
Poultry Keepers Podcast
Welcome to The Poultry Keepers PodcastCluck, Chat, and Rule the Roost! One Egg-cellent Episode at a Time!At The Poultry Keepers Podcast, we’re building a friendly, informative, and inspiring space for today’s small-flock poultry keepers. Whether you're a seasoned pro with decades of experience or just beginning your backyard chicken journey, you’ve found your community. Here, poultry isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life.Each episode is packed with practical, science-based information to help you care for your flock with confidence. From hatching eggs and breeding strategies to flock health, nutrition, housing, and show prep—we cover it all with insight and heart.Hosted by Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman, our show brings together over 70 years of combined poultry experience. We believe in the power of shared knowledge and the importance of accuracy, offering trusted content for poultry keepers who want to do right by their birds.So pull up a perch and join us each week as we cluck, chat, and rule the roost—one egg-cellent episode at a time.Visit our website at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2024 • 27min
Cutting Costs Can Cost You Money-Part 1
In this episode of the Poultry Keepers podcast, host Mandelyn Royal, along with team members John Gunterman and Rip Stalvey, delve into the true costs of starting and maintaining a flock. They discuss the economic pitfalls of trying to save money on poultry care, including the price and quality trade-offs between hatching eggs, chicks, and adult stock. The team evaluates the efficacy of different incubators and the importance of consistent environmental control for successful hatching. They also cover the essential aspects of durable housing to protect against predators, recommending higher initial investments in quality materials to save money in the long run. Finally, the conversation turns to feed costs and how to manage them effectively to ensure the health and productivity of the flock, including tips on weighing birds and monitoring their physical condition.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

Jul 9, 2024 • 26min
Managing The Molt 2.0-Part 2
In this episode, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Rip Stalvey finish their explanation of how you can effectively manage your flock's annual molt. They explain how you can help your birds manage stress, lose weight, and regrow beautiful feathers after the molt.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

Jul 2, 2024 • 26min
Managing The Molt 2.0-Part 1
It’s time for our birds to start their annual molt. This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast is a replay of the Poultry Keepers 360 Live recorded on June 27, 2024. The show features Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon as they delve into the critical topic of molting in poultry. Jeff Mattocks provides comprehensive insights into the molting process, emphasizing that it's more than just feather loss. He explains how the birds experience flu-like symptoms due to hormonal changes and increased body temperature. Key care tips include providing ample shade, cooler water, and adjusting feed to lower energy and protein during molting. Practical solutions for water management are shared, including using frozen water bottles and cat fountains. Jeff also touches on post-molt nutrition, recommending high-quality protein feed and increased vitamins. Throughout the episode, patience and monitoring a bird’s weight is stressed to ensure a successful molt and a healthier flock. The PowerPoint used during this show, including sample feed formulas, can be found in the Files section of the Poultry Keepers Podcast Facebook group. 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

Jun 25, 2024 • 31min
Condition Birds For Show-Part 2
Experts Mandelyn Royal, John Gunterman, and Rip Stalvey share insights on conditioning birds for shows, discussing stress reduction, handling routines, grooming techniques, dietary controls, and strategies for hatch timing. They also touch on show environments, managing bird reactions, and transitioning from novice to competitive breeders in poultry exhibitions.

Jun 18, 2024 • 28min
Conditioning Birds For Show-Part 1
In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, the hosts engage in an unplanned discussion on conditioning birds for shows. They delve into the reasons for showing poultry, from camaraderie and breeding improvement to competition. The conversation covers various aspects of conditioning, including nutritional requirements, the benefits of outdoor rearing, and the importance of avoiding stress. They discuss historical and practical tips on finding and preparing show-quality birds, the impact of genetics and environmental factors, and the misconceptions about show-quality labeling. The episode wraps up by emphasizing attention to detail as crucial for success in poultry showing.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

Jun 11, 2024 • 20min
How To Be A Mentor-Part 2
The podcast explores the significance of mentorship in poultry breeding, learning from mistakes, and effective mentoring strategies. It emphasizes the importance of attention to details in poultry keeping, nuances of mentoring, and fostering a supportive community through mentor-based poultry clubs.

Jun 4, 2024 • 29min
How To Be A Mentor-Part 1
Exploring the qualities of a good mentor in poultry keeping, the benefits of mentorship, understanding bird behavior, building trust with mentees, and the value of local mentorship in fostering success.

May 28, 2024 • 23min
Broodies, Incubators and Eggs-Part Two
Exploring different types of incubators, broody hen management, and the role of nutrition in hatching eggs. Humorous postal clerk interaction with live chick shipper boxes. Importance of sensor maintenance for accurate incubation. Tips on selecting reliable poultry sellers and brooding hens.

May 21, 2024 • 25min
Eggs, Broodies, and Incubators-Part One
Poultry experts Mandelyn and Rip discuss hatching eggs, broody hens, and incubators. They cover sourcing hatching eggs, benefits of using broody hens, challenges of shipping eggs, packaging safety, and tips for successful quail egg hatching.

May 14, 2024 • 26min
Mandelyn's Feed Trial-Part 2
In this podcast episode, we conclude our discussion with Jeff Mattocks about the feed trial Mandelyn Royal is conducting. This trial uses a custom, breed-specific feed, designed by Jeff, for Mandelyn’s Breese. We cover the importance of grit, what healthy gizzards should look like, and why corn and soy-free diets are so hard to formulate. We'll also talk about plants for future studies that Mandelyn would like to do to keep improving her flock.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
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