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What happens when a lifelong dedication to animal nutrition meets the world of horse companions and dealer sales? Join us as we chat with Gretchen, a remarkable national customer business manager at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, who has dedicated 30 years to Land O'Lakes. Listen to Gretchen reveal her extensive role in managing sales and marketing events, and discover the fascinating investment Land O'Lakes has made in their research farm. From field sales to lifestyle events, Gretchen opens up about her varied responsibilities and passion for her work.

Gretchen Riley, MBA
Gretchen is a National Customer Business Manager at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, MO where she manages all the sales and marketing events related to Horse, Companion and Dealer/Sales Training. She obtained her Bachelors in Equine Science and MBA in Agricultural Business, both from Colorado State University and joined Purina Animal Nutrition in 1994. Gretchen spent 13 years as an Equine Specialist in Arizona and then 5 ½ years as an Equine Specialist/Show Feed Specialistma in California before transferring to Gray Summit, MO to work at the Purina Animal Nutrition Research Center. She has been a horse owner and rider since she was 8 years old and enjoys her small farm with horses, mini burros, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and honeybees.

Finally, we take a moment to appreciate the dedication of individuals like Gretchen, who are the heart and soul behind the trusted brands we use. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you grateful and excited for what's next.
You can follow Gretchen here https://www.instagram.com/lifeofrileyfarm/

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Nikki hatched her first chicken egg in 2006 and has been obsessed with chickens ever since! She has her masters in education and loves teaching others. She left a career teaching kindergarten to stay home with her kids and now teaches others about chicken keeping through her social media channels and her book, Chicken Keeping Pure and Simple. She also just released a children’s book about her rescue goose. You can find her on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube as @purelychickens

From a kindergarten classroom to the coop, Nikki from Purely Chickens shares her heartwarming transformation into a chicken maven and published author. Her narrative is a plume of inspiration, revealing how a single hatched egg evolved into a bustling hub for poultry enthusiasts. As we chat with Nikki, her devotion to animal care and education is palpable, reinforcing the essence of pursuing one's true calling. Join us as we celebrate the threads of social media that weave chicken keepers together during these unparalleled times, highlighting the importance of community and connectivity.

This episode is a treasure trove for budding chicken keepers and seasoned fowl friends alike. Nikki guides us through the essentials of starting your own flock, from thoughtful planning to selecting quality materials, and the candid work involved. While the chatter of TikTok's uncertain future clucks in the background, we emphasize the wisdom of spreading your wings across multiple social platforms. And as our conversation comes to a close, Nikki unveils her journey to authorship, sparked by a viral coop clip, reminding us that social media can be more than a showcase—it's a place to hatch connections and spread knowledge among like-hearted animal lovers. Don't miss this episode; it's sure to ruffle some feathers in the best way possible.

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This week's guest is Erica of Second Hen'd a 501 3c organization that rehomes "spent hens", ex battery laying hens.  You can listen to Erica's more detailed episode here https://www.buzzsprout.com/1624426/episodes/12660584

Today we are focusing on an new support group for chicken keepers.  Erica started a new support group, "Birds Of  A Feather"  for those who are needing advice, emotional support, a safe place to discuss the loss of a beloved  pet chicken, and friendship.  This group is FREE to all those who are in need. 

When you lose a feathered friend, where can you turn for solace and understanding? Erica from Second Hen'd joins us to pull back the curtain on Birds of a Feather, a virtual sanctuary for those mourning their chickens, where the clucking of sympathetic hearts creates a tapestry of support and shared love for our avian companions. This episode is a tribute to the unspoken bonds we form with our pets, a space where laughter and tears over clucky antics and the inevitable goodbyes coexist, reflecting on the profound impact these creatures have on our lives.

Caring for chickens is no walk in the park; it's a road paved with ethical quandaries and DIY medical treatments when vets are miles away. We navigate the rough terrain of at-home bird care and the difficult decisions owners face when professional help is out of reach. From the limits of administering antibiotics to the painful choice of euthanasia, this conversation is an eye-opener to the realities and responsibilities that come with loving and caring for chickens as more than just livestock.

This heartfelt exchange also delves into the joys and sorrows of pet ownership, from the quirky behaviors that endear our chickens to us, to the heavy hearts we carry when they fall ill. We share stories of personal loss, like that of Eggie the chicken, whose resilience in the face of illness taught us about the depths of the human-animal bond. This episode isn't just a narrative; it's a journey through the emotional landscape of chicken lovers everywhere, a reminder of the legacies our feathered friends leave behind, and an invitation to a community that understands just how deep those claw prints in our hearts can be.


