Explore every episode of the podcast Poultry Nerds: Backyard Chickens, Quail & Hatching Eggs
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Coop Design: Ventilation & Deep Litter with Matt DuBois of Carolina Coops | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:59:33 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Does keeping chickens really have to mean constant coop cleaning? Matt Dubois of Carolina Coops joins Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon to discuss how thoughtful coop design can make backyard chicken keeping easier. We explore Matt’s approach to deep litter, why ventilation matters in every season, and how space, moisture management, and predator protection shape a functional chicken coop. In this episode: Whether you’re buying your first coop or improving your current setup, this conversation offers plenty of questions to ask before you spend. Explore Carolina Coops: https://carolinacoops.com Subscribe to Poultry Nerds for new conversations every Thursday. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Chicken Labels Explained: What Are You Actually Paying For? | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:41:31 | |
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? Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| The Molt: Why Are My Chickens Naked? | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:25:22 | |
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. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| American Bresse vs. Orpingtons: Which Makes the Better Meat Bird? | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:22:58 | |
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? Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Poultry Nutrition Just Changed: The First Major Update Since 1994 | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:45:54 | |
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? Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Buying and Selling Hatching Eggs | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:35:49 | |
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: 🥚 Browse the HatchingEggDirectory.com 🌾 Learn more about Show Pro: 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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Summer Chicken Feeding Myths: Do Chickens Need Electrolytes? | Poultry Nerds Podcast | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:38:56 | |
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:
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Keeping Chickens Cool in Summer Heat | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:20:14 | |
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:
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. Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Backyard Chickens and Apple Cider Vinegar | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:17:39 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Episode DescriptionCan 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:
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
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. Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| How to Build a Poultry Business Without Burning Out | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:29:53 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Quick Look In this episode, we discuss:
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
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Flies in the Coop: Causes, Prevention, and Control | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:39:03 | |
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:
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Poultry With Purpose: Harrison's Hatchery and Carolina Rooster Solution | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:42:10 | |
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:
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Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Coturnix Quail Selection Points | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:38:36 | |
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 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 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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Broody Chickens : Care, feed and breaking them | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:38:48 | |
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 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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Feed, supplements and Carey's BIG announcement! | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:49:58 | |
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: 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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| What to feed my chickens, dry incubating/hatching, and more listener questions answered | 28 May 2026 | 00:45:04 | |
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Coffee Eggers, Homesteading & Hatching with Little Willow Homestead | 21 May 2026 | 00:36:52 | |
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: Carey Blackmon - https://CareyBlackmon.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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Heritage Chicken vs Hybrid Broilers: Flavor, Cost, Health & Reality Explained | 14 May 2026 | 00:45:39 | |
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:
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Silkies Aren’t “Just Cute”—Here’s What You’re Missing | 07 May 2026 | 00:37:42 | |
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| How to Start a Poultry Breeding Program: What Every New Breeder Needs to Know | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:53:08 | |
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.
Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Splash, Ermine & Modeled: Decoding Americana Color Genetics with Gina Wrather | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:50:39 | |
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 Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Not All Eggs Are Created Equal — Egg Selection for Hatching | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:47:52 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Think you can just toss any egg in the incubator? Think again. In this episode of Poultry Nerds, we go nest box to incubator — sorting real eggs by weight, shape, shell quality, and cleanliness to show you exactly what to set and what to skip. We cover large fowl, quail, and celadon eggs, break down double yolkers, torpedo shapes, golf balls, and the perfect 67-gram specimen. Plus — a listener question about noisy roosters and how to keep your neighbors from losing their minds. Whether you're brand new or refining a breeding program, this one's packed with practical knowledge. 🐣 Topics covered: gram weight ranges, egg shape, shell texture, dirty vs. washed eggs, quail egg selection, celadon quirks, separating hatching baskets by egg quality, and why your hatch rate problems might start at the nest box — not the incubator. 🔗 Join the Incubation Masterclass: incubationmasterclass.