Shows
Poultry Keepers PodcastCulling With Clarity-Part 1In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman have a deep and honest discussion on one of the most challenging but essential parts of poultry keeping: culling.But wait—culling isn’t just about processing birds. It’s about decision-making. It’s about your flock’s future. It’s about refining your breeding goals, making tough calls, and protecting your reputation as a poultry keeper. Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, show, or dual purpose, you’ll walk away from this episode with fresh insight into what culling really means—a...
2025-07-0127 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastBeating the Heat: Help Your Birds Stay Cool in the SummerSummer heat can be brutal—but your poultry don’t have to suffer through it. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey shares real-world, down-home strategies to help your flock stay cool, safe, and productive during the hottest months of the year. From water and shade solutions to ventilation tricks, frozen treats, low-sodium electrolytes, and breed choices that beat the heat—this episode is packed with practical advice tailored for backyard and small flock poultry keepers. Whether you're just starting out or you've been raising chickens for decades, you'll come away with tools and tip...
2025-06-2809 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastThe Impportance of Fat in Poultry Diets-Bonus ContentIn this deep-dive bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey explores one of the most misunderstood components of poultry nutrition: fats. Whether you’re raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, fat plays a crucial role in energy, feather quality, fertility, and even immunity.Host Rip Stalvey explains how dietary fats impact vitamin absorption, hormone production, feed palatability, and overall flock health. You'll learn the differences between animal- and plant-based fats, how omega-3s affect egg and feather quality, and ideal fat levels by bird type—from chicks to mature breeders.You'll also get...
2025-06-2608 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastHow Feathers Affect TypeIn this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey takes a deep dive into a topic every breeder and exhibitor should understand: how feather development affects poultry type. Drawing insights from a timeless 1915 article by renowned poultry judge and illustrator Arthur O. Schilling, this episode explores how feathers influence our perception of conformation, structure, and maturity—and why learning to judge beyond the feathers is crucial.Discover the difference between soft-feathered and hard-feathered breeds, why early feathering can be misleading, how cockerels and pullets develop differently, and what molting reveals about your birds. Whether yo...
2025-06-2108 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastAmino Acids Bonus ContentIn this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most critical yet overlooked components of poultry nutrition—amino acids. Whether you're raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, understanding the role of amino acids can dramatically improve your flock’s health, productivity, behavior, and appearance.Learn how amino acids like methionine, lysine, and threonine affect feather development, muscle growth, egg production, immunity, and even temperament. Discover why crude protein percentages don’t tell the whole story, and what to look for in a well-formulated poultry feed. If you’ve ever won...
2025-06-1906 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastSmart Selection-Part 1In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey is joined by Mandelyn Royal and John Gunterman to explore one of the most powerful yet misunderstood aspects of poultry breeding: Smart Selection. Whether you're raising birds for eggs, meat, show, or heritage preservation, this conversation breaks down how purposeful culling and intentional selection can make or break your flock's future. Discover when and how to begin selecting birds, how to use records and daily observations to evaluate progress, and why even small decisions during brooding can have long-term impacts on flock quality. Fr...
2025-06-1731 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastFeeding Quail For SuccessIn this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey breaks down what it really takes to feed your quail for success at every life stage. From the high-protein, high-fat needs of newly hatched chicks to the adjusted calcium and vitamin requirements of breeders, this episode covers the full nutritional roadmap for small flock quail keepers. Based on insights from Jeff Mattocks’ “Quail Nutrition 101” presentation and his book Niche Poultry: Feeding and Management, you'll get practical, science-backed advice on how to feed quail for optimal growth, egg production, and chick viability. Learn what to feed, when to...
2025-06-1407 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastMolting Done Right: A Gentle Non-Fasting Approach for Backyard ChickensIn this Coop Wisdom bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey walks you through a step-by-step, non-fasting molting method that supports your flock’s health, comfort, and future egg production.Learn what molting is, when it occurs, why it matters, and how you can manage it humanely without depriving your hens. You’ll discover how to adjust your flock’s diet, lighting, and care to guide them through this critical rest-and-renewal phase with confidence.Whether you're new to backyard chickens or a seasoned small-flock keeper, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, expert...
