Published by Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Sue Dobson
Leisure
Home & Garden
Welcome to PK360 Audio , and thank you for joining us. If you've been with us for a while, you may remember our original Poultry Keepers Podcast . As PK360 has grown, we've learned something important. Simply sharing information isn't enough. We want to help poultry keepers not only learn more, but also become more confident in the decisions they make every day. That's why we've created PK360 Audio. Our mission remains the same— Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. What has changed is how we hope to accomplish that mission. Rather than simply telling you what to do, we'll also provide practical tools that help you put what you're learning into practice. Whether it's our Observation Journal, educational Sheets, Decision Trees, or other companion resources, our goal is to help bridge the gap between learning and doing. Most episodes will be adapted from our Field Guide videos and PK360 LIVE programs, making it easy to continue learning while driving, working around the farm, or taking care of everyday chores. You'll also hear occasional audio-exclusive conversations, interviews, and special programs created just for our podcast listeners. You'll also be hearing from the entire PK360 team, including livestock nutritionist Jeff Mattocks , poultry educators Carey Blackmon and Sue Dobson , along with me, Rip Stalvey . Learning doesn't end when an episode is over, so I invite you to join us in the Poultry Keepers 360 Facebook Group , where you'll find our companion tools, thoughtful discussions, and a community of poultry keepers who enjoy learning together. If you have questions, suggestions, or ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me anytime at stalvey.rip@gmail.com . Thank you for joining us. I'm excited about this new chapter, and I hope you'll come along for the journey. Because better observations lead to better decisions.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 3
In Part 3 of the Poultry Health Master Class on The Poultry Keepers Podcast , hosts Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks continue their deep dive into poultry health, exploring the causes, symptoms, and management of some of the most common ailments affecting flocks today. This educational episode covers Marek’s disease , gout , bumblefoot , rickets , nutritional deficiencies , and chronic respiratory disease (CRD) —each explained with clarity and real-world experience that backyard and small-flock keepers can trust. You’ll learn how stress and environment influence disease outbreaks, what hidden factors make Marek’s difficult to identify, and why gout and bumblefoot are often preventable with proper management and diet. Carey and Jeff also explain how to spot early signs of vitamin and mineral imbalances, recognize curled toes and rickets, and understand the role of necropsy in getting accurate answers when birds decline unexpectedly. Whether you’re raising backyard layers, show birds, or dual-purpose flocks, this episode will give you practical insights to strengthen your flock’s health through better management, nutrition, and prevention. Subscribe to The Poultry Keepers Podcast for more expert-led discussions on poultry management, breeding, and nutrition. Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com to listen now, plus the complete episode archives and resources for small flock success. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryHealth #MareksDisease #ChickenCare #FlockHealth #BackyardChickens #PoultryManagement #PoultryNutrition #PoultryDiseases #SmallFlockSuccess #HeritagePoultry #ChickenHealthTips Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Poultry Water Systems-Part 2
In this follow-up episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast , poultry experts Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon dive deep into the details of building and maintaining reliable poultry water systems for every season. Learn how to design a system that keeps your flock’s water clean, cool, and flowing — even in freezing winter temperatures or summer heat waves. Discover the pros and cons of nipple and cup systems, how to reduce water pressure safely, and practical DIY tricks for heat and freeze protection that actually work. You’ll also get hands-on insights from real setups: How to size pumps and manage water pressure correctly. Cup and nipple system pros, cons, and maintenance tips. Gravity flow vs. recirculating setups — which is best for your flock? Winter freeze protection using heat lamps, pipe heaters, and low-voltage systems. How poor water access stops hens from laying — and what to do about it. Whether you raise backyard layers, breeders, or show birds, this episode is packed with real-world advice from trusted experts who’ve built systems that last. Listen now: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com Subscribe for weekly episodes on flock management, nutrition, and poultry health! #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryWaterSystems #BackyardChickens #HomesteadFarming #ChickenCoopSetup #PoultryHealth #FlockManagement #PoultryTips #ChickenWaterer #DIYChickenCoop #PoultryCare #HeritagePoultry Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Poultry Water Systems-Part 1
Welcome to another episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast! In this first part of our two-part deep dive, Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks unpack everything you need to know about poultry water systems—from nipple and cup design to keeping water clean, cool, and algae-free. Whether you’re raising a few backyard hens or managing a larger breeding flock, clean water is critical for bird health, growth, and egg production. Carey and Jeff share practical solutions for summer heat, winter freeze protection, pH balance, and choosing the right equipment for chicks, layers, and turkeys. In this episode you’ll learn: How water quality affects feed intake and production. The difference between chick, layer, and turkey nipple drinkers. Safe ways to reduce algae and keep systems clean. How temperature and light affect water consumption. Smart hacks to cool water in summer and prevent freezing in winter. Why system design matters for consistent flock health. This episode is packed with proven tips, real-world experiences, and Jeff Mattocks’ professional insight into water quality and system setup. 🎧 Listen now at : www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com Then get ready for Part 2 of Poultry Water Systems next week! #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #PoultryWaterSystems #BackyardChickens #PoultryCare #ChickenWatering #HomesteadChickens #PoultryHealth #CleanWaterForChickens #ChickenKeepingTips #WaterQuality #PoultryManagement #FlockCare Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 2
In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon continue their Poultry Health Master Class with an in-depth look at real-world health issues every poultry keeper faces. Learn how to recognize early symptoms, identify management causes, and apply effective solutions for viral and bacterial conditions that can affect your flock. Topics covered include: Understanding and managing Mycoplasma-related respiratory disease Recognizing Botulism and how Clostridium bacteria cause “limber-neck” in chickens Identifying Gout in poultry and how protein and calcium imbalance trigger joint pain The difference between Bumblefoot and Gout —and what causes each Roundworms, tapeworms, and cecal worms: how they spread and how to prevent reinfection Coccidiosis: how it develops, the role of soil management, and how balance builds natural immunity Why overusing medications like Corid can actually harm gut health Practical prevention through nutrition, sanitation, and observation If you want to improve your flock’s long-term health and understand the “why” behind poultry problems, this session is for you. Listen, learn, and take notes —because a healthy flock starts with informed management. To listen now go to: www.thepoultrykeeperspordcast.com #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryHealthMasterClass #BackyardChickens #PoultryCare #PoultryHealth #ChickenDiseases #FlockManagement #HealthyFlocks #Mycoplasma #Botulism #Coccidiosis #ChickenWorms Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 1
Welcome to The Poultry Keepers Podcast ! In this first installment of our four-part Poultry Health Master Class series, Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks dive deep into the most common poultry health issues—and how to manage them naturally and effectively. In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify and treat: Dry vs. Wet Fowl Pox — what they look like and how they spread Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and what signs to watch for CRD (Mycoplasma) and other respiratory illnesses: prevention and biosecurity Fowl Cholera and other look-alike respiratory conditions The right use of natural remedies like garlic tincture , oregano , and CEG (Cayenne + Echinacea + Garlic) Smart management tips for small-flock health, mosquito control, and maintaining strong immune systems This is the must-hear foundation for anyone who wants to raise healthier birds without relying heavily on antibiotics. Tune in as Carey and Jeff share real-world insights, field-tested remedies, and practical prevention strategies every small-flock keeper can use. Don’t miss Part 2 next Tuesday as the Poultry Health Master Class continues! Visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com to listen now and for more episodes, guides, and free resources. Hashtags #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #PoultryHealth #BackyardChickens #NaturalRemedies #FowlPox #PoultryBiosecurity #ChickenCare #CRD #FowlCholera #SmallFlockManagement #PoultryPodcast #HomesteadChickens Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Getting Ready For Breeding Season-Part 2
In Part 2 of Getting Ready for Breeding Season , The Poultry Keepers Podcast continues the conversation with deeper insights into preparing your flock for success. This episode covers critical topics every poultry keeper should know, including: How to manage lighting for optimal fertility without stressing birds The role of water systems and continuous flow setups in maintaining flock health Why nutrition—especially amino acids like lysine, methionine, and threonine—directly impacts egg quality and chick vigor Ideal egg sizes for hatching strong, healthy chicks Housing and nest box designs that reduce stress and encourage reliable laying The importance of fresh greens, sprouts, and even alfalfa in boosting vitamin A and embryo development Whether you’re raising heritage breeds, managing a small backyard flock, or preparing birds for show, this discussion provides actionable steps to elevate your breeding program. To listen to this episode, visit www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #PoultryBreedersNutrition #ShowProFarmSupply #PoultryBreeding #ChickenBreeding #BackyardChickens #PoultryNutrition #HeritagePoultry #BreedingSeason Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
Getting Ready For Breeding Season-Part 1
Are your chickens truly ready for breeding season? In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon dive into everything small flock keepers need to know to prepare for a successful breeding program. From selecting the best hens and roosters with the fewest defects, to setting realistic long-term goals for your flock, this discussion lays the foundation for healthier birds and stronger bloodlines. You’ll also hear practical tips on lighting management, line breeding vs. inbreeding, and how to avoid common mistakes that new breeders make. Whether you want to hatch ten chicks or one thousand, this episode will give you the tools to get started the right way. Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation next week, where we continue exploring strategies to take your breeding program even further. Listen to this episode here: www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com #PoultryKeepersPodcast #BackyardChickens #PoultryBreeding #ChickenBreeding #HomesteadChickens #PoultryManagement #BreedingSeason Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - - https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973
