Ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of poultry breeding? This episode promises to arm you with all the know-how to start your own breeding program, right from selecting your initial flock, determining goals and understanding your operation's scale, to seeking expert advice and grasping the importance of quality breeders. We'll share our top tips, tricks, and some insider secrets that will make your poultry breeding endeavor a resounding success. Record-keeping, intentional early bird stressing, and the value of returning to your original breeder will be among our intriguing discussion points.

But that's not it! We will take a deep dive into breeding strategies, line breeding and family line maintenance, unraveling fascinating insights on outcrossing considerations. We'll discuss the pros and cons of flock mating, and explore the process of evaluating chicks at each stage for hybrid vigor. We'll lay bare the benefits of maintaining the lines through the female side of the breeding and the advantages of keeping related birds in the same pen, all leading to consistent and uniform results. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newbie, this episode is a treasure trove of information you won't want to miss. So, tune in, take notes, and let's get breeding!

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Ever pondered how the timing of hatches influences your chickens' behavior and health? Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation where we dissect this intriguing aspect of poultry keeping. We share our first-hand experiences on the effects of hatching in different seasons and how they shape your birds' habits. Ignite your understanding of the crucial role timing plays, especially when preparing your feathery friends for shows. Discover the magic of introducing chicks to the great outdoors early on, and bask in the effects it has on their growth and overall well-being.

Picture this: you've received your shipment of hatching eggs, but what comes next is a maze filled with challenges. Don't fret; we've got your back! Join us as we delve into the complexities of incubating hatching eggs. Get to grips with the assorted incubation methods and how each influences your hatching rates. Plus, we put different incubators under the microscope, examining their quality and potential risks during power blackouts. Here's to optimizing your poultry keeping skills!

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Calling all poultry enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your bird game? This episode unravels the science and art behind poultry breeding and selection, a path that can take your casual interest in birds to a whole new level. We guide you through the maze of information, from understanding the essential factors like egg laying rates, persistence and molting rates to the different breeding strategies that can set a solid foundation for your flock. Be warned, though - in-breeding can be a double-edged sword, so choose wisely!

In this journey to poultry excellence, we also shed light on bone spacing and bird evaluation, imparting tried and tested wisdom on assessing the shape and feel of your bird's body. You'll pick up tips on identifying a narrow bird with pinched tails from a wider one and discover the significance of finger width measurements. And if you're just starting out, we have you covered with practical advice. Wrapping up, we delve into the crucial aspects of managing light and growth in your flock, making sure your birds are not just surviving, but thriving. So, tune in, gear up and let's embark on this journey to poultry success!

You can email us at - [email protected]
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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
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Get ready for an invigorating journey into the world of poultry, as we unravel the intricacies of laying cycles, bird selection, and egg production. Our expert guides are  seasoned veterans in the poultry hobby. We'll draw on their wealth of knowledge to delve into the impact of various factors on the laying cycle, from lighting to regional variances. They reveal golden strategies for keeping track of the best eggs and spotting poot quality hens, emphasizing the importance of selecting for vigor when breeding for production qualities.

In our exploration of egg production, we put the spotlight on persistent layers, a critical cog in any thriving poultry operation. We dissect the cycle of egg laying, and how understanding a hen's productivity timings can provide key insights. Plus, we tackle the lifespan of egg-laying hens and the strategic thinning of the flock to improve it's  performance. 

Don’t miss the next episode where we dive deeper into poultry operations and breeding techniques. A successful poultry operation isn't just a dream, it's potential reality. Are you ready to turn that potential into action? Tune in and get started on your poultry operation journey today!

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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
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Get ready for an eye-opening discussion as we navigate through expert advices on post-molt poultry care, with our guest Jeff Maddox. Ever wondered why your birds' feather quality deteriorates? Or why the color changes occur? You'll learn how to create an ideal environment that promotes healthy feathers, including the significance of ample space, enrichment items, shade and cleanliness. But that's not all, we'll also throw light on the often overlooked dangers of ammonia. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how it affects the respiratory tracts and eye health of poultry.

Changing gears, we rope in an equally enlightening chat about the importance of balanced nutrient levels for poultry. It's not just about the protein, folks! We'll delve into the necessity of amino acids, fats, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, E and lysine and methionine. Learn why ignoring the tags on commercial feeds could be your biggest mistake and how the right balance of nutrients can make your birds healthier and more vigorous. Let's embark on this journey to understand what truly goes into laying eggs with robust shells. Tune in and let's crack this together!

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How often do you find yourself perplexed about managing the molt of your poultry Flock?  Ever wondered how a well-managed molt can augment your birds' health and productivity? Join us as we dissect this topic with our seasoned experts, Jeff Maddox, Karen Johnston and Rip Stalvey. They unpack the complexities of molt, its natural occurrence, and the profound effects it can have on your flock. Discover the critical steps to ensure your birds’ comfort and productivity during molt occurrence. Jeff also shares compelling insights about how a properly managed mold can ensure the robustness and productivity of your birds for generations to come.

