In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Rip, Mandelyn, and John discuss various aspects of poultry keeping that perplex and interest them. They question the effort and expense invested in poultry, reflecting on the joy and purpose behind raising birds. The conversation covers the emotional and practical challenges of harvesting birds for meat and addresses common misconceptions such as the need for grit in poultry diets and the importance of breeding for local environment resistance. The hosts emphasize the importance of proper husbandry and responsible medication use. They also highlight the value of knowledge sharing within the poultry community to maintain and improve poultry genetics and care.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features Mandelyn, John, and Rip discussing various aspects of egg production, particularly focusing on the discrepancies between hatchery claims and actual performance of heritage breeds. They stress the importance of sourcing birds from breeders who maintain the breed's standards. The conversation also covers the nuanced approaches to breeding, the decline in egg production with age, and specific care practices necessary for different seasons. The hosts delve into winter care, including nutrition modifications, the pros and cons of supplemental heating, and managing humidity in coops. The episode concludes with advice on avoiding common internet myths about frostbite prevention.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

Discover the secrets behind egg production in hens, including the influence of breed, daylight, and weather. Learn how to manage lighting for optimal laying conditions and the benefits of delaying sexual maturity for better health and yield. The discussion explores choosing the right breeds tailored to your egg-laying goals, highlighting the differences between specialized layers and dual-purpose breeds. Packed with insights, this session offers poultry keepers practical tips for enhancing their flock’s productivity.

Discover the secrets to optimal protein levels in poultry diets and the pros and cons of various bedding materials. Learn about the environmental benefits of poultry manure and how to enhance soil health using peat moss. The hosts provide insights on the safe use of agricultural lime while cautioning against the risks of diatomaceous earth. Explore pest control strategies, the importance of protective gear, and best practices for maintaining a clean coop. This episode emphasizes tailored manure management for both poultry and the planet.

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Mandelyn Royal, John Gunterman, and Rip Stalvey discuss effective strategies for managing poultry manure.  They cover the impact of manure on the environment, including the risk of runoff contaminating local water sources and affecting wildlife. They highlight the importance of consulting local agencies for guidance on manure management and available state programs. The panel also emphasizes safe composting methods, focusing on achieving appropriate temperatures to eliminate pests and pathogens.  They discuss the benefits of using different bedding materials and best practices for maintaining a healthy coop environment. Proper manure management can reduce ammonia buildup, control pests, and improve the health of domestic animals. The podcast concludes with practical tips on feeding practices to minimize manure output and promote poultry health.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, the discussion centers around the management, breeding, and showing of Rhode Island Reds, a classic American poultry breed. The hosts provide recommendations on maintaining bloodlines, handling genetic setbacks, and the perils of introducing new blood into established lines. They share practical advice on conditioning show birds, managing breeding environments, and ensuring the health and quality of birds through ruthless culling and good husbandry.  Additionally, the hosts discuss travel tips for transporting birds to shows and how to maintain them in optimum condition before and during events. Listener questions are addressed throughout, offering insights into detailed care and breeding strategies.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features experts discussing the history, breeding, raising, and showing of Rhode Island Red chickens. Topics include the breed's origin, contributions by notable figures like Lester Tompkins and Maurice Wallace, visual and breeding characteristics, and strategies for maintaining their iconic dark red color. The script emphasizes key breeding traits, such as tight feathering and proper comb characteristics, and how hens influence these attributes. It provides practical advice on egg size for optimal hatching, balancing color traits, and maintaining production capabilities. Personal anecdotes highlight the breed's charm and the breeders' dedication. Concluding with a nod to lineage preservation and invitation for further episodes, it encapsulates the passion and expertise driving the legacy of Rhode Island Reds.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

From Day Old To First Egg-Part 2 In this informative episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks, Karen Johnston, and Rip Stalvey provide expert advice on raising poultry, covering essential topics such as feed transitions from starter to grower, vitamin B supplementation, and the pitfalls of medicated feeds.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of separating male and female chicks early, optimal feeding practices, and utilizing good sanitation techniques, including high-calcium lime and cover crops. Key aspects like the timing for introducing oyster shells, the effective use of mobile A-frame grow pens, and winter care for hens are also explored. Practical tips on determining maturity for showing birds and managing nutrient distribution through other livestock are given, alongside advice on consulting local extension offices for suitable plantings.  The episode rounds out with considerations for space requirements in grow pens, managing blood spots in eggs, and the economic aspects of supplementing layers diets with oyster shells for stronger egg shells.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

Join Jeff Mattocks, a seasoned expert in chick-raising practices, as he dives into the crucial first week of a chick's life, exploring metabolic functions and nutrition. He shares the benefits of dairy supplements and how to balance protein levels to avoid health issues. Jeff also provides tips for transitioning chicks to outdoor living and maintaining air quality in their housing. The conversation is rich with practical advice and insights to ensure healthy growth from day-old chicks to egg-layers.

In the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey interviews William Saunders, a Phoenix poultry breeder from Florida. William shares his journey, starting at age four, and his breeding experiences over 19 years focusing on Phoenix birds.  He discusses the rewards and challenges of breeding Phoenix, including weather conditions in Florida and maintaining bird health. He outlines his breeding process, emphasizing the importance of selecting traits like leg length and feather condition, and discusses his management practices such as feeding high-protein diets and separating males and females to prevent feather picking.  William also shares his methods for maintaining bird lineage, customizing pen setups, and his participation in the American Phoenix Breeders Association. His advice to newcomers is to start with good stock and continuously learn from experienced breeders.You can email us at - poultrykeeperspodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook Groups:Poultry Keepers Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/groups/907679597724837Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured