PK360 Audio

Linebreeding Chickens: Build Consistency Without Losing Vigor – Audio Edition

Linebreeding can reveal weaknesses already hiding in a flock—and that is exactly why careful breeders use it. This Audio Edition was adapted from a PK360 LIVE conversation featuring Rip Stalvey, poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks, Karen Johnson, and guest Logan Courtney. Logan is a sixth-generation Oklahoma farmer who uses linebreeding with registered Jersey dairy cattle, Hereford cattle, and Light Sussex chickens. Together, they discuss what linebreeding can accomplish, why it sometimes produces disappointing generations, and how selection, records, nutrition, and patience work together to build a more consistent flock. Topics include: • What linebreeding is and what it can accomplish • Why it exposes hidden genetic problems • Clan breeding and practical systems for smaller flocks • Record keeping, wing bands, and pedigree software • Protecting size, vigor, fertility, and production • Choosing breeders and evaluating each generation • Starting with limited breeding stock • Bringing a needed improvement into an established line • Giving birds the nutrition needed to express their genetic potential Original PK360 LIVE video broadcast date: February8, 2024 Prefer the original video? Watch the PK360 LIVE Video Edition here: https://youtube.com/live/96mZJxuCYog If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. #PoultryBreeding #ChickenGenetics #PoultryKeepers360 Chapters and timestamps 0:00 Meet Logan Courtney 4:46 What Linebreeding Really Does 8:22 Consistency, Selection and Patience 14:09 Records, Wing Bands and Pedigrees 16:58 Building a Clan Breeding System 22:57 Protecting Production Qualities 27:15 A Practical Program for Smaller Flocks 31:24 Matings That Reveal Hidden Genetics 36:47 Exposing and Removing Genetic Problems 38:31 Maintaining Vigor and Choosing Breeders 43:11 Nutrition and Genetic Potential 47:26 Egg Selection and When to Cull 52:11 Can You Start With One Pair? 56:52 Introducing Improvements Into a Line 1:00:03 How Long Should You Use a Proven Male? 1:03:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Questions Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Winter Flock Reset: Fix What Isn’t Working - Audio Edition

Winter gives poultry keepers something we rarely have during the busy season: an opportunity to slow down, look back, and decide what genuinely needs improvement. A winter flock reset does not mean changing everything. It means identifying the routines, systems, and decisions that made poultry keeping harder than necessary—and correcting them before another breeding or hatching season begins. In this episode, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Sue Dobson discuss how to evaluate the past year honestly. They examine breeding results, recordkeeping, housing, ventilation, watering systems, mud and litter problems, nutrition, body condition, winter enrichment, and preparations for the next breeding season. You’ll also hear why changing several things at once makes it nearly impossible to determine what worked, how your birds’ behavior can reveal whether a change is helping, and why some successful parts of your system should be left alone. The goal is not a complete overhaul. It is a more manageable flock, stronger birds, better breeding decisions, and fewer avoidable problems next year. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. #PoultryKeepers360 #WinterChickenCare #FlockManagement TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS 00:00 Using winter as a practical reset 01:24 Evaluating the past year’s results 04:06 Learning from experienced poultry keepers 13:38 Records, observations, and breeding plans 17:40 Housing and ventilation 22:30 Water, mud, litter, and manure 27:56 A word from Fertrell 30:11 Winter watering systems and frostbite 33:24 Viewer questions about garlic and flock health 37:23 What body condition reveals about feeding 40:09 Feed quality, supplements, and behavior 47:12 How much feed do chickens need? 51:22 Preventing winter boredom and aggression 56:35 Selecting and pairing breeding birds 59:39 Winter jobs that prepare for breeding season 1:02:50 Is the system failing—or the follow-through? 1:03:51 Keep what works and measure the results 1:05:44 Change one thing at a time 1:07:52 Breeding goals and difficult selection decisions 1:09:24 Closing thoughts Listen to the Audio Edition here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDRODbVf9y3g Watch the Video Edition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGfX27f-7_I Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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How to Prepare Your Chickens for Breeding Season

