Poultry Nerds: Backyard Chickens, Quail & Hatching Eggs

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Fresh. Natural. Organic. Free-range. Air-chilled. Raised without antibiotics. A package of chicken can carry half a dozen reassuring claims—but what are you actually paying for? In this episode, Jennifer and Carey sort through the language on grocery-store chicken packages and explain which questions those labels answer, which details they leave out, and when a higher price may—or may not—match what matters to you. We discuss: • Why “fresh” describes temperature history, not the slaughter date • What natural and organic actually mean • Free-range, cage-free, and the difference between outdoor access and active foraging • Why “no hormones added” is not a special poultry-production achievement • What raised without antibiotics does—and does not—tell you • Air-chilled versus water-chilled poultry • Retained water versus an added solution • How genetics, age, activity, rigor, resting, and cooking affect flavor and texture • Why buying locally or raising your own provides traceability—not an automatic guarantee Chicken labels are not useless. They simply answer specific questions. The smartest approach is to decide what difference matters to you before paying more for the words on the package. Read the companion article: https://www.poultrynerdspodcast.com/2026-episodes/chicken-labels-explained Explore the Poultry Nerds Research Library: https://www.poultrynerdspodcast.com/research-library Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Chicken molt season can make even experienced keepers panic: feathers everywhere, birds that suddenly look half naked, fewer eggs, and a flock that seems miserable. In this episode, Jennifer and Carey break down what a normal molt looks like, what triggers it, and how to help chickens through it without adding more stress. They cover: • Why shorter days can trigger a molt • Why egg production often slows down or stops • Why molting birds may feel hot, uncomfortable, and sensitive to handling • When to separate roosters from hens • Feed, treats, supplements, and why more protein is not always the simple answer • Why cat food and dog food are not a shortcut for chicken nutrition • How lighting affects laying—and why extending the morning is often easier on the flock • When switching from layer feed to an all-flock feed can make sense • What feather-eating can tell you about your flock’s diet Whether you are seeing your first molt or managing breeders through the season, this episode will help you know what is normal, what deserves attention, and how to keep your birds comfortable while they grow their new feathers. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Poultry Nerds Research Library: https://www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com/research-library • First Peck Chick Start Supplement: https://showprofarmsupply.com/showpro/p/first-peck-chick-start-supplement • HBN Outdoor Waterproof Mechanical Timer: https://amzn.to/4gT1LN3 • 100-Foot Outdoor LED Rope Lights, White: https://amzn.to/4zBxKbU As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Why raise American Bresse for the freezer when giant Orpingtons are already on the farm? Jennifer and Carey compare American Bresse, standard-bred Orpingtons, and Cornish Cross chickens—not just by size, but by growth rate, feed investment, reproduction, flavor, texture, and usefulness in the kitchen. In this episode, we discuss: • Why standard-bred and utility Orpingtons are not the same • How breeding priorities affect growth, egg production, and carcass development • Why Jennifer selects American Bresse at 17–18 weeks • The value of a meat bird that can reproduce naturally • Why older, active birds develop deeper flavor and firmer texture • Which chickens work best for frying, baking, barbecue, soups, stews, and broth • Why proper resting after processing matters before cooking a fresh chicken This is not about declaring one breed “best.” It is about understanding what each bird was bred to do—and choosing the right chicken for your breeding program, freezer, and dinner table. Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! For the first time since 1994, the National Academies has released a major revision of the nutrient requirements for poultry. What does that mean for the feed in your barn—and should you change anything? Jennifer and Carey break down why crude protein alone does not describe a complete diet, how digestibility and amino-acid balance affect what birds can actually use, and why species, genetics, age, reproductive workload, environment and water all matter. In this episode: • What the new 2026 Nutrient Requirements of Poultry report is • Why the feed tag is a starting point, not the whole answer • Digestible amino acids, energy and mineral availability • Nutrition for breeders, growing birds and molting flocks • How feed changes, water quality and environment affect birds • Why supplements and high-protein treats cannot repair an unbalanced diet • How to use new research without abruptly changing your flock’s feed Read Nutrient Requirements of Poultry: Tenth Revised Edition online: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/25395 Explore the official publication: https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DELS-BANR-15-01/publication/25395 Learn more from the Poultry Nerds: https://www.poultrynerdspodcast.com Need help with incubation? https://www.incubationmasterclass.com This episode discusses poultry nutrition research alongside practical experience. Nutrient needs vary by species, age, genetics, environment and production stage. Confirm health concerns through appropriate testing and veterinary guidance. