Episodes

In Part 2 of “Culling With Clarity,” join Mandelyn, John, and Rip as they continue their honest and thought-provoking conversation about the art and responsibility of culling within a poultry breeding program. This episode digs deeper into the emotional challenges, humane techniques, and practical considerations that all poultry keepers face when selecting and removing birds from their flocks. You’ll hear personal experiences about predator recovery, humane euthanasia options, what makes dual-p...

In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman have a deep and honest discussion on one of the most challenging but essential parts of poultry keeping: culling. But wait—culling isn’t just about processing birds. It’s about decision-making. It’s about your flock’s future. It’s about refining your breeding goals, making tough calls, and protecting your reputation as a poultry keeper. Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, show, or dual...

Summer heat can be brutal—but your poultry don’t have to suffer through it. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey shares real-world, down-home strategies to help your flock stay cool, safe, and productive during the hottest months of the year. From water and shade solutions to ventilation tricks, frozen treats, low-sodium electrolytes, and breed choices that beat the heat—this episode is packed with practical advice tailored for backyard and small flock poultry keeper...

In this deep-dive bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey explores one of the most misunderstood components of poultry nutrition: fats. Whether you’re raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, fat plays a crucial role in energy, feather quality, fertility, and even immunity. Host Rip Stalvey explains how dietary fats impact vitamin absorption, hormone production, feed palatability, and overall flock health. You'll learn the differences between animal- and plant-based ...

In this powerful continuation of our Smart Selection series, we dig deeper into how to make informed, effective breeding decisions for your poultry flock. Whether you're selecting for meat, eggs, show quality, or broodiness, this episode is packed with real-life examples, practical tips, and honest conversations about how to assess and improve your birds. We cover the importance of early environment, tracking maturity rates, identifying “early bloomers” vs. late-developers, the power of journal...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey takes a deep dive into a topic every breeder and exhibitor should understand: how feather development affects poultry type. Drawing insights from a timeless 1915 article by renowned poultry judge and illustrator Arthur O. Schilling, this episode explores how feathers influence our perception of conformation, structure, and maturity—and why learning to judge beyond the feathers is crucial. Discover the difference between soft...

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 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...