Successful breeding begins long before the first eggs go into the incubator. In this episode, Carey Blackmon and poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks explain how to prepare a flock for breeding season—from choosing the right birds and setting breeding goals to managing lighting, nutrition, housing, and nest boxes. We discuss: The difference between hatching chicks and building a breeding program Choosing breeders with the fewest serious faults Deciding what you want your flock to become Using linebreeding to improve consistency What inbreeding depression really looks like Choosing the right time of year to hatch Preparing breeders through lighting management Adjusting light for younger and older birds Improving breeder nutrition before collecting eggs Egg size and its effect on chick quality Amino acids, vitamins, and chick vigor Preparing clean, comfortable nest boxes Whether greens have a place in the breeder diet Breeding season is not simply a matter of putting a rooster with a few hens. Better chicks begin with healthier breeders, clearly defined goals, and thoughtful preparation. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. Poultry Keepers 360 Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. Chapters and Timestamps 0:00 Opening Conversatio 7:22 Getting Ready for Breeding Season 9:38 Hatching Chickens vs Breeding Poultry 11:12 Where a Breeding Program Begins 12:52 Where Should Your Flock Be in Five Years? 15:58 Turning Goals Into a Breeding Plan 16:20 Linebreeding, Inbreeding, and Predictability 18:05 What Inbreeding Depression Really Means 22:38 Choosing the Right Hatch Season 23:19 Preparing Breeders With Light 25:22 Light Color and Intensity 29:40 Increasing Day Length Gradually 32:15 Lighting Older Breeding Birds 38:55 Continuous-Flow Watering Update 43:15 Feeding Birds for Breeding Season 44:35 Egg Size and Hatching Quality 46:29 Amino Acids and Chick Vigor 49:17 Nest Boxes for Breeding Pens 50:57 Bedding and Nest Cleanliness 53:32 Five-Gallon Bucket Nest Boxes 59:57 Do Breeding Birds Need Greens? 1:03:33 Alfalfa and Other Green Feeds 1:06:03 Final Thoughts This Audio Edition was adapted from a PK360 LIVE originally broadcast on September 18, 2025. Prefer to watch the original Video Edition? You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tagqQL2d1_E Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Is Your Chicken Coop Ready For Winter? Don't Forget The Air!

When cold weather arrives, many poultry keepers instinctively close their coops tightly to keep their chickens warm. Unfortunately, that can trap moisture, ammonia, and stale air—creating conditions far more dangerous than the cold itself. In this episode of PK360 LIVE, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Sue Dobson take a practical look at winter air quality and what poultry keepers can learn by observing their birds and the conditions inside their coops. The team discusses: • The difference between healthy ventilation and a harmful draft • Why dry birds generally tolerate cold temperatures remarkably well • How moisture and condensation accumulate inside winter housing • Why ammonia can harm chickens before people can smell it • How to calculate coop volume and choose an exhaust fan • Timed and forced-air ventilation • The connection between bedding, carbon, moisture, and ammonia • What respiratory behavior and feather condition may reveal • How stocking density and coop construction affect air quality • Common winter ventilation mistakes • The risks associated with supplemental heat Good winter management is not about creating human comfort inside a chicken coop. It is about protecting birds from direct weather while maintaining clean, dry, healthy air. Poultry Keepers 360 brings breeding, management, and nutrition together to help small-flock keepers understand their birds and make better-informed decisions. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. Our sincere thanks to The Fertrell Company for sponsoring PK360 LIVE and supporting practical poultry education. TIMESTAMPS AND CHAPTERS 0:00 Why winter air quality matters 1:57 Cold temperatures versus moisture and wind 3:07 Ventilation versus drafts 4:35 Where an exhaust fan should be placed 7:17 Calculating coop volume and fan runtime 9:38 A mentor’s cold-weather ventilation system 14:30 Where winter moisture comes from 16:08 Ammonia can cause harm before you smell it 19:09 Bedding, carbon, and ammonia control 21:02 Biochar, activated charcoal, and peat moss 25:14 Should ventilation change with temperature? 26:05 What birds reveal about poor air quality 27:49 Feather condition, humidity, and dietary fat 34:39 What a properly managed coop should smell like 35:51 How chickens behave when they are truly cold 37:32 Ventilating open-sided coops and barns 40:35 A word from The Fertrell Company 42:10 Stocking density and air quality 43:19 Wooden coops versus metal construction 47:26 Common winter ventilation mistakes 48:52 Helping birds adjust to environmental changes 50:26 Balancing weather protection and ventilation 52:45 One change that can improve coop air quality 54:25 Choosing breeds suited to the climate 55:57 The risks of supplemental heat 58:49 Final winter air-quality lessons Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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What’s Really in Your Chicken Feed? Protein, Fat & Fiber Explained - Video Edition