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Ever find yourself longing for a life less ordinary, where the buzz of technology is replaced by the hum of nature? Holli from Homesteadbunnie is here to share her incredible journey from a youngin in the forest to an emblem of off-grid living. With a history steeped in the wild and a heart filled with tales of love, loss, and livestock, Holi's narrative is a treasure trove for anyone dreaming of a sustainable lifestyle. Our conversation unravels the realities of starting small, the embrace of solar power, and the seasonal ballet of water collection – a symphony only the hardiest can conduct.

Gather 'round as Nuggets, the Toulouse goose, honks in the background, setting the stage for revelations about living off the land. Holly debunks myths about off-grid existence, proving it's not about forsaking modern conveniences but creating a life of self-reliance. From the camaraderie of neighbors in rural landscapes to the empowering journey of self-education through online platforms, this episode is a masterclass in the art of adapting and thriving amidst nature's unpredictability.

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*We did have a slight audio problem this week. But it was still a fantastic episode!

Have you ever felt outnumbered in your own backyard? That's the story of how Joelle's flock grew from a reasonable six to an uproarious eighteen, thanks to the all-too-real phenomenon of "chicken math." This episode takes you on a whimsical journey with Joelle from Chickenhappyhour, tracing her steps from a child with a menagerie of pets in Miami to the proud owner of a clucking chorus in Franklin, Tennessee. If you're pecking around for advice on urban chicken keeping or just love a hearty hen tale, you've roosted at the right podcast.

Caring for a flock brings a basketful of challenges, but also a coop full of joy. This heartwarming chat dives into the nitty-gritty of integrating new birds and maintaining the pecking order, sharing nuggets of wisdom from our personal escapades. We shed light on the art of constructing a predator-proof coop, underscoring the significance of stress-free havens for our egg-laying companions. Plus, Joelle and I compare notes on the camaraderie and support found within the chicken-keeping community, from online forums to overcoming the dreaded coop lice crisis with a little help from our feathered friends.

Listen in for a flock of laughs and insights!

Support Wilma's podcast by purchasing merch here https://sassy-heifer-creations.creator-spring.com

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Today's Guest is Kris of Chicken City Chickens.

Meet Kris in her own words.
" I have one adult son. Currently I’m the caretaker for two elderly parents. I work for Rover which gives me a flexible schedule and I get to work with animals, bonus.  Everyone has always called my house the zoo. It all started with the typical dogs and cats, guinea pigs etc. lol. But I’ve been lucky enough to start a flock that has brought something to my life that I didn’t realize I needed so much! It’s been a journey of a lot of learning but wouldn’t trade it for anything. The amount of joy these girls bring me is priceless!"

Have you ever wondered how a coop becomes a castle and a few hens turn into a heritage of breeds? From the spark of pandemic-driven curiosity to the surprising world of urban chicken laws, our episode is a patchwork quilt of experiences that will resonate with anyone who's ever underestimated the pull of 'chicken math.' Discover how a simple desire to raise egg-layers blossomed into a community of clucking companions, each with their own quirks and names, while we navigate the personal triumphs and trials of poultry parenthood.

This cluck of a conversation didn't just stop at the coop door; we soared into the digital skies where small social media accounts roost with mighty tales. It's here that we uncovered the precious nature of every follower interaction and the shared laughter over hypothetical dance challenges inspired by our feathered friends. As we wrapped up, tipping our hats to the timeless laughter brought by "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," it was clear that the true spirit of chicken keeping lies in the bonds we build—be it with our flock or fellow enthusiasts across the globe. Join us for an episode that's more than just chicken feed; it's a celebration of the heart and humor that comes with being part of the poultry community.

Follow Kris here https://www.instagram.com/chickencitychickens/

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When Rai, a seasoned urban chicken keeper, opened up about the hushed illness plaguing her backyard flock, it struck a chord with my own trials in tending to my feathered friends. We both know the weight of silence around these issues all too well, and it's high time we brought it into the light. Our cozy conversation traverses from personal tales of loss, stemming from the heartbreaking Marek's disease, to the heartwarming introduction of Rai's lively Jack Russell terrier, Olive. We exchange holiday cheer and commiserate over the unpredictability of Appalachian weather, which often throws a wrench in our best-laid plans, be they festive gatherings or school schedules.

Navigating the joys and sorrows of urban homesteading takes more than just a love for our clucking companions; it requires an eagle eye for the subtle signs of distress and illness they sometimes show. Rai and I share anecdotes that shed light on the importance of timely veterinary care and making informed decisions about your flock's health. Our candid dialogue opens up about companion chickens as cherished pets, the unique needs of different flocks, and the idea of a "single ladies club" for older hens. It's clear that the path to a happy chicken coop is paved with knowledge, care, and a pinch of laughter at the unexpected.

