Poultry Keepers Podcast

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

In this clip Jeff Mattocks shares his thoughts on giving baby chicks electrolytes.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 our series on best practices for brooding baby chicks, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks continue their discussion on creating the ideal environment for young chicks. This episode dives deep into important factors like adjusting brooder temperature, choosing the right protein levels for chick starter feed, managing amino acid intake, monitoring crop fill, preventing pasty butt, and why grit and probiotics can make a big difference in early chick health.Topics covered include:·      How to fine-tune brooder temperature as chicks grow·      Understanding protein and amino acid requirements for healthy growth·      Practical feeding and watering tips for young chicks·      How to use crop fill monitoring to gauge chick health and feeding success·      The role of probiotics and using milk as a natural option·      Brooder lighting and bedding management best practices·      How to recognize signs of dehydration and respiratory issues early·      Real-world advice from experienced poultry nutritionist Jeff MattocksWhether you're raising a small backyard flock or preparing your next generation of breeding stock, this episode will give you actionable insights to help your chicks thrive.Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for show notes, bonus resources, and more expert poultry management tips.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!Listen to the full podcast and connect with our community of poultry enthusiasts today! Hashtags#BroodingBasics #BabyChicks #BackyardChickens #ChickCareTips #HealthyChicks #ChickBrooderSetup #PoultryPodcast #BrooderManagement #ChickFeeding #ChickLighting #PoultryHealth #PreventPastyButt #SmallFlockSuccess #ChickBehavior #PoultryManagement #MonitorYourFlock #ChickenCare #BackyardPoultry #RaisingChickens #PoultryKeepersPodcastYou 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 bonus episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast focuses on the importance of early feeding in chicks and how to monitor their feeding success through crop fill. It explains the necessity of ensuring chicks start eating and drinking immediately after hatching to support growth, immune function, and reduce mortality. The show outlines how to monitor crop fill, tips for addressing feeding issues, and the long-term benefits of this practice. The recording aims to educate poultry keepers on improving chick care and flock management for healthier and more productive birds.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 Bonus Content, Jeff Mattocks shares how to get baby chicks off to a strong start by feeding them raw beef liver and boiled eggs.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, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks dive deep into best practices for brooding baby chicks. Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock or managing a large brooding setup, starting chicks off right is the key to developing healthy, productive birds.Topics covered include:·      Brooder setup and spacing for chicks·      Ideal brooding temperatures and how to manage heat sources·      Expert feeding techniques, including using liver and egg for early nutrition·      Choosing the best bedding materials (peat moss, pine shavings, and more)·      Early growth benchmarks and why they matter·      Natural approaches to support chick gut health·      Real-world tips and live Q&A insightsIf you’ve ever wondered how to avoid common chick issues like pasty butt, prevent early mortality, or get your chicks off to a strong start, this is the episode for you. Plus, learn why observing chick behavior is one of the best tools you can use for brooding success!Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com for more expert poultry care tips, show notes, and bonus content. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more poultry health, breeding, and nutrition episodes!#BroodingBasics #BabyChicks #BackyardChickens #HealthyChicks #PoultryPodcast #ChickCareTips #ChickBrooderSetup #BackyardPoultry #ChickFeeding #RaisingChicks #HomesteadChickens #PoultryHealth #PreventPastyButt #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryEducationYou 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