Poultry Keepers Podcast

In this information-packed episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into how to evaluate and select true dual-purpose poultry breeds for both meat and egg production. Join Rip, Jeff, Carey, and Mandelyn as they discuss hands-on selection techniques, key body traits, breed standards, carcass evaluation, and how to use real production data to make better breeding decisions.Whether you’re breeding American Bresse, Rhode Island Reds, or other traditional dual-purpose breeds, this episode will help you understand what to look for in males and females at different ages, how to balance traits, and why the best breeders also process and eat their own birds.Don’t miss this honest, experience-based conversation on making meaningful progress in your flock by focusing on structure, productivity, and purpose, not just appearance. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Be sure to catch Part 2 next week!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 “Spring Fever Is Real,” the Poultry Keepers Podcast team dives deep into the realities of spring chick season, feed shortages, overstocked coops, and the consequences of poor planning. Hosts Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman share personal insights on how chicken math can spiral out of control and offer real-world advice on incubator capacity, grow-out planning, feed availability, and breeder burnout. Whether you're new to poultry or rethinking your hatching goals, this episode is filled with practical wisdom to help you raise strong, sustainable flocks without losing your sanity—or your space.Join the conversation, share your own chicken math story, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly poultry knowledge!#PoultryKeepersPodcast #ChickenMath #SpringChickSeason #BackyardPoultry #IncubatorPlanning #HatchingTips #FlockManagement #PoultryBreeding #SmallFlockCare #ChickenBreederAdvice #HomesteadChickens #PoultryPodcastYou 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

It’s chick season—and that springtime excitement is real. But before you load up your brooder or place another hatchery order, let’s take a moment to think it through.In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we’re tackling the realities of chicken math, impulse hatching, and what happens when enthusiasm outpaces preparation. Whether you’re new to poultry keeping or heading into your 10th spring with birds, this discussion will help you plan smarter and avoid common seasonal mistakes.You’ll Hear About:Why spring brings the urge to hatch (and how to manage it)The unexpected costs and consequences of overcrowdingHow to evaluate your true goals for hatching or buying chicksBalancing excitement with sustainability in your flockA look at what happens when we let chick fever take the wheelThis is part one of a two-part seasonal conversation designed to help you hatch with intention and keep your flock—and your sanity—in check.#SpringChickSeason #BackyardChickens #ChickenMath #PoultryPlanning #HatchingChicks  #SustainableFlock #PoultryPodcast #ResponsibleHatching #FlockManagement  #ChickBrooderTips #EggToHen #HatchSmart #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryEducation #FlockGoalsYou 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, hosts Mandelyn, John, and Rip discuss the importance of genetic knowledge for backyard poultry keepers. They explain key genetic concepts like genotype versus phenotype, dominant versus recessive traits, and test mating.  The hosts delve into practical applications, such as identifying faults, selecting quality birds, and ensuring strong structure and even growth. They also highlight the challenges of breeding, the importance of record-keeping, and how to prevent unwanted traits.  The episode underscores the significance of observing birds closely, maintaining genetic consistency, and learning from breeding experiences.#PoultryGenetics #BreedingBetterBirds #PoultryBreeding #FlockDevelopment #SelectiveBreeding #RecessiveTraits #GeneticConsistency #BloodlinePreservation #PoultryEducation #FarmToFlock #HomesteadPoultry #ChickensWithPurpose #HandsOnGeneticsYou 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

Dive into the fascinating world of poultry genetics! Discover the difference between genotype and phenotype, and how these concepts can enhance your flock. The hosts tackle the complexities of dominant and recessive traits, alongside the nuances of test mating for optimal breeding. Learn about breed distinctions, the challenges of genetic mutations, and the ethical considerations surrounding poultry harvesting. Packed with personal insights, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone passionate about poultry!

Welcome to Poultry Keepers, the podcast where today we're talking turkeys. Whether you're new to raising turkeys or looking to improve your flock, we’ve got everything you need to know. From brooding delicate poults to choosing between heritage and commercial breeds, setting up the perfect turkey housing, feeding for optimal health, and even processing your own birds—we’ve got expert tips to help you raise happy, healthy turkeys. Stick around, because we’re about to talk turkey!#RaisingTurkeys #TurkeyFarming #BackyardPoultry #HomesteadLife #HeritageTurkeys #SustainableFarming #FreeRangeTurkeys #PoultryCare #HealthyFlock #SelfSufficiencyYou 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

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

Thinking of Raising Ducks and Geese? Here’s What You Need to Know! In this episode of The Intentional Poultry Keeper, we dive into the wisdom of waterfowl care—from feeding and housing to breeding and health management. Whether you're a backyard keeper, amateur breeder, or experienced poultry enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical tips and fascinating tales about ducks, geese, and mixed flocks!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:·      The key differences between ducks, geese, and chickens·      Best feed and nutrition practices for healthy waterfowl·      How to keep duck bedding dry and coops clean·      The truth about water sources—how much do ducks and geese really need?·      Breeding behaviors and how to prevent common waterfowl health issuesAre Ducks or Geese Right for Your Flock? Let’s find out!What’s your biggest challenge with raising ducks or geese? Drop us a comment! Know a fellow poultry keeper who needs this info? Share this episode with them!Timestamps0:00 - Welcome to The Poultry Keepers Podcast 2:15 - Why waterfowl require different care than chickens 6:30 - The best feed and nutrition tips for ducks and geese 12:45 - Managing wet bedding and water access 18:00 - Understanding breeding behaviors in ducks and geese 23:30 - Common health issues and how to prevent them 30:00 - Final thoughtsHashtags:#WaterfowlWisdom #RaisingDucks #BackyardWaterfowl #PoultryKeepers #DucksAndGeese #WaterfowlBreeding #HomesteadPoultry #HealthyWaterfowlYou 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, hosts John Gunterman, Mandelyn Royal, and Rip Stalvey discuss the fundamentals of keeping waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They cover the growing popularity of waterfowl for benefits like eggs, meat, pest control, and entertainment. The conversation addresses the key considerations for beginners, including choosing the right breeds based on goals (e.g., meat or egg production), ethical down harvesting, and special uses of specific breeds. They highlight practical aspects like waterfowl’s need for water, differences between breeds, incubation processes, and common challenges. The episode also covers interesting breed features and historical insights, offering a comprehensive guide for new waterfowl keepers.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, Rip, Jeff, and Carey conclude their discussion on the importance of vitamins and minerals in poultry nutrition. They address how to maintain vitamin potency, identify and prevent deficiencies, and the roles of various minerals. The hosts also discuss the significance of metabolizable energy and field questions from the audience about nutritional additives, quality feed sources, and specific diet recommendations for poultry. They mention the support from their sponsor, The Fertrell Company, and highlight useful resources such as Jeff Mattocks' book and Mulder's mineral interaction wheel.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