

Poultry Keepers Podcast
Rip Stalvey, John Gunterman, and Mandelyn Royal
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2024 • 32min
Jessica Watson On Shamos-Part 2
In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast delves into managing Shamo chickens. We discuss their behavior, the challenges of different age groups in brooders, and the importance of enrichment to prevent aggression. We touch on breeding considerations, hatching ease, and differences in raising Shamo compared to other breeds.Jessica shares her experiences with nutritional needs, including the myth of glucosamine necessity and the importance of a proper diet. Showing Shamo, and training them to pose are covered along with how to transport them to shows. Finally, the group offers resources for those interested in starting with Shamos, including recommended literature, and discusses the market value of quality 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

Aug 13, 2024 • 28min
Jessica Watson Talks About Shamos-Part 1
This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast is a replay of a previously rec0orded PK360 Live, Rip Stalvey, and Jeff Mattocks along with guest Jessica Watson, delve into the fascinating world of Shamos, a magnificent breed of poultry. Jessica shares insights on the breed’s origins, traits, and her personal journey with Shamos. They discuss the bird's unique physical features, their original purpose, and their suitability as pets. The episode also covers topics like breeding, housing requirements, feather health, and the challenges of showing these birds. Jessica recounts her experiences, offering valuable advice for current and prospective Shamo owners.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

Aug 6, 2024 • 33min
Selection and Growouts-Part 2
Dive into the world of poultry breeding with insights on identifying egg-laying hens and understanding egg characteristics. The discussion highlights the importance of natural selection and genetic vigor in maintaining flock quality. Personal anecdotes sprinkle in valuable tips on effective bird identification and management practices. Explore sustainable breeding methods and the integral role of backyard flocks in food security. Each segment is packed with knowledge that will inspire both novice and seasoned poultry keepers.

Jul 30, 2024 • 27min
Selection and Grow Outs-Part1
Join Mandy, a seasoned poultry manager, and John, an expert in chick growth monitoring, as they dive into successful poultry management. Mandy shares her strategies for navigating the grow-out season, emphasizing systematic reduction from peak bird numbers. John discusses daily weighing methods to track chick growth patterns. They also touch on feeding strategies and the critical evaluation of birds for breeding. Their insights on coop setups and maintaining a balanced flock make for an enlightening discussion for poultry enthusiasts.

Jul 23, 2024 • 35min
Reducing Costs Can Cost You Money-Part 2
In this episode of the Poultry Keepers podcast, Mandelyn Royal, John Gunterman, and Rip Stalvey discuss various aspects of poultry feeding and management. Key topics include adhering to weight standards for birds, the importance of regulating feed quantities, and the cost-efficiency of high-quality feeds versus lower-quality alternatives. The hosts emphasize the significant benefits of high-quality feed, such as improved egg production, better hatch rates, and overall healthier birds. They also talk about the use of supplements, the role of grit in digestion, feed types, and feeder designs to minimize waste. Additional highlights include the advantages of free-ranging for nutrient intake and the importance of culling unproductive birds. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their experiences, tips, and the overall goal of saving time and money while maintaining a healthy and productive 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

Jul 16, 2024 • 26min
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 • 25min
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 • 25min
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 • 30min
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 • 27min
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