In the latter part of our chat, we discuss the significant aspects of hen molting and lighting, underlining the need to mitigate stress and aggression. We delve into the nuances of modifying lighting and creating extra space to provide a conducive environment for your birds. Additionally, we ponder over the merits of hatching in the fall to regulate your birds' size. We delve deeper into the importance of achieving an optimal pullet weight for your birds and how this impacts fertility and the number of eggs in the subsequent lay cycle. As we wrap up, we underscore the significance of feather quality and body weight in managing poultry. Tune in to our enlightening podcast episode to enrich your knowledge about these essential poultry management techniques.

You can email us at - [email protected]
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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
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Ready to step up your poultry keeping game? In today's episode, we unpack a treasure trove of educational resources to transform your poultry journey. We cover everything from Morley Jull's 'Poultry Breeding', to Jeff Maddox's "Niche Poultry:N Nutrition and Management" covering insights on nutrition, and management for Standard Bred Poultry and even delve into the depths of the online world with resources from the University of Kentucky extension program, Archive.org, Ferttell Company, and Mandy's YouTube channel,  "Arcadian Orchard." 

The journey with your feathered friends is one of constant learning. We highlight the significance of poultry flock journaling and understanding the whole bird - top line to bottom line and everything in between. Want to document your journey and inspire others? We've got the scoop on capturing the perfect photos and videos of your flock. 

Embarking on this journey can be daunting, but we'll guide you on finding a mentor in poultry breeding to help navigate the highs and lows. We discuss building trust with your mentor, surviving the plateau phase, and the importance of building a reputation in the poultry community. So, whether you're a seasoned poultry keeper or an enthusiastic beginner, let's embark on this educational adventure together. Remember, the key is to start where you are, with what you have.

You can email us at - [email protected]
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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
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Imagine having the key to unlock the wealth of poultry rearing knowledge. This episode promises to hand you that key. We guide you through the labyrinth of poultry husbandry, lending you our insights and expertise every step of the way. From setting realistic goals to developing robust information filters, we've got your back. We help you navigate away from emotional pitfalls and unnecessary drama while emphasizing the importance of consulting experts in the field.

Dive into the sea of resources that aid bird breeding and standards. We tell you where to find the most trusted historical books, how to stay updated with breed standards, and highlight the benefit of reading university studies. You'll learn about invaluable resources like "The Call of the Hen"  by Walter Hogan and the treasure trove of PDF books available on http://www.archive.org. 

So, whether you're a newbie poultry keeper or an experienced breeder, this episode is a must-listen!

You can email us at - [email protected]
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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured

Ever wondered how setting goals could impact your poultry success? Well, tune in as we shed light on this intriguing aspect. Journeying from novice poultry enthusiasts to skilled breeders, we share how our evolving interests and goals have changed over time. Mandy chats how her appreciation for any bird evolved into a keen interest in dual-purpose ones. John, on the other side, shares his shift from a focus on sustainability and feeding people to breeding and exhibitions, also revealing a decade-fast-track breeding timeline, courtesy of a like-minded breeder.

Venturing further into the poultry realm, we steer the conversation from the agricultural production focus to the importance of dual-purpose birds. Learn how the financial motives of past breeders and the public's interest in hybrid chickens  have shaped our hobby. We discuss the value of birds bred for both form and function, and how aligning your expectations with your poultry goals can lead to success. 

From our backgrounds unique perspectives, we provide a guide on your poultry keeping journey, topping it off with valuable resources. So, don't just listen, join us on this fascinating adventure to poultry success.

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Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
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Welcome to an epic episode where we introduce our newest co-host, Mandelyn Royal. Mandelyn, a highly skilled communicator, writer, and video producer, brings a wealth of knowledge to our podcast and shares her lifelong love for chicken keeping. We delve into Mandelyn's specific goals for her flock, her chosen breed's uniqueness and the challenges she faces.

This episode wouldn't be complete without an in-depth discussion about breeding birds, a complex yet rewarding endeavor. Diving into the importance of being hands-on, Mandelyn shares her insights and experiences about the impact of various factors such as environment, nutrition, and husbandry practices on birds. We also explore the intriguing aspects of observing chicken behavior, a crucial component in making important judgment calls in poultry keeping.

To wrap up, we unravel the critical steps of starting in poultry keeping, including the need for a strategic plan and beginning the process months or even a year in advance.  We emphasize the benefits of finding a mentor and conducting thorough research on your chosen breed. So, whether you're a novice poultry keeper or a seasoned pro, this episode promises to be an enriching experience, filled with practical and valuable insights. Join us in this fascinating journey!

You can email us at - [email protected]
Join our Facebook Groups:

Poultry Keepers Podcast -
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Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125
Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

Check out the Poultry Kepers Podcast YouTube Channel -
https://www.youtube.com/@PoultryKeepersPodcast/featured