2025-06-1207 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastFowl Pox in Poultry: What It Is, How It Spreads, and How to Protect Your FlockIt’s mosquito season—and that means your birds may be at higher risk of Fowl Pox, a viral disease that spreads rapidly through bites, contact, and contaminated surfaces.In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey breaks down:What fowl pox is and how to recognize itHow it spreads in your flockWhat treatments help reduce symptoms and secondary infectionsThe best ways to prevent outbreaks before they startWhether you’re a backyard hobbyist or a seasoned breeder, this 15-minute segment gives you practical, up-to-date advice to keep your flock...
2025-06-0708 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastCoop Wisdom About Body CapacityIn this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive into a vital but often overlooked trait in poultry breeding: body capacity. Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, or sustainability, understanding and improving body capacity can elevate your flock's productivity and long-term health.Hosted by Rip Stalvey, this episode covers:What body capacity really means in poultryHow to evaluate it using hands-on methodsWhy it's a key trait for feed efficiency, egg production, and vigorProven strategies to breed birds with better internal volumeHow nutrition and management influence genetic expressionIf you’re se...
2025-06-0507 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastThe Most Improtant Period of IncubationIn this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most important questions in poultry hatching: What is the most critical part of the incubation process—and when does it matter most?While many poultry keepers focus on temperature, humidity, and egg turning, Rip explains why the first 10 days of incubation are the true foundation for hatch success. You’ll learn what’s happening inside the egg during this window, how early mistakes can lead to weak chicks or failed hatches, and what you can do to set...
2025-05-3109 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastWe Are What We Eat, Eats-Bonus ContentIn this personal and down-to-earth episode, Rip Stalvey shares why poultry nutrition isn’t just about feed—it’s about the food we ultimately serve our families. When we raise backyard chickens, their health, egg quality, and meat flavor are a direct reflection of what we put in their feeders. That’s why we say: We are what we eat, eats.You'll learn how intentional poultry feeding choices—like balanced amino acids, calcium, high-quality fats, and grit—make all the difference. We’ll explore why pasture access isn’t enough without a complete feed, how to improve egg yolk color a...
2025-05-2907 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastGrow Out Secrets-Part 2In Part 2 of the Grow Out Secrets series on The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman return to the conversation on raising and evaluating young poultry during the critical grow-out phase. This episode dives into the real-world decisions poultry keepers must make when selecting future breeders and culling out the rest.Learn how to spot activity levels, how nutrition impacts development, when to expect certain traits to appear, and how to manage your grow-outs for optimal health and performance. The team also discusses:The importance of space and gender separationWhy...
2025-05-2728 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastBonus Content-The Poultry Keepers PyramidIn this bonus audio, host Rip Stalvey introduces a simple but powerful model for raising better birds: The Poultry Keeper’s Pyramid. This foundational framework focuses on three equal, interconnected pillars—Genetics, Management, and Nutrition—and shows how balancing all three leads to healthier, more productive, and more consistent flocks.Whether you raise birds for eggs, meat, show, or sustainability, this conversation offers clear, relatable guidance for diagnosing problems and making real progress. Learn how to evaluate your birds through the lens of genetics, refine your management practices, and optimize your nutrit...
2025-05-2408 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastBest Practices for Brooding Baby Chicks-Part 2In Part 2 of our series on best practices for brooding baby chicks, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks continue their discussion on creating the ideal environment for young chicks. This episode dives deep into important factors like adjusting brooder temperature, choosing the right protein levels for chick starter feed, managing amino acid intake, monitoring crop fill, preventing pasty butt, and why grit and probiotics can make a big difference in early chick health.Topics covered include:· How to fine-tune brooder temperature as chicks grow· Understanding protein and amino acid requirements for healthy growth
2025-05-1329 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastBest Practices In Brooding Baby Chicks-Part 1In this episode, Rip Stalvey and Jeff Mattocks dive deep into best practices for brooding baby chicks. Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock or managing a large brooding setup, starting chicks off right is the key to developing healthy, productive birds.Topics covered include:· Brooder setup and spacing for chicks· Ideal brooding temperatures and how to manage heat sources· Expert feeding techniques, including using liver and egg for early nutrition· Choosing the best bedding materials (peat moss, pine shavings, and more)· Early growth benchmark...