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! How do you choose a reputable poultry breeder—and what should you ask before buying birds or hatching eggs? In this video, we cover 10 important questions every buyer should ask before placing an order. You’ll learn how to evaluate a breeder’s experience, breeding goals, nutrition program, recordkeeping, biosecurity practices, shipping methods, replacement policy, and customer support. We also explain the green flags that inspire confidence, the red flags worth investigating, and why NPIP participation alone doesn’t guarantee breeding quality. Whether you’re choosing a chicken breeder, looking for a quail breeder, or buying hatching eggs online, this guide will help you compare breeders fairly and set realistic expectations. 🐣 Read the complete guide: www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com /how-to-choose-a-poultry-breeder 🥚 Browse the HatchingEggDirectory.com 🌾 Learn more about Show Pro: ShowProFarmSupply.com Price should never be the only question. Instead, ask: Does this breeder inspire confidence? Subscribe to Poultry Nerds for practical information about poultry breeding, nutrition, incubation, and flock management. #PoultryBreeder #HatchingEggs #ChickenBreeder #QuailBreeder #PoultryNerds Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Every summer, backyard chicken owners hear the same advice—but how much of it is actually true? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast , we separate fact from fiction as we tackle common summer feeding myths, including: Does scratch corn cool chickens down—or make them hotter? Should treats replace layer feed during hot weather? Can chickens have unlimited watermelon and frozen fruit? Does protein make chickens overheat? How nutrition affects egg production during summer. Why balanced feed matters more when birds eat less. Along the way, we share real-world experiences, practical feeding advice, and explain the science behind what chickens actually need during periods of heat stress. Whether you raise backyard chickens, homestead poultry, or manage a larger flock, this episode will help you make better feeding decisions and avoid common nutrition mistakes. Topics covered: summer chicken care, chicken nutrition, scratch grain, treats for chickens, layer feed, protein requirements, heat stress, backyard chickens, poultry nutrition, egg production. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Are frozen treats really dangerous? Should you close the coop to keep hot air out? Does ice water hurt chickens? Summer is full of advice about keeping poultry cool—but not all of it is accurate. In this episode of Poultry Nerds, Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon tackle some of the most common heat stress myths they see online and explain what actually helps birds survive hot weather. Drawing from current research and years of practical experience raising poultry, they discuss ventilation, shade, cool drinking water, fans, broody hens, obesity, breed differences, and why simply "giving them shade" isn't always enough. Jennifer also shares what has worked on her own farm during extreme heat and why understanding your environment is just as important as understanding your birds. Whether you raise backyard chickens, Coturnix quail, or other poultry, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction and better prepare your flock for the hottest days of the year. In this episode you'll learn: Common heat stress myths and what the research says Whether ice water and frozen treats are actually harmful Why ventilation is often more important than shade alone Practical cooling methods that have worked on Jennifer's farm Why broody hens are at greater risk during hot weather The relationship between obesity and heat stress Signs your birds are coping—and signs they need immediate attention Supporting Partner This episode of Poultry Nerds is brought to you by Show Pro Feed . Their support helps make free, research-backed poultry education possible while allowing us to continue sharing practical information for backyard poultry keepers. Learn more about Poultry Nerds, browse our Research Library, and explore additional educational resources at https://www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com . Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Episode Description Can apple cider vinegar prevent disease? Is bleach water ever safe for chickens? Are homemade remedies helping your flock—or creating new problems? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast , Carey Blackmon and Jennifer Bryant play Fact or BS? as they tackle some of the most common chicken health myths circulating online. From apple cider vinegar and water additives to dangerous cleaning myths and summer flock care, they separate evidence-based poultry management from internet folklore. You'll learn: Why some popular remedies contain a small grain of truth—but don't tell the whole story. When apple cider vinegar may have a limited role—and when it can create problems. Why clean, cool water is one of the most important tools for keeping chickens healthy. The dangers of mixing household chemicals around your flock. How to evaluate poultry advice before trying it on your birds. Whether you're new to backyard chickens or have years of experience, this episode will help you make more informed decisions based on research, practical experience, and good flock management. Resources Mentioned Dangerous Homemade Chicken Remedies: When Good Intentions Can Harm Your Flock Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens Research Library Assessing Your Chickens for Health How Birds Stay Cool: The Science Behind Heat Stress If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Poultry Nerds Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another poultry keeper who appreciates science over speculation. Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Quick Look In this episode, we discuss: Why so many poultry keepers and homesteaders experience burnout. The difference between working in your business and working on it. Why social media shouldn't be your entire business strategy. How websites, blogs, and email lists create long-term growth. The story behind why Jennifer created Beyond the Egg. Most people start raising poultry because they love the animals—not because they want to spend every evening answering Facebook messages, updating social media, or repeating the same customer service conversations. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast , Jennifer shares the philosophy behind Beyond the Egg , a new educational membership designed to help poultry breeders and small farm businesses build smarter systems instead of simply working longer hours. Carey and Jennifer discuss what they've learned about growing a poultry business, setting boundaries, using automation wisely, and creating assets you actually own—like websites, blogs, and email lists—instead of relying entirely on social media. Whether you're selling hatching eggs, breeding stock, farm products, or simply dreaming about turning your hobby into a business, this episode offers practical insights into building a business that supports your homesteading lifestyle instead of taking it over. Mentioned in this episode Beyond the Egg Bryant's Roost Homestead burnout Email marketing Farm websites Automation Customer service Small farm business Poultry marketing If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another poultry keeper or homesteader who's trying to grow their business without losing the joy that started it all. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! What Flies Are Really Telling You About Your Chicken Coop Flies are more than just an annoyance—they're often an indicator of what's happening in your coop and run. In this Poultry Nerds Podcast clip, we discuss why flies are attracted to chickens, the environmental conditions that encourage them, and practical management strategies to reduce fly populations. Whether you keep a small backyard flock or manage a larger operation, understanding the root causes of fly problems can help you create a healthier environment for your birds while making your coop a more enjoyable place to work. This episode covers: Why flies are attracted to chicken coops Common causes of fly infestations Management practices that reduce fly breeding Practical tips for long-term fly control If you enjoy this discussion, be sure to listen to the full Poultry Nerds Podcast for more science-based conversations on poultry health, management, and husbandry. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! What happens when a simple incubator turns into a mission?In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we visit with Laurie Pineda of Harrison's Hatchery to hear the inspiring story of how her family's poultry journey began with one young man's fascination with hatching chicks.Harrison, who is on the autism spectrum, discovered an incredible passion for incubating eggs. That passion eventually grew into Harrison's Hatchery, where the family now hatches thousands of chicks while creating meaningful opportunities for learning, responsibility, and independence.We also discuss Laurie's vision for "Poultry With a Purpose," including her Carolina Rooster Solution, a program that rehomes unwanted roosters—including placing some with veterans experiencing loneliness and depression—and her goal of helping more neurodivergent individuals discover the value of caring for poultry.Along the way, we also nerd out about: Starting and growing a hatchery Scaling from one incubator to over 1,000 eggs Choosing the right poultry business model NPIP guidance for beginners Hy-Line Brown ready-to-lay pullets Developing new breeding projects And, of course... why naked neck chickens are so controversial! Whether you're interested in poultry, entrepreneurship, or the unexpected ways chickens can change lives, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. SEO Keywords autism and chickens poultry with a purpose Harrison's Hatchery backyard chickens incubating chicken eggs neurodiversity backyard poultry hatchery business NPIP Hy-Line Brown Carolina Rooster Solution poultry entrepreneurship Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! What makes a quality coturnix quail breeder? