In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Rip Stalvey and Carey Blackmon interview poultry enthusiast Blake Bell about Brahmas, one of his favorite chicken breeds. 

Blake discusses the origin, characteristics, and temperament of Brahmas, emphasizing their bold, striking appearance and gentle nature. He also touches on the different color varieties recognized in the United States and the management of Brahmas, including hatching, feeding, and weather hardiness. 

Blake shares his preference for hatching eggs over selling adult chickens, providing insights into breeding and judging standards for Brahmas. The episode includes detailed advice on breeding for specific traits, handling health concerns, and managing Brahmas in various climates.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Rip, Mandelyn, and John continue their discussion on the challenges of shipping poultry eggs, contrasting it with the hand-to-hand model. They share experiences with postal delays and the use of improved packaging materials. 

The discussion also touches on the variable hatch rates of shipped eggs, the complexities of poultry behavioral science, and the prevalence of misinformation online. The hosts provide practical tips for maintaining water supplies during winter and stress the importance of verifying information from trusted sources, concluding with insights on natural methods for enhancing the poultry's immune system.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Rip, Mandelyn, and John discuss various aspects of poultry keeping that perplex and interest them. 

They question the effort and expense invested in poultry, reflecting on the joy and purpose behind raising birds. The conversation covers the emotional and practical challenges of harvesting birds for meat and addresses common misconceptions such as the need for grit in poultry diets and the importance of breeding for local environment resistance. 

The hosts emphasize the importance of proper husbandry and responsible medication use. They also highlight the value of knowledge sharing within the poultry community to maintain and improve poultry genetics and care.

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This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features Mandelyn, John, and Rip discussing various aspects of egg production, particularly focusing on the discrepancies between hatchery claims and actual performance of heritage breeds. 

They stress the importance of sourcing birds from breeders who maintain the breed's standards. The conversation also covers the nuanced approaches to breeding, the decline in egg production with age, and specific care practices necessary for different seasons. 

The hosts delve into winter care, including nutrition modifications, the pros and cons of supplemental heating, and managing humidity in coops. The episode concludes with advice on avoiding common internet myths about frostbite prevention.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Mandelyn, John, and Rip discuss various factors that affect egg production in hens. 

They explore the role of breed, daylight hours, weather stress, and artificial lighting in influencing the number of eggs laid. The hosts provide insights into managing and optimizing egg production, including the impact of early sexual maturity on lifespan egg yield and bird health. 

They also touch upon the importance of selecting the right breeds based on egg-laying goals and delve into specific considerations for both production-focused and dual-purpose breeds.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Mandelyn, John, and Rip discuss optimal protein levels for poultry diets, the benefits of different bedding materials for coops, and the importance of proper manure management. 

They emphasize the risks associated with using diatomaceous earth and recommend safer alternatives like agricultural lime. The hosts share personal experiences and methods for maintaining clean, safe environments for both poultry and humans, including pest control tips and the significance of protective gear. 

They also highlight the role of poultry manure in soil improvement and environmental benefits, encouraging listeners to adapt strategies according to their local conditions. 

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Mandelyn Royal, John Gunterman, and Rip Stalvey discuss effective strategies for managing poultry manure. 

 They cover the impact of manure on the environment, including the risk of runoff contaminating local water sources and affecting wildlife. They highlight the importance of consulting local agencies for guidance on manure management and available state programs. The panel also emphasizes safe composting methods, focusing on achieving appropriate temperatures to eliminate pests and pathogens. 

 They discuss the benefits of using different bedding materials and best practices for maintaining a healthy coop environment. Proper manure management can reduce ammonia buildup, control pests, and improve the health of domestic animals. The podcast concludes with practical tips on feeding practices to minimize manure output and promote poultry health.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, the discussion centers around the management, breeding, and showing of Rhode Island Reds, a classic American poultry breed. 

The hosts provide recommendations on maintaining bloodlines, handling genetic setbacks, and the perils of introducing new blood into established lines. They share practical advice on conditioning show birds, managing breeding environments, and ensuring the health and quality of birds through ruthless culling and good husbandry. 

 Additionally, the hosts discuss travel tips for transporting birds to shows and how to maintain them in optimum condition before and during events. Listener questions are addressed throughout, offering insights into detailed care and breeding strategies.

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This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features experts discussing the history, breeding, raising, and showing of Rhode Island Red chickens. 

Topics include the breed's origin, contributions by notable figures like Lester Tompkins and Maurice Wallace, visual and breeding characteristics, and strategies for maintaining their iconic dark red color. 

The script emphasizes key breeding traits, such as tight feathering and proper comb characteristics, and how hens influence these attributes. It provides practical advice on egg size for optimal hatching, balancing color traits, and maintaining production capabilities. 

Personal anecdotes highlight the breed's charm and the breeders' dedication. Concluding with a nod to lineage preservation and invitation for further episodes, it encapsulates the passion and expertise driving the legacy of Rhode Island Reds.

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From Day Old To First Egg-Part 2

 In this informative episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks, Karen Johnston, and Rip Stalvey provide expert advice on raising poultry, covering essential topics such as feed transitions from starter to grower, vitamin B supplementation, and the pitfalls of medicated feeds. 

 The discussion emphasizes the importance of separating male and female chicks early, optimal feeding practices, and utilizing good sanitation techniques, including high-calcium lime and cover crops. Key aspects like the timing for introducing oyster shells, the effective use of mobile A-frame grow pens, and winter care for hens are also explored. Practical tips on determining maturity for showing birds and managing nutrient distribution through other livestock are given, alongside advice on consulting local extension offices for suitable plantings. 

 The episode rounds out with considerations for space requirements in grow pens, managing blood spots in eggs, and the economic aspects of supplementing layers diets with oyster shells for stronger egg shells.

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