2025-05-0625 min
Poultry Keepers PodcastSpring Fever Is Real - Part 2In Part 2 of “Spring Fever Is Real,” the Poultry Keepers Podcast team dives deep into the realities of spring chick season, feed shortages, overstocked coops, and the consequences of poor planning. Hosts Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman share personal insights on how chicken math can spiral out of control and offer real-world advice on incubator capacity, grow-out planning, feed availability, and breeder burnout. Whether you're new to poultry or rethinking your hatching goals, this episode is filled with practical wisdom to help you raise strong, sustainable flocks without losing your sanity—or your space.Join...
2025-04-1523 minPoultry Keepers PodcastIntroductiopn to Waterfowl-Part 1In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts John Gunterman, Mandelyn Royal, and Rip Stalvey discuss the fundamentals of keeping waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They cover the growing popularity of waterfowl for benefits like eggs, meat, pest control, and entertainment. The conversation addresses the key considerations for beginners, including choosing the right breeds based on goals (e.g., meat or egg production), ethical down harvesting, and special uses of specific breeds. They highlight practical aspects like waterfowl’s need for water, differences between breeds, incubation processes, and common challenges. The episode also cove...
2025-02-2519 minPoultry Keepers PodcastThe Importance of Vitamins & Minerals Part-1In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Jeff Mattacks, Carey Blackmon, and Rip Stalvey discuss the significance of vitamins and minerals in poultry diets. They delve into the roles of vitamins A, E, D, and B, explain their impact on health and development, and highlight the difference between minimum and optimum levels for poultry nutrition. The discussion includes practical advice on ensuring proper vitamin levels, the limitations of current research, and the importance of maintaining higher nutritional standards. The episode also touches on optimal feed storage practices to maintain vitamin efficacy and concludes wi...
2025-02-1128 minPoultry Keepers PodcastProtein, Fats, and Fiber in Poultry NutritionIn this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon dive into the critical role that proteins, fats, and fibers play in poultry nutrition. They emphasize the differences between vegetable-based and animal-based protein sources, detail the importance of specific amino acids like lysine and methionine, and discuss the use of fish meal and its sustainability. The hosts also cover age-specific protein requirements for poultry, from chicks to layers, and the importance of balanced amino acid levels for optimal growth and egg production. They touch on the issues of overfeeding protein an...
2025-02-0427 minPoultry Keepers PodcastThe Role of Proteins, Fats, and Fibers in Poultry Nutrition-Part 1In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Rip Stalvey explore the complexities of proteins, fats, and fibers in poultry nutrition. They delve into protein sources, comparing vegetable-based (mostly soybean and canola meal) and animal-based (fish meal and meat meals) proteins, and discuss essential amino acids like lysine and methionine. The conversation covers the importance of sustainable fishing for fishmeal, concerns over overfeeding protein, and specific nutritional needs during different growth stages of poultry, including chicks, growers, developers, layers, and breeding stock. The hosts emphasize the need for balanced amino ac...
2025-01-2927 minPoultry Keepers PodcastBlake Bell Talks Brahmas--Part 2In 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 ferm...
2024-12-3121 minPoultry Keepers PodcastBlake Bell Talks Brahmas-Part 1In 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 fo...
2024-12-2418 minPoultry Keepers PodcastManure Management-Part 1In 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. Prop...
2024-11-1221 minPoultry Keepers PodcastFrom Day Old To First Egg-Part 2From 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 hen...
2024-10-2231 minPoultry Keepers PodcastFrom Day Old To First Egg-Part 1This episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast features discussions with Jeff Mattocks, Karen Johnston, and Rip Stalvey on essential practices for raising chicks from day old to egg-laying stage. They explore the importance of the first week in a chick's life for metabolic function establishment and discuss the use of products like dairy supplements to aid development. The conversation highlights how to properly transition chicks through different phases by adjusting their nutrition and environment, including managing protein levels to prevent health issues like gout. Practical advice is also given on providing supplemental heat, transitioning chicks to...
2024-10-1525 minPoultry Keepers PodcastWilliam Saunders On Phoenix ChickensIn the Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey interviews William Saunders, a Phoenix poultry breeder from Florida. William shares his journey, starting at age four, and his breeding experiences over 19 years focusing on Phoenix birds. He discusses the rewards and challenges of breeding Phoenix, including weather conditions in Florida and maintaining bird health. He outlines his breeding process, emphasizing the importance of selecting traits like leg length and feather condition, and discusses his management practices such as feeding high-protein diets and separating males and females to prevent feather picking. William also shares his methods for maintaining bird...
2024-10-0822 min