PK360 Audio

In Part 2 of our Heritage Poultry Flock Breeding & Management series, master breeder Frank Reese, Jr. dives into the practical realities of keeping true utility strains going—how many hens you need to maintain genetic diversity, when to share bloodlines with trusted partners, and how hens vs. roosters influence different traits (hens driving body size and skeletal/health; roosters shaping egg production and plumage pattern). We also talk through the business side: define your market before you build, know your state/federal rules, budget for testing and processing, and price realistically.

Frank contrasts heritage strains with modern industrial hybrids (and why extreme selection for only meat or only eggs harms longevity and fertility), then gets delightfully hands-on about how to cook heritage birds—why older cookbooks (pre-1950) and pressure-frying/low-and-slow methods matter for flavor and tenderness. If you’re sourcing stock, he highlights Good Shepherd partners (NJ/PA, NE) and offers timeless advice: pick a breed you love, study the APA Standard, and learn from dedicated breed clubs so you can breed forward without “chasing crosses.” 

You can listen to this episode at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #HeritagePoultry #StandardBred #FlockManagement #BreedingForward #GeneticDiversity #BarredRock #NewHampshire #DelawareChicken #Wyandotte #RhodeIslandWhite #JerseyGiant #GoodShepherdConservancy #PasturedPoultry #PoultryEconomics #APA #PoultryHistory #CookingHeritageBirds #TrapNesting #UtilitySelection #SmallFlock

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Heritage poultry breeding isn’t nostalgia—it’s a disciplined, data-driven path to better birds and better outcomes. In Part 1 of this deep-dive, Frank Reese, Jr. joins Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks to unpack what “heritage/standard-bred” really means, how USDA recognizes certified standard-bred labels, and why the American Poultry Association’s Standard matters on the farm and in the marketplace. We cover picking your purpose (meat, eggs, or both), matching breeds and lines to goals, and the real-world economics of selling eggs, processing birds, and staying solvent. 

You’ll hear practical guidance on breed/line selection (New Hampshires, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Delawares, Wyandottes, Buckeyes, Jersey Giants, Brahmas), realistic timelines and dress weights for frying vs. roasting birds, why roosters drive egg-production genetics in their daughters, and how to source from local breeders who select for utility—not just feathers. We also dig into maintaining a line without “chasing crosses,” culling with purpose, and building a small, sustainable program that pays its own way.

Key takeaways
• Define & defend “standard-bred/heritage” using APA standards and accepted definitions
• Start with outcomes: eggs to offset feed vs. meat sales vs. both
• Dual-purpose classics that still perform—and what to ask breeders about their selection goals
• Processing economics 101: when small-scale works (and when to pivot)
• Linebreeding, selection, and culling: how to actually improve year over year
• Part 2 drops next Tuesday—subscribe so you don’t miss the conclusion

Listen to this episode at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #HeritagePoultry #StandardBred #DualPurpose #BackyardChickens #HomesteadPoultry #PoultryBreeding #APA #GoodShepherdConservancy #BarredRock #NewHampshire #DelawareChicken #Wyandotte #Buckeye #JerseyGiant #Brahma #FlockManagement

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Drowning in extra roosters as grow-out season hits? This episode lays out a practical, ethical roadmap so you can plan before you hatch—and avoid the last-minute scramble. We cover the real-world options, their pros and cons, and how to set up a reliable, humane system that fits your space, goals, and local rules. 

What you’ll learn

• Why planning matters: straight-run math, space, feed, timelines, and neighbor considerations
• Option 1: Grow out and harvest yourself — reliable, data for dual-purpose evaluation; skills, time, and costs required
• Option 2: Outsource — establish relationships with families raising for their tables or approved wildlife/raptor programs; how to make it consistent
• Option 3: Rehoming/private sales — screening, limited demand, and why you can’t control outcomes after sale
• Option 4: Livestock auctions — volume potential vs. zero control
• “Bachelor pad” roosters — where it can work and common limits
• Ethics & responsibility — don’t abandon birds; how to handle aggression (and why not to rehome aggressive males)
• A simple, repeatable plan for next season: identify outlets, set thresholds by age/weight, calendar your decisions, and communicate clearly