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Jennifer Bryant of Bryant's Roost and Carey Blackmon discuss practical quail selection methods that breeders can use to improve their flocks generation after generation. Whether you are raising coturnix quail for eggs, meat production, hatching eggs, homesteading, or developing your own breeding program, understanding how to properly evaluate birds is one of the most important skills you can learn. Topics covered include: • How to select breeding quail for long-term flock improvement • Evaluating body structure and conformation in coturnix quail • Selecting for egg production and egg size • Choosing meat-type quail and growth traits • Fertility and hatchability considerations • Temperament and behavior in breeding stock • Common mistakes quail breeders make when selecting birds • Genetic considerations for coturnix breeding programs • How to identify birds that should be retained versus culled • Selection strategies for homesteaders and commercial breeders If you've ever wondered how experienced breeders evaluate coturnix quail, this episode provides practical insights that can help improve productivity, consistency, and overall flock quality. Whether you raise jumbo coturnix quail, celadon quail, feather-sexable quail, meat quail, egg-laying quail, or mixed breeding projects, the principles discussed in this episode can help you make more informed breeding decisions. Learn how proper quail selection affects: ✔ Egg production ✔ Fertility rates ✔ Hatchability ✔ Growth rate ✔ Feed efficiency ✔ Carcass quality ✔ Bird health and vigor ✔ Genetic progress ✔ Long-term flock performance Resources Mentioned: 🌐 Bryant's Roost: Bryant's Roost 🌐 Poultry Nerds Podcast: Poultry Nerds Podcast 🌐 Beyond the Egg: Beyond the Egg Keywords: coturnix quail, quail breeding, quail selection, selecting breeding quail, quail genetics, coturnix breeder, jumbo coturnix quail, quail egg production, meat quail, quail hatchability, quail fertility, quail farming, backyard quail, homestead quail, raising quail, quail breeder tips, quail conformation, poultry breeding, poultry genetics, celadon quail, feather sexable quail, quail husbandry, quail management, quail flock improvement, poultry nerds podcast, Bryant's Roost. #CoturnixQuail #QuailBreeding #QuailSelection #RaisingQuail #Homesteading #BackyardPoultry #PoultryNerdsPodcast #BryantsRoost #QuailEggs #MeatQuail #QuailFarm #PoultryBreeding #QuailGenetics #CeladonQuail #JumboCoturnixQuail Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Broody hens are a natural part of chicken keeping, but they can be confusing and frustrating if you don't understand what's happening. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon take a deep dive into broodiness—what causes it, how to recognize it, and what poultry keepers should do when a hen decides it's time to hatch chicks. You'll learn about the hormonal changes that drive broody behavior, why some breeds are more likely to go broody than others, and how broodiness affects feed intake, body condition, egg production, and flock management. The discussion also covers practical strategies for managing broody hens, including when to encourage natural incubation, when to intervene, and science-based methods for breaking broodiness when necessary. Whether you're dealing with your first broody hen or managing a flock of dedicated mothers, this episode will help you understand the biology behind the behavior and make informed decisions for your birds. In this episode: • Signs that a hen has gone broody • The role of prolactin and reproductive hormones • Breeds known for strong broodiness • Natural incubation versus artificial incubation • Health considerations during broodiness • How to break a broody hen safely and effectively • Managing broody hens in breeding and production flocks • Common myths and misconceptions about broodiness Join us as we explore one of the most fascinating instincts in poultry and discuss how to work with—or against—nature when a hen decides she wants to become a mother. For more poultry education, visit PoultryNerdsPodcast.com. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! What should you feed your chickens, quail, and other poultry? Does protein really matter? Are expensive feeds worth the cost? And how much does nutrition impact hatchability, chick quality, and flock performance? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon tackle listener questions about poultry feed and nutrition. They discuss feed formulations, protein levels, breeder nutrition, common feeding mistakes, and how proper nutrition affects everything from egg production to hatch rates. Whether you're raising a backyard flock, breeding exhibition birds, or trying to improve your hatch results, this episode is packed with practical information to help you make better feeding decisions. Plus, congratulations to Carey and the Show Pro Feed team on the launch of their new storefront! Be sure to visit ShowProFarmSupply.com to learn more about their products and support a growing small business serving poultry keepers. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Download Carey's Poultry Feed Requirements Guide • Learn more at PoultryNerdsPodcast.com • Visit ShowProFarmSupply.com Have a question for a future episode? Submit it through the Poultry Nerds website and it may be featured on an upcoming show. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! From hobby chickens to homesteading chickens, we all have questions. In this episode we discuss feeding chickens to dry hatching and more! Hatching Marans Dry hatching washing hatching eggs Exploding eggs Chick Electrolytes Hatching Upright Listen on your favorite platforms, youtube and on the www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon sits down with Jessica from Little Willow Homestead to talk about chickens, homesteading, hatching, and building a recognizable brand in the poultry world. The conversation covers the story behind the “Coffee Egger,” connecting with fellow homesteaders, and the realities of growing a homestead-focused platform while balancing everyday farm life. Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper, breeder, or simply love the homesteading lifestyle, this episode is full of relatable conversation and practical insight from someone actively building a community around poultry and rural living. Be sure to visit: Bryant’s Roost – https://bryantsroost.com Carey Blackmon - https://CareyBlackmon.com Poultry Nerds Podcast – https://poultrynerdspodcast.com Subscribe for more poultry education, breeder discussions, incubation tips, and homesteading conversations. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast , Carey and Jennifer break down the real-world differences between heritage chickens, hybrid broilers, and the Cornish Cross birds used in commercial meat production. If you’ve ever wondered why home-raised chicken tastes different than store-bought chicken — or whether raising your own meat birds is actually worth it — this episode dives deep into the truth most people never hear. From Orpingtons and dual-purpose heritage breeds to fast-growing commercial broilers like the Cobb and Ross lines, this conversation explores flavor, texture, nutrition, growth rates, feed management, processing timelines, bone broth quality, freezer space, bird welfare, and the realities of modern poultry production. Jennifer also shares firsthand experience raising large batches of Cornish Cross birds, including the smell, management challenges, leg problems, feed consumption, mortality issues, and why many homesteaders eventually transition toward slower-growing heritage breeds instead. You’ll also learn why older pasture-raised birds produce darker, richer, more nutrient-dense broth, how exercise and bone development affect flavor and texture, and why many traditional chicken breeds create a completely different eating experience than what most people buy at the grocery store. Whether you raise backyard chickens, homestead, process your own meat birds, or simply want healthier and better-tasting food for your family, this episode offers practical, honest insight without the fluff. Topics Covered: Heritage chickens vs Cornish Cross Hybrid broiler chickens explained Why grocery store chicken tastes different Raising meat birds at home Pasture-raised poultry management Chicken flavor and texture differences Bone broth from heritage birds Feed costs and freezer planning Broiler health and growth problems Best chickens for self-sufficiency and homesteading Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Silkie chickens are one of the most misunderstood breeds in poultry—and most people are getting it wrong. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with veterinarian Dr. Nicole to break down what actually matters when it comes to breeding, raising, and selecting high-quality Silkies. From genetics and defects to breed standards and real-world care, this episode cuts through the fluff and gives you practical knowledge you can actually use. We cover everything from the truth behind Silkie traits like black skin and five toes, to common defects like crossbeak, duck toe, and poor crest structure—and how to identify and eliminate them from your breeding program. We also dive into incubation, egg selection, housing challenges, and why Silkies require a completely different level of care than most chickens. No guesswork. No gatekeeping. Just real poultry education. We believe poultry breeders deserve accurate information, proven methods, and real guidance—not opinions, trends, or bad advice from people who aren’t doing it. If you're serious about improving your birds, this episode is for you. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! How do you actually start a poultry breeding program? Carey and Jennifer break down the realities of building a breeding program from the ground up — from picking the right breed and finding a reputable source, to understanding culls, genetics, and the five-year timeline most beginners don’t expect. In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate breed traits, why visiting a poultry show beats scrolling Facebook, the difference between standard-bred, utility, and English-style birds, and how phenotype and genotype actually work. We share the resources that helped us most — including the APA Standard of Perfection, Kenny Troiano’s Breeders Academy, Brian Reeder’s color genetics work, and Sigrid Van Dort’s books — plus practical advice on housing, hatching numbers, mentorship etiquette, and keeping your own records. Whether you raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, or gamefowl, this episode gives you the framework to build a real breeding program without making the costly mistakes most beginners make. Companion blog: poultrynerdspodcast.com/blog Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Gina Wrather of Wrather Farms in Columbia, Tennessee returns to break down three of the most visually stunning — and most misunderstood — color varieties in Americana chickens. We dig into the genetics behind Splash, Ermine, and Modeled, explain why a recessive gene can hide for 20 years before showing up in your hatch, and talk about the breeder responsibility that comes with selling birds. If you've ever hatched a surprise chick and wondered where it came from, this episode is for you. Join the Poultry Nerds and Gina Wrather from Wrather Farms as we breakdown backyard and exhibition breeding tactics. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the show Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping! ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons! Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you. And if you have a subject request, email us. PoultryNerds@Gmail.com