Poultry Keepers Podcast

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 itHow it spreads in your flockWhat treatments help reduce symptoms and secondary infectionsThe best ways to prevent outbreaks before they startWhether you’re a backyard hobbyist or a seasoned breeder, this 15-minute segment gives you practical, up-to-date advice to keep your flock healthy and productive.Be sure to subscribe for weekly episodes and bonus content on poultry health, nutrition, and flock management.🎧 Available at: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com#FowlPox #PoultryHealth #ChickenVirus #BackyardChickens #PoultryPodcast #MosquitoSeason #FlockCare #ChickenIllness #PoultryPrevention #AvianPox #FlockManagement #HomesteadChickens #ThePoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKIeepers360 #PoultryreedersNutritionYou 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 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 poultryHow to evaluate it using hands-on methodsWhy it's a key trait for feed efficiency, egg production, and vigorProven strategies to breed birds with better internal volumeHow nutrition and management influence genetic expressionIf you’re serious about breeding birds that thrive—not just survive—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.Get practical tips you can use right away to build stronger, more productive birds for the future.Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow poultry keeper and subscribe for weekly deep dives into nutrition, genetics, and management.Visit our website: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com#PoultryPodcast #PoultryBreeding #BodyCapacity #BackyardChickens #DualPurposeFlock #ChickenBreedingTips #FlockManagement #ChickenSelection #MeatBirds #LayingHens #BreederTips #HeritageBreedsYou 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 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 meanChoosing future breeders through observationManaging nutrition, housing, and temperamentUnderstanding the role of genetics, feed, and environmentRecordkeeping tips that help guide breeding and culling decisionsWhether you're raising birds for eggs, meat, or show, this episode will help you level up your poultry knowledge.Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, plus bonus content on Thursdays and Saturdays!Do you have a poultry friend who would benefit from this? Share this episode and help them grow stronger flocks, too.#PoultryPodcast #ChickenBreeding #BackyardChickens #DualPurposeFlock #GrowOutPhase #RaisingChickens #PoultryKeepers #ChickenFlock #FutureBreeders #HeritageChickens #HomesteadingLife #ShowChickens #PoultryNutrition #PoultryManagement #FlockObservationYou 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 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 weak chicks or failed hatches, and what you can do to set your embryos up for success.In this episode, we cover:Why the first 10 days are so critical to hatchabilityWhat to expect in embryo development during early incubationHow to optimize egg selection, preheating, and temperature controlCommon mistakes and how to avoid themReal-world techniques to increase hatch rate and chick vitalityWhether you're incubating for the first time or fine-tuning your hatchery routine, this episode offers practical guidance rooted in decades of hands-on experience.Visit https://www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for more expert advice, bonus content, and to leave Rip a voice message with your questions or feedback.#PoultryKeepersPodcast, #EggIncubationTips, #BackyardChickens, #IncubationSuccess, #HealthyChicks, #HatchDayPrep, #ChickenHatching, #EmbryoDevelopment, #PoultryIncubation, #HatchabilityMatters, #BetterBrooders 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 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 pasture access isn’t enough without a complete feed, how to improve egg yolk color and shell strength, and how feeding for each bird’s purpose (layers, broilers, or breeders) leads to better outcomes.Whether you’re feeding laying hens, raising broilers, or managing a dual-purpose flock, this episode provides real-life guidance on how to make smarter, more sustainable feed choices—even on a budget.This conversation is for anyone who wants healthier birds, better eggs, and more flavorful meat. Because feeding your chickens isn’t just farm work—it’s food work.Visit https://www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com to leave a voice message, get more resources, and join our growing community of intentional poultry keepers.#PoultryKeepersPodcast, #BackyardChickens, #ChickenNutrition, #IntentionalFeeding, #WeAreWhatWeEatEats, #LayerHenCare, #BetterEggs, #FeedForFlavor, #BackyardBroilers, #PoultryHealth, #ChickenFeedingTips, #FarmToTable, #PastureRaised, #FeedMatters, and #SustainablePoultry 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 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 grow-outs for optimal health and performance. The team also discusses:The importance of space and gender separationWhy grit and feed freshness matterCommon myths about protein vs. amino acidsManaging culls without guiltUsing records and data to build better genetic linesIf you’re serious about raising better birds—whether for show, breeding, or production—this episode is packed with practical tips and honest insights from experienced keepers who’ve been there.Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for bonus episodes, downloadable guides, and tools for smarter poultry keeping.#PoultryKeepersPodcast #GrowOutSecrets #ChickenCulling #BackyardChickens #FlockManagement #PoultryNutrition #RaisingBetterBirds #ChickenHealth #BreederSelection #ChickenFeedTips #KnowYourFlock #PoultryEvaluation #CullingWithPurpose #IntentionalPoultryKeepingYou 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 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 making real progress. Learn how to evaluate your birds through the lens of genetics, refine your management practices, and optimize your nutrition plan to get the results you’ve always wanted from your flock.Want better birds? It starts with understanding the pyramid.  #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryPyramid #ChickenCare #BackyardChickens #RaisingBetterBirds #PoultryGenetics #PoultryManagement #ChickenNutrition #HomesteadChickens #DualPurposeChickens #FlockSuccess #BetterBirdsBetterFlocks #IntentionalPoultryKeeping #ChickenHealthYou 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, 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 flock for the future.Whether you're raising dual-purpose breeds, breeding for productivity, or simply want healthier birds, this episode offers practical, experience-based advice for identifying future flock stars and avoiding costly mistakes.Tune in and learn how to listen to what your birds are really telling you.Visit us at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for more tips, tools, and episodes.#PoultryPodcast #ChickenGrowth #GrowingOutChickens #FlockManagement #ListenToYourBirds #DualPurposeChickens #BackyardChickens #PoultryKeepersPodcast #RaisingChickensRight #HomesteadChickens #ChickenBreedingTips #HealthyFlock #BrooderToBarnyard 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, 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 nutritional needs, and ensure your birds reach their full potential—whether they’re destined for the laying flock, the freezer, or the show pen. This episode is packed with practical insights for small flock keepers, breeders, and anyone striving for healthier, more productive birds.Don’t forget to subscribe for more poultry wisdom each week! Visit us at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for more tips, tools, and resources.#GrowingOutChickens #PoultryPodcast #BackyardChickens #PoultryBreeding #ChickenCareTips #ChickenGrowth #SmallFlockSuccess #HomesteadChickens #DualPurposeChickens #PoultryManagement #RaisingChickens #ChickenDevelopment #FlockObservation #ChickenBreeders #ThePoultryKeepersPodcast 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

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 control. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just getting started, this is essential info for protecting your flock. Hit that like button, subscribe for more poultry care tips, and keep your coop rodent-free!#ChickenCoop #RodentControl #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #HomesteadLife #FarmTips #PoultryCare #RatProofCoop #ChickenCare #CleanCoop #ChickenKeeping101 #RodentPrevention #ChickenLife #ProtectYourFlockYou 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