Have a listen to this episode at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com 

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #BackyardChickens #Roosters #Cockerels #ChickenKeeping #PoultryEthics #DualPurpose #HeritagePoultry #Homesteading #FlockManagement #PoultryHusbandry #ChickenAdvice #SmallFlock #PoultryEducation #BreedingDecisions #HumaneProcessing #RaptorPrograms

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In this episode, we introduce Mia Thom, one of our new Poultry Keepers Podcast content creators. Mia shares her inspiring journey raising Black Silver Marans and Silver Cuckoo Marans in Southern Oregon. From her first $10 hen that sparked her passion, to carefully line breeding, selecting for dual-purpose traits, and overcoming challenges like egg color, heat stress, and hatch rates, Mia offers practical insight into the rewarding world of project varieties of Marans.

She also discusses how she uses peat moss bedding, feed enhancements, and careful breeding strategies to strengthen her flock and improve both egg quality and body type. Whether you’re new to poultry or a seasoned breeder, you’ll love Mia’s dedication and the lessons she’s learned through five years of hard work.

Listen in and learn how thoughtful breeding and management practices can transform your flock and help you succeed with rare and project poultry varieties.

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #MaransBreeding #BackyardChickens #HeritageBreeds #DualPurposePoultry #PoultryManagement #PoultryCommunity

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In Part 2 of Nature vs Nurture: Hatching Chicks with Hens or Hatchers, we explore the time-tested traditions of broody hens alongside the science of modern incubators.
Discover:

• How to prepare housing and bedding for a broody hen
• Why moving a setting hen rarely works and what to do instead
• The benefits and drawbacks of peat moss, straw, and other bedding options
• Why incubator calibration is critical for success
• The importance of stable temperature and humidity for hatch rates
• What to feed chicks in their first two weeks for the best start

From beginner-friendly advice to advanced insights for serious breeders, this conversation blends personal stories, practical tips, and decades of poultry-keeping wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered whether Mother Nature or modern hatchers give better results, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

To listen to this episode now go to www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com and don’t miss future episodes of the Poultry Keepers Podcast — subscribe for more expert poultry tips!

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #BackyardChickens #HatchingChicks #IncubatorTips #BroodyHen #PoultryManagement #ChickCare #PoultryPodcast #HomesteadChickens 

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Thinking about letting a hen hatch her own chicks instead of using an incubator? In this Poultry Keepers Podcast episode, we explore the pros, pitfalls, and fascinating realities of hen hatching. 

Learn why some breeds—like Silkies—are famous for broodiness, how a mother hen’s natural care can boost chick survival and growth, and the environmental factors that trigger broodiness. We share practical advice on feed timing, managing aggressive flock members, and when (and if) you should move a broody hen and her chicks. Whether you raise backyard birds or manage a breeding program, this discussion will help you decide if hen hatching is right for your flock.

What You’ll Learn:
• The surprising benefits of hen-hatched chicks over incubator-hatched chicks
• Breeds known for exceptional broodiness
• Tips for encouraging natural foraging in young chicks
• How to manage hens that aren’t great mothers
• Feeding strategies to boost chick health and development

Listen now and discover how nature and nurture work together in your poultry yard at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #HenHatching #BroodyHen #Silkies #BackyardChickens #PoultryBreeding #ChickCare #RaisingChickens #PoultryManagement #NaturalHatching #ChickenBreeds #HomesteadingChickens 

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In Part 2 of this Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon return to tackle more proven, real-world strategies for preventing heat stress in your birds. From ventilation hacks and nutrition adjustments to water system improvements and coop cooling tricks, this episode is packed with practical insights every poultry keeper can use.

We dive into:

• Airflow and coop design for better temperature regulation
• Why chickens prefer apple cider vinegar in summer water
•  Frozen treats: fun or flawed? What it does to your eggs
•  High-protein treats—helpful or harmful in summer?
•  Smart watering systems: misting, recirculating lines, and temperature targets
•  Cleaning tips for nipple lines and drinkers
•  Emergency cooling strategies (frozen blocks, standing water, fans)
• Water pH, alkalinity, and why it matters more than you think
•  Winter water heating tips (yes, summer prep helps with winter, too!)

