This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features hosts Mandelyn, John, and Rip discussing the care and feeding practices for bantam chickens. They delve into the history of poultry feed components, emphasizing the importance of amino acids over protein, and the role of nutritional density. 

Discussions include comparisons between bantams and large fowl, highlighting bantams' resilience in cold climates, efficiency in feed conversion, and lesser need for space. They also explore breed preservation, predator vulnerabilities, and practical tips on feeding and managing both bantams and large fowl chickens. 

The episode concludes with a nod to the growing popularity of bantams in poultry shows and a reminder of the importance of breed preservation.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Mandelyn, John, and Rip delve into the miniature but giant world of Bantam chickens. They discuss the origins, types, and physical characteristics of Bantams, emphasizing that they are mostly smaller versions of large fowl. 

 The discussion covers advantages of raising Bantams in urban settings, their loudness, and their ability to fly and brood effectively. They also explore egg production, dual-purpose possibilities, temperament, and nutrition, debunking the myth that Bantams require different feed than large fowl. Plus, there are anecdotes about Bantams' predator awareness and interactions. 

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Mandelyn, Rip, and John discuss the classification of poultry by the American Poultry Association (APA) and the American Bantam Association (ABA). They explore different classes such as American, Asiatic, Continental, English, and Mediterranean, along with the unique attributes, history, and breeds within each class.

 The conversation covers body types, egg-laying capabilities, and the importance of body capacity and feather types. They also touch on various Bantam classifications and the categorization of waterfowl, emphasizing the complexity and diversity within poultry breeding standards.

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In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Carey Blackmon, and Blake Bell discuss the nuances of brooding and raising Brahma chickens.  

 They focus on effective practices like using wire-bottom pens to maintain foot feathering and avoiding ground dirt. The conversation touches on the differences between light and dark Brahmas in terms of hardiness and feather maintenance and provide insights into conditioning birds for shows, including washing light Brahmas to remove fly spots. 

 They also address feeding strategies, emphasizing the use of consistent, high-protein mash feed, and discuss the pros and cons of fermenting feed. The speakers provide detailed advice on identifying ideal wing patterns for showing and maintaining a U-shaped tail in Brahmas. 

 The episode concludes with recommendations for resources, including the American Brahma Club, reputable breeders, and online communities. 

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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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