Protein percentage is only part of the story when it comes to feeding poultry well. What matters is how protein, amino acids, fats, fiber, and the other components of a diet work together. In this PK360 discussion, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon take a deeper look at three major components of poultry diets—protein, fat, and fiber—and explain why simply choosing the feed with the highest protein number may not give your birds what they actually need. We discuss vegetable and animal protein sources, why amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and cysteine matter, and how protein needs change as birds grow and enter production. The conversation also explores fish meal, fiber and gut health, the relationship between fat and fiber, different sources of dietary fat, and some of the practical compromises involved in mash, pellet, and crumble feeds. The discussion emphasizes that protein percentage alone can be misleading when amino-acid balance and total feed intake aren't considered. You'll also hear practical discussion about reading feed tags, feeding chicks and growing birds, breeding-season nutrition, whole grains, oats, feed freshness and storage, and questions from poultry keepers watching the original PK360 LIVE. Use the chapters below to listen from beginning to end or jump directly to the subject you need. Poultry Keepers 360 brings together practical experience and thoughtful poultry education to help poultry keepers better understand their birds and make informed decisions about breeding, management, and nutrition. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & What We’re Covering 1:07 Protein Sources in Poultry Diets 3:31 Why Amino Acid Balance Matters 5:03 Animal vs. Vegetable Protein 9:02 Fish Meal & Sustainable Sources 12:13 Fish Meal, Feather Quality & Eggs 16:25 Lysine, Methionine & Cysteine 19:21 How Much Protein Do Chicks Need? 25:07 Protein Needs for Growing Birds 26:13 Developer & Layer Feed 28:30 Do Some Breeds Need More Protein? 29:22 Nutrition for Breeding Stock 30:34 Fertrell Sponsor Break 31:40 Why Fiber Matters 34:31 Fiber, Gut Health & Bird Behavior 35:42 Choosing Effective Fiber Sources 37:42 Whole Oats & Diet Self-Selection 39:00 Balancing Fat and Fiber 40:23 Choosing Better Fat Sources 41:48 Animal Fat & Shelf Life 43:58 Vegetable vs. Animal Fats 45:24 What Fat Does for the Bird 47:35 Reading Fat & Fiber on Feed Tags 49:22 Why Good Fat & Fiber Levels Are Hard to Find 51:15 Whole Grains & Feeding Grit 52:49 Ergot Risk in Rye 53:44 Feed Freshness & Shelf Life 56:09 Mash vs. Pellets 57:32 Chick Feed & Breeder Supplement 58:12 What Is Mash Feed? 1:00:23 How Long Does Feed Stay Nutritious? 1:00:52 Calcium in Poultry Feed 1:03:40 How Long Can Whole Grains Be Stored? 1:05:07 Closing Thoughts Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Is Your Flock Ready for Winter? Weight & Body Condition Matter-Audio Edition

