expertise on breed stock and culling strategies to help you manage your flock more effectively. In our conversation with Jeff, we uncovered the importance of culling 75-50% of ...