Wrapping up our heartfelt discussion, we tackle the critical topic of vaccinations and the necessity of being proactive in flock management. From the complexities of securing chicks from hatcheries to the challenges of dealing with a disease-riddled flock, it becomes evident that a stitch in time saves nine—or in our case, a vaccine in time saves the flock. The episode culminates with an uplifting pledge to continue sharing our stories and insights, underscoring the importance of a supportive community in the world of pet companionship. Join us, warm beverage in hand, and find solace in the shared experiences that bond all passionate pet owners together.

Follow Rai here https://www.instagram.com/covidcluckers/

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Courtney is the content creator for The Rocker Chooks on Instagram. She was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, and currently lives there with her boyfriend and small backyard flock of big character chickens. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Communications with a Minor in Animal Science from and a Masters in Education; Youth Development Leadership. Both degrees support her professional life and personal interests. Courtney is a passionate Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension; Department of Youth Development, which leads the state 4-H program. When she’s not hanging out with her chickens, you can find her out birding or appreciating nature somehow.

Did you know that raising chickens can be a therapeutic journey filled with compassion and connection? Meet Courtney from Rocker Chooks, a passionate backyard chicken keeper, who takes us on her wonderful journey from her initial experiences with rabbits to her current devotion to chickens. Growing up with a passion for animals nurtured by 4-H, Courtney's story is an inspiring testament to the power of these experiences, including the unforgettable moment she won a special chair for her rabbits at the Minnesota State Fair.

Courtney’s insightful journey will help you grasp the intricacies of backyard chicken keeping, right from choosing the perfect breed to constructing a cozy coop. Her stories of naming her chickens and letting them free-range on her sprawling seven acres are bound to leave you amused and inspired. As she candidly discusses challenges, such as dealing with harsh climates and local regulations, you will discover the importance of 'chicken math' as you consider expanding your flock.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. We also delve into the digital realm, discussing the significance of fostering kindness and compassion in the online chicken community. Courtney shares her experiences with her Instagram account, Rocker Chooks, and the connections she has made with fellow chicken keepers. We further explore the crucial role of avian veterinarians in rural communities and the need to encourage interested youngsters to pursue this career path. This episode is a heartwarming blend of tips, stories, and motivating conversations, perfect for chicken lovers or anyone interested in a journey of passion for their community.

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What if we told you that raising backyard chickens could change lives and bring communities together? Join us as we have a heartfelt discussion with Reec Sweeney from Blackyard Chickenz, whose incredible journey from city life to urban farming has not only transformed his own life, but also made a positive impact on countless others.

Reec’s love for animals started with his grandparents, who instilled in him the importance of caring for creatures big and small. Reec’s passion doesn't end there - he's also dedicated to giving back to his community through his nonprofit organization, Positive America Youth.

In this inspiring conversation, we discuss the challenges and joys of raising backyard chickens and how simple acts of kindness can make a difference in our own communities, one chicken at a time. Tune in and be inspired to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
We did have some minor technical issues. But it didn’t matter to us. We had a great conversation. We hope y’all agree too!
Much love,
Mel & The Holler Gang
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Todays Episode

1. Limited availability: Backyard chicken keepers might find it more challenging to obtain antibiotics without a prescription. This change would mean they would need to consult a veterinarian to obtain antibiotics for their chickens.
2. Increased costs: Consulting a veterinarian and obtaining prescription antibiotics can be more expensive compared to purchasing OTC antibiotics. Backyard chicken keepers may need to allocate more of their budget to cover the cost of veterinary visits and prescription medications.
3. Importance of preventive measures: Without easy access to OTC antibiotics, backyard chicken keepers may need to focus more on preventive measures to maintain the health of their flock. This includes providing a clean and sanitary living environment, practicing good biosecurity measures, and implementing vaccination protocols.
4. Collaboration with veterinarians: The removal of OTC antibiotics may encourage backyard chicken keepers to establish a closer relationship with veterinarians who can provide guidance on flock health, disease prevention, and treatment options. Veterinarians can offer professional advice and prescribe appropriate medications when necessary.

It is important to note that these potential effects depend on specific regulations implemented by the FDA, which could vary over time. To obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information on this matter, I recommend consulting official sources such as the FDA, local agricultural extension offices, or poultry health professionals.

FDA List of banned OTC medications without a prescription is found here: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/antimicrobial-resistance/gfi-263-frequently-asked-questions-farmers-and-ranchers

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