A chicken can look big, fluffy, and healthy—but what do you really know about what's underneath all those feathers? In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360 LIVE, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Sue Dobson take a practical look at the difference between a bird's weight and its body condition—and why understanding both can help you make better decisions for your flock. We discuss how to use your hands to evaluate muscle and fat, what the keel and pelvic bones can tell you, why two birds at the same weight may be in very different condition, and why regularly handling and observing your birds gives you information a scale alone cannot provide. As winter approaches, the conversation expands into seasonal feeding, water consumption, feeder space, managing birds that are over- or under-conditioned, and the nutritional demands of molt. We also tackle the common advice to simply increase protein during molt and explain why timing matters. Along the way, we answer viewer questions about young birds in cold weather, broody hens adopting chicks, seasonal feeding changes, sudden weight loss, lighting, and more. Most importantly, we return to one of the principles at the heart of Poultry Keepers 360: observe first and diagnose later. One unusual sign doesn't automatically tell you what is wrong. Learn what's normal for your flock, notice meaningful changes, ask better questions, and gather information before reaching for a treatment. Better decisions begin with better observations. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that's what this channel is all about. Timestamps and Chapters 0:00 Weight vs. Body Condition — What's the Difference? 2:49 Establishing What's Normal for Your Flock 4:59 What Does Body Condition Really Mean? 5:54 Using Your Hands to Evaluate Body Condition 8:06 Same Weight, Different Condition 10:25 What Excessive Body Condition Feels Like 11:22 Why Regular Hands-On Checks Matter 12:10 Molt, Weight Loss & Body Condition 13:18 Observation: Keep Your Hands in Your Pockets 16:31 What Changes Should You Expect in Winter? 17:00 Switching to Controlled Feeding 18:04 Why Feeder Space Matters 19:59 Winter Feed & Water Consumption 24:12 Managing Over- and Under-Conditioned Birds 25:48 Nutrition During Molt 29:17 “Push the Protein” — What Does the Science Say? 32:49 Do Birds Molt at the Same Time? 35:21 Sponsor Break 38:32 Does Age Affect How Chickens Handle Winter? 41:47 Can a Hen Adopt Another Chick? 44:47 Young Birds & Cold Weather 46:41 Should Feed Change With the Seasons? 47:29 What Sudden Weight Loss Can Tell You 51:00 Observe First — Diagnose Later 54:25 Should Chickens Gain Weight for Winter? 56:06 A Year-Round Body Condition Timeline 57:32 Start With the Goal 59:40 Make Five-Minute Flock Observation a Habit 1:00:27 Jeff's Buff Orpington & Minnow Story 1:01:50 Closing Thoughts Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Start Chicks Strong-Audio Edition

The first 14 days of a chick's life can shape far more than its early growth. Nutrition, brooder conditions, access to feed and water, lighting, temperature, grit, and opportunities for natural behavior can all influence how those chicks develop. In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360, Rip Stalvey, Carey Blackmon, and poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks take a practical look at what chicks need during this critical early period—and why getting the basics right from the beginning matters so much. The conversation covers choosing and evaluating chick feed, the importance of amino acids and early nutrition, when and how to introduce grit, brooder setup, access to feed and water, encouraging natural chick behavior, lighting and overstimulation, temperature management, common brooding mistakes, and questions from poultry keepers about their own chicks. You'll also hear an important discussion about what is happening inside the chick during those first days of life and why some developmental opportunities can't simply be recovered later. Whether you're preparing for your first hatch or have raised chicks for years, this episode offers practical ideas for taking a closer look at how you start your birds—and how those early decisions can affect the flock they eventually become. Better decisions begin with better observations. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that's what this channel is all about. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Timestamps and Chapters 0:00 Welcome & Why the First 14 Days Matter 2:34 Choosing the Right Feed for Baby Chicks 5:28 What to Look for on a Chick Feed Tag 6:38 Dairy Products and Young Chicks 11:19 When Should Chicks Start Getting Grit? 17:25 Early Development: Why There Are No Do-Overs 20:22 Making Feed and Water Easy to Find 21:19 Encouraging Natural Chick Behaviors 24:00 Nutrition and Feather Development 28:50 How Soon Should Newly Hatched Chicks Eat? 34:14 Community Questions & Poultry Keeper Experiences 39:22 Brooder Floors, Bedding & Early Feeding 43:24 Lighting, Stress & Friendly Chicks 46:03 Using Treats Without Replacing Good Nutrition 50:47 Wing Banding & Brooder Questions 56:07 Common Brooding Mistakes to Avoid 56:47 When Chicks Begin Regulating Body Temperature 58:09 Mixing Ages & Raising Chicks with Poults 1:00:33 Water and Electrolytes for Chicks 1:06:25 Choosing a Safe Heat Source 1:08:08 Closing Thoughts Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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More Winter Light

Winter often brings shorter days—and fewer eggs. But is adding artificial light really the answer? In this video, we'll separate fact from fiction and discuss what supplemental lighting can and cannot do for your flock. We'll cover: • Why egg production naturally declines during winter. • How day length affects a hen's laying cycle. • When supplemental lighting may be helpful. • Common mistakes poultry keepers make with winter lighting. • Why lighting alone won't solve every egg production problem. By the end of this video, you'll understand what actually works, what doesn't, and how to make better winter management decisions for your flock. Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Flock Talk