Whether you raise birds for show, production, or pets, this is a must-watch episode that brings clarity to common summer challenges. Learn how to listen to your birds, balance their diet, and keep them cool, hydrated, and healthy through the hottest months.

Learn more at: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #ShowProFarmSupply #ChickenHeatStress #BeatTheHeat #BackyardChickens #ChickenCoopCare #HotWeatherFlockCare #ACVForChickens #PoultryHydration #PoultryBreedersNutrition #SmallFlockSolutions #ChickenWateringTips

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Hot weather can spell disaster for your flock if you're not prepared. In Part 1 of Beat the Heat, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon join us for a no-fluff, practical conversation about what poultry heat stress really is, how it affects your birds, and the proactive steps small flock keepers can take to reduce risk.

We cover:

• What defines heat stress and when it becomes dangerous
• How to spot early warning signs before birds crash
• Proven shade and ventilation strategies
• Real-world success with misting systems, fans, and frozen water tricks
• The role of nutrition: high-fat diets, vitamin C, and reducing corn
• How to keep water cool and palatable during extreme temps
• Tips for birds stuck at shows or in fair cages
• Debunking myths about apple cider vinegar in hot weather

Whether you're raising show birds, backyard layers, or a mixed flock, this episode gives you real-life solutions to help your poultry thrive through summer’s toughest days.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 next week.
Listen now at: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #ShowProFarmSupply #BeatTheHeat #HeatStressInPoultry #BackyardChickens #ChickenHealth #HotWeatherCare #FlockCareTips #ChickenWatering #PoultryBreedersNutrition #LivestockHeatManagement

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In this continuation of our in-depth series, host Carey Blackmon is joined by Jeff Mattocks and breeder Jason Yuke as they dive even deeper into Jason’s project to restore production quality in his Barred Plymouth Rocks. From managing harsh climates and selective breeding setbacks to measuring feed conversion, temperament, and thriftiness, this episode offers invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and breakthroughs of small-scale poultry improvement.

Jason discusses genetic bottlenecks, feed errors, managing aggression, breeding for uniformity, and how to identify pivotal "aha" moments when a breeding plan starts to pay off. He also shares advice for new breeders, insights on choosing birds suited to your climate, and the importance of setting clear, long-term goals before selecting your foundation stock.

Plus, we talk about culling practices, chick evaluations, and how Jason is working toward an "Ontario Barred Rock" that thrives in his cold Canadian climate while maintaining productivity and heritage breed standards.

Whether you're a seasoned poultry breeder or a small flock owner just getting started, this episode is packed with tips and perspective that will help you move your flock forward.

To listen now and subscribe for more episodes on poultry breeding, nutrition, and flock management go to www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com 

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #ShowProFarmSupply #BarredRockBreeding #HeritageBreedImprovement #SmallFlockSuccess #DualPurposeChickens #FlockManagement #HomesteadPoultry #ColdClimateChickens #CompensationMating #PoultryBreedingTips #EggProductionBreeds

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In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360, we kick off Part 1 of an in-depth conversation with poultry breeder Jason, who shares his hands-on experience and strategies for restoring production qualities in the Barred Plymouth Rock. From his early setbacks with show birds to discovering the secrets of line breeding, nutrition, and evaluating skeletal structure, Jason walks us through his journey of breeding for dual-purpose excellence.

Discover how historical context, purposeful selection, and proper feeding programs (including Project MAD) are helping him reestablish pre-war standards of productivity, including egg laying, fleshing, and bird temperament. Learn what traits Jason prioritizes, how he tracks progress, and why he's focused on adapting his flock to his unique climate in Ontario.

This is a must-listen for poultry keepers working with heritage or dual-purpose breeds—and especially for those looking to improve the utility value of their birds without sacrificing long-term sustainability.

Subscribe to follow Part 2 and other episodes focused on poultry breeding, nutrition, and management.

#PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #BarredRockBreeding #DualPurposeChickens #HeritageBreeds #PoultrySelection #BackyardChickens #EggProduction #PoultryBreeding 

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