This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on genetics. In this episode we will dive into the principles of Mendelian Genetics. Breeding and creating a strain is governed by 3 important laws of nature, such as the environment, nutrition, and the traits they inherit. In other words, genetics. However, just the idea of genetics can be intimidating for many new breeders, and some veteran as well. Many even avoid genetics, mostly because it can seem confusing and difficult to understand and use. It is my hope that we can show you, not only why genetic is important, but also how to use it in the improvement and creation of your strains. Once you understand the basics, many other topics concerning breeding will become clearer.

Breeding and creating a strain is governed by 3 important laws of nature, such as the environment, nutrition, and the traits they inherit. In other words, genetics. However, just the idea of genetics can be intimidating for many new breeders, and some veteran as well. Many even avoid genetics, mostly because it can seem confusing and difficult to understand and use. It is my hope that we can show you, not only why genetic is important, but also how to use it in the improvement and creation of your strains. Once you understand the basics, many other topics concerning breeding will become clearer.

In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we are talking with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, a Poultry Veterinarian at UC Davis, about HPAI – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. This disease is spreading rapidly, and has shown up in a dozen or more states.

In fact, a number of states are restricting all movement of poultry, and poultry related products to hopefully stop the spread of this lethal disease. Listen in to this informative discuss, and learn what you can do to protect your birds.

Join us for a Breeding Questions and Answers segment. These are always a lot of fun.

And the Difference between Hybridization and Mongrelization.

Crossbreeding is a very common method of breeding, but many are using it for the wrong reasons. The truth is, there are some unintended consequences from using this method, many of them are long lasting, and could be detrimental to the breed.

In this episode we will discuss what's good about crossbreeding, but also what's not so good about crossbreeding. We will tell you what others don't want you to know. Hopefully, this episode will change the way you look at crossbreeding, and change the way you breed your fowl.

In this episode we are talking with Peter Brown about issues that affect all backyard breeders, and what they can do to treat their birds. The information presented here is great for all breeders of chickens and gamefowl, both beginners and veterans. We cover disease and problems, such as:

• Egg bound - egg binding
• Greens
• Canker
• Wry Neck
• Botulism - limberneck
• Mold poisoning
• Fungal infection - fungi
• Sour crop
• Impacted crop
• Gout
• Roup
• Crop binding
• Vent gleet
• pendulous crop
• Prolapse
• Pasting - chicks
• Favus

For more information about the Bred to Perfection Podcast and the Breeders Academy Membership Website, go to https://www.breedersacademy.com - While you're there, make sure to sign up for our Free Breeders Bulletins. Enjoy the show!

Join us for the first show of the year. This will be a laid-back episode with our listeners. We have a lot to tell our listeners about the upcoming year. This was also a good time for a Q&A episode.

Most breeders know that section is important, but some don't know why. The truth is, selection is the difference between success and failure. You cannot create or improve a strain without some knowledge of selection. Join us as we discuss the powers of selection, and the processes that can turn a mongrel flock into a true family and strain. This is an episode that you do not want to miss.

In this episode, we will give you a number of useful tips, that will help get your breeding season started on the right foot. I had a great mentor who believed that preparation was the prerequisite to success. As a breeder, I took that to heart, and it has served me well for years.

The title says it all. The Name Game has been used for many decades, and for many reasons, but we are never going to improve our fowl, or the breeders who breed them, until we stop using old names of strains that don’t exist anymore. It’s also a big reason why many breeders play the Percentage Game. 

They use the Name Game and Percentage Game to place greater value to birds that no longer represent their breed. The sad truth is, it’s nothing more than a “Con Job,” and it’s turning a great breed into nothing more than mongrels. 

The Name Game and the Percentage Game is a peddler’s playground, and it’s holding back many Breeders, especially our beginners. The big question is, what can we do about it? Join us as we talk about this very controversial subject, and discuss issues that are associated with this game, and hopefully come up with ways to reverse the trend.