This is audio from the July 16, 2026 PK360 LIVE Got questions about your flock? Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Flock Talk LIVE is our interactive livestream where small flock poultry keepers come together to talk about the real challenges and opportunities of raising chickens and other poultry. This is a relaxed, experience-based discussion where we share practical knowledge, explore current poultry topics, and answer your questions live. In tonight’s episode, we’ll cover: • Practical tips and tricks to help you manage your flock more effectively • Hot topics that poultry keepers are talking about right now • A live Q&A session where you can ask your poultry questions in real time Whether you're raising backyard chickens, breeding quality birds, or simply trying to better understand your flock, this livestream is designed to help you think more clearly about Genetics, Management, and Nutrition—the three foundations of successful poultry keeping. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and be part of the conversation. If you enjoy thoughtful, experience-based poultry information like this, that’s what this channel is all about. Poultry Keepers 360 helps small flock poultry keepers build stronger, healthier flocks through a deeper understanding of poultry Genetics, Management, and Nutrition. #FlockTalkLive #BackyardChickens #PoultryKeeping #ChickenCare #SmallFlock #PoultryTips #ChickenBreeding Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Learn To Read Your Flock During Winter

Winter has a way of changing a flock. Some birds become more active. Others spend more time on the roost. Feed consumption changes. Water consumption changes. Social interactions change. The question isn't whether your flock behaves differently during the winter—the question is whether you know how to read what those changes are trying to tell you. Join us for this PK360 LIVE as we explore one of the most valuable skills a poultry keeper can develop: learning to "read" your flock through observation. We'll discuss the behavioral clues your birds give every day, what those clues may mean, and how careful observation often allows you to recognize small issues before they become bigger problems. This won't be a lecture filled with winter management tips. Instead, we'll have a conversation about learning your birds' language—one observation at a time. Whether you're new to poultry keeping or have cared for chickens for years, you'll leave with practical ideas that will help you become a more confident observer and a better decision-maker throughout the winter season. Bring your questions, share your own observations in the live chat, and let's learn from one another. Because better observations lead to better decisions. Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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The Future of PK360-Big Changes, New Tools, and What’s Next

The future of Poultry Keepers 360 starts now. Join Rip Stalvey, Sue Dobson, and Carey Blackmon in this special PK360 Audio, as they unveil the biggest improvements and educational initiatives in our organization's history. During this show, we'll discuss: • The new PK360 Learning System • Field Guide Videos • PK360 Sheets • YouTube Shorts as learning reinforcement tools • The Observation Framework (our first official curriculum) • Our new programming guide • Seasonal content planning • The return of podcasting • Future educational initiatives • What's next for PK360 Most importantly, we'll explain how these changes will help poultry keepers learn more effectively and make better decisions. We believe the future of poultry education isn't simply about creating more content. It's about creating better learning. Join the conversation and be part of the next chapter of Poultry Keepers 360. Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Selecting Dual Purpose Chickens: Hands-On Traits That Matter for Meat and Eggs (Part 2), Classic Replay

Discover the art and science behind selecting and breeding true dual-purpose chickens in Part 2 of our series! Join us as we dive deep into evaluating carcass quality, balancing body structure for meat and egg production, and how nutrition and genetics both shape your flock’s success. Learn firsthand from real breeders’ experiences, feeding trials, and practical selection methods to create resilient, productive birds. Whether you’re a homesteader, breeder, or serious poultry enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world knowledge you can apply today! Subscribe for more poultry breeding education, feed strategies, and sustainable flock management tips! Listen Here Now: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Selecting Dual Purpose Chickens: Hands-On Traits That Matter for Meat and Eggs (Part 1), Classic Replay

In this information-packed episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into how to evaluate and select true dual-purpose poultry breeds for both meat and egg production. Join Rip, Jeff, Carey, and Mandelyn as they discuss hands-on selection techniques, key body traits, breed standards, carcass evaluation, and how to use real production data to make better breeding decisions. Whether you’re breeding American Bresse, Rhode Island Reds, or other traditional dual-purpose breeds, this episode will help you understand what to look for in males and females at different ages, how to balance traits, and why the best breeders also process and eat their own birds. Don’t miss this honest, experience-based conversation on making meaningful progress in your flock by focusing on structure, productivity, and purpose, not just appearance. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Be sure to catch Part 2 next week! Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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How To Begin A Successful Journey With Poultry: Part 2 – A Classic Replay

This is the conclusion of last week's episode. 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! Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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How To Begin A Successful Journey With Poultry: Part 1 - A Classic Replay

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! Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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5 Hidden Coop Mistakes Hurting Your Birds Episode 2

Think your chicken coop is “good enough”? What Rip, Jeff, and Carey reveal in this episode will change the way you look at every part of your coop—from the floor under their feet to the air they breathe. Most poultry keepers focus on predators, bedding, or heat… but the real secrets that make coops safe, healthy, and long-lasting are hiding in plain sight. In this episode of Poultry Keepers Podcast, we break down the most misunderstood parts of coop design. You’ll learn why insulation isn’t necessary (even at –30°F), how poor airflow silently harms your birds long before you smell ammonia, and why choosing the wrong flooring can invite bumblefoot, mud problems, and rapid coop deterioration. They also dig into practical setup strategies: coop orientation, shade vs. sun, rooftop ventilation, predator-proofing, choosing between DIY and ready-made coops, and how to avoid the biggest mistake new keepers make—underbuilding and falling victim to chicken math. If you’ve ever wondered why some coops stay clean, dry, odor-free, and predator-proof—and yours doesn’t—this episode gives you the missing pieces. Watch now to uncover the design flaws most flock owners never notice… until problems show up. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #CoopDesign #BackyardChickens #ChickenCoopTips #PoultryCare #HealthyFlock #ChickenCoopVentilation #DIYChickenCoop #BackyardPoultry #ChickenMath #PredatorProofing #PoultryEducation #SmallFlockCare #HomesteadChickens Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

5 Hidden Coop Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Birds-Part 1

Discover the real secrets behind a clean, productive, low-stress chicken coop that keeps your birds happy, healthy, and stress-free. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon reveal the five coop setup choices that have the biggest impact on flock health, egg quality, and ease of management. These aren’t the tips you find on Pinterest—these are the practical, experience-backed methods used by lifelong poultry keepers. In Part 1, you’ll learn how the right roost design, nest-box setup, and coop interior layout can instantly reduce mess, prevent squabbles, protect feet, increase egg cleanliness, and make daily chores faster and easier. You’ll also hear real-world tips on roost height, materials, spacing per bird, discouraging nest-box sleeping, and the surprising role darkness and privacy play in encouraging clean, well-shaped eggs. If you want a coop that practically runs itself, and a flock that stays healthier with less work, this episode lays the foundation. Whether you’re a brand-new backyard keeper or a seasoned poultry enthusiast looking to refine your setup, these insights will help you build a coop that works with your birds—not against them. Watch Part 2 next week for the remaining secrets and a full breakdown of bedding choices, deep-litter methods, and how to reduce coop labor without sacrificing flock health! #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #ChickenCoopSetup #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeepingTips #FreshEggsDaily #PoultryCare #HomesteadChickens #ChickenCoopDesign #RaisingChickens #ChickenRoosts #NestingBoxes #CleanEggs #PoultryHealth #ChickenBeginners #FlockManagement #BackyardFarming #UrbanChickens #HealthyChickens #CoopSecrets Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Coop Design Secrets-Part 2

Think your chicken coop is “good enough”? What Jeff reveals in this episode will change the way you look at every part of your coop—from the floor under their feet to the air they breathe. Most poultry keepers focus on predators, bedding, or heat… but the real secrets that make coops safe, healthy, and long-lasting are hiding in plain sight. In this episode of Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip, Carey, and poultry nutrition expert Jeff Mattocks break down the most misunderstood parts of coop design. You’ll learn why insulation isn’t necessary (even at –30°F), how poor airflow silently harms your birds long before you smell ammonia, and why choosing the wrong flooring can invite bumblefoot, mud problems, and rapid coop deterioration. They also dig into practical setup strategies: coop orientation, shade vs. sun, rooftop ventilation, predator-proofing, choosing between DIY and ready-made coops, and how to avoid the biggest mistake new keepers make—underbuilding and falling victim to chicken math. If you’ve ever wondered why some coops stay clean, dry, odor-free, and predator-proof—and yours doesn’t—this episode gives you the missing pieces. listen now to uncover the design flaws most flock owners never notice… until problems show up. FREE WORKBOOK: Download the Coop Design Workbook with ventilation calculators, square-footage guidelines, and referenced materials inside the Poultry Keepers 360 Facebook Group, Files section. Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcst.com to listen now. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #CoopDesign #BackyardChickens #ChickenCoopTips #PoultryCare #HealthyFlock #ChickenCoopVentilation #DIYChickenCoop #BackyardPoultry #ChickenMath #PredatorProofing #PoultryEducation #SmallFlockCare #HomesteadChickens Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Coop Design Secrets – Part 1

If you’ve ever wondered why some coops keep birds healthy and thriving while others create nonstop problems… this episode is your missing blueprint. Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon break down the real factors that make or break a coop—space requirements, ventilation, run design, soil management, flock stress, and more. Whether you’re building your first coop or improving one you’ve used for years, this conversation will help you avoid the hidden mistakes that lead to behavioral issues, respiratory problems, soil burnout, predator vulnerability, and long-term maintenance headaches. In Part 1, you’ll learn: • The 3 critical elements every coop must have • How flock goals shape coop design • Real indoor & outdoor space requirements per bird • Why overcrowding triggers stress and weak immunity • Managing soil health in runs and high-traffic areas • Smart run rotation to prevent pathogen overload • How to use gardens, cover crops, and liming to restore soil • Coop height, roost height, and placement mistakes • Doors, pop doors, flooring, hardware, and cleaning efficiency • Practical examples from Florida, Texas, Oklahoma & beyond This episode is packed with hands-on, real-world solutions from people who’ve built and rebuilt dozens of coops—from backyard setups to pasture-based systems. Next week: Coop Design Secrets – Part 2 We’ll dive deeper into roost systems, ventilation specifics, predator protection, and layout tips that make caring for your birds easier year-round. If you love learning, improving your setup, and raising healthier, happier birds… you’re in the right place. Watch, learn, and subscribe for more poultry wisdom every week. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #BackyardChickens #ChickenCoops #CoopDesign #PoultryHealth #Homesteading #RaisingChickens #ChickenRunDesign #PoultryTips #SmallFlockKeeping #HeritagePoultry Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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Poultry Health Master Class-Part 4

Welcome to Part 4 of the Poultry Health Master Class, featuring poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks and poultry educator Carey Blackmon. In this final session of the series, Jeff and Carey walk through advanced poultry health concepts, including how to recognize internal issues through necropsy, how heart attack presents in chickens, and how to manage rare but serious conditions like Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS). You’ll also learn practical, science-based natural remedies for improving flock health, including the correct use of garlic, oregano, sulfur, ashes, cayenne pepper, and herbal tinctures—and why using these tools only as needed keeps them effective. This episode also covers: • Diagnosing a heart attack in chickens using firmness, tone, color, and posture • How Egg Drop Syndrome spreads, what it looks like, and how to support recovery • When a leathery egg isn’t EDS (normal pullet behavior) • How external parasites take hold, and how to get rid of them for good • Using dust baths, sulfur, and internal support to change blood chemistry • Oregano oil as an antimicrobial and antiviral (not an antibiotic!) • Why herbs should be used as treatments—not daily feed additives • Whether scalding affects necropsy results when processing birds • How cayenne pepper helps with blackhead and parasite pressure • The value of the Merck Veterinary Manual for diagnosing poultry problems This master class gives backyard poultry keepers the practical, real-world knowledge to manage health issues, support recovery, prevent unnecessary losses, and avoid the misinformation common on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe for the next series on Poultry Coop Design, and revisit Parts 1–3 to complete the full Master Class experience. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryHealth #BackyardChickens #ChickenHealth #FlockManagement #PoultryNutrition #ChickenCare #NaturalPoultryRemedies #HomesteadChickens #ChickenIllness #EggDropSyndrome #MerckVetManual Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973

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