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| 10 Things You Don't Wanna Mess Up With Your Chickens (But You Will) | Chicken Care for Beginners | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:53:51 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Whether you've already impulse-bought chicks at Tractor Supply or you're planning your first flock, this episode is your roadmap to avoiding the most common beginner chicken-keeping mistakes. We answer real listener questions from a first-time chicken owner — covering nesting boxes, safe treats for kids to give chickens, when to stop using a heat lamp, and whether water supplements are worth the money. Then we dive into our list of 10 critical mistakes new flock owners make: impulse buying without a plan, brooder setup errors, sizing your coop wrong, ignoring predator protection (yes, chicken wire is useless), choosing the wrong feed for your birds' life stage, misunderstanding biosecurity risks, skimping on ventilation, and not deciding ahead of time how you'll handle sick birds. We also cover why you need to know your *why* before you ever bring home a chick — pets, livestock, bug control, or show birds all require a different approach. Plus: the truth about prebuilt kit coops, hardware cloth vs chicken wire, aerial predator netting, and why incubation is basically the most addictive hobby in backyard farming. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Shipping Hatching Eggs, Buying Better Birds & Incubation Mistakes to Avoid | Poultry Nerds Podcast | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:46:25 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we get into the real-world side of shipping hatching eggs, buying from breeders, hatch rate expectations, incubation mistakes, poultry medications, NPIP misconceptions, and how to find quality hatching eggs. We talk through what actually matters when you’re buying hatching eggs or live birds, what questions to ask a breeder, how nutrition affects fertility and hatchability, why some eggs should never be shipped, and the red flags people ignore when they’re shopping for birds online. We also break down: This episode is for anyone raising quail, chickens, or other poultry who wants better hatch rates, stronger chicks, and fewer expensive mistakes. If you’ve ever bought hatching eggs online, struggled with incubation, or wondered how to tell a quality breeder from a bad one, this is a conversation you need to hear. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Pasture Poultry, Feed Freedom, Duckweed & Natural Flock Health with Blaze of Bad Baxter Farm | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:45:30 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Blaze from Bad Baxter Farm in Wynnewood, Oklahoma to talk about raising poultry and livestock in a more natural, practical, and self-sustaining way. Blaze shares how her health journey led her deeper into nutrition, homesteading, growing her own food, and building a farm focused on stronger animals, better management, and less dependence on bagged feed and constant medications. We talk about what it really looks like to raise birds on pasture, why ducks are underrated, how closed flocks can help build stronger birds, and why so many health problems in poultry come back to management, environment, and nutrition. We also get into:
This is a real conversation about learning the hard way, building healthier flocks, and creating a farm system that works in the real world—not just on paper. If you care about poultry nutrition, pasture poultry, natural flock management, homesteading, feed alternatives, and raising healthier birds, this episode is for you. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Bresse Chickens Explained | Breeding, Processing, Selection & Why We Prefer Them Over Cornish | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:47:35 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Today we’re talking all about Bresse chickens and why they’ve become one of our favorite breeds for a self-sustaining flock. In this episode, we cover:
If you’ve been wondering whether Bresse chickens are worth the hype, or you want a better long-term option for meat production on your farm, this episode is for you. Bresse chickens, Bresse chicken breeding, Bresse meat birds, best meat chicken breed, Cornish vs Bresse, self sufficient chickens, dual purpose chickens, homestead poultry, backyard chickens, poultry breeding, meat bird selection, chicken processing, incubation, hatching eggs, sustainable poultry Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Frozen Quail Feeders Explained | Falconry, Reptiles, Culling & Shipping Tips | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:41:36 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! On this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Brent from Zero G Quail Farm to talk all about frozen quail feeders, who buys them, how they are sized, packaged, processed, and shipped, and why they can be a valuable outlet for quail breeders. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Thinking About Raising Quail? What You MUST Know Before You Start | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:39:42 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Thinking about raising quail but not sure how to get started? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we walk through the real decisions every beginner faces when starting with quail. Should you buy hatching eggs, chicks, or adult birds? What equipment do you really need? And what housing systems work best for backyard quail keepers? We also explain the true costs of starting a quail flock, the pros and cons of different setups, and how experienced breeders plan their operations before buying their first birds. Whether you're interested in quail for eggs, meat, breeding, or homesteading, this episode will help you build a clear plan before investing money in birds or equipment. In this episode we discuss • Starting quail with eggs vs chicks vs mature birds Quail are one of the fastest growing poultry species, reaching maturity in just a few weeks, making them ideal for backyard farmers, breeders, and homesteaders. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to start raising quail the right way. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| The Incredible Edible Egg Hatching | Incubation Science, Air Cells, Shipped Eggs & Hatch Rate Secrets | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:46:05 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Is the egg just a shell with a chick inside? Not even close. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break down the real science behind egg incubation and hatching — and clear up some of the biggest myths spreading through backyard chicken groups. If you're incubating chicken eggs, quail eggs, duck eggs, or shipped hatching eggs this season, this episode will help you improve your hatch rate and produce stronger, healthier chicks. We discuss:
The egg isn’t just a container — it’s a complete biological life-support system designed to grow a chick. If you want better hatch rates, fewer weak chicks, and less frustration during hatching season, this episode is for you. Join the conversation inside our Incubation Masterclass Facebook group and hatch smarter this year. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Quail Mania 2 Debrief + Rooster Health: Fertility, Layer Feed Myths, Molt & Aggression | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:51:13 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Quail Mania 2 is officially in the books — and the turnout was huge. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we debrief the event results, what improved from last year, and what’s already being planned for Quail Mania 3 (including a Kids Corner and the possibility of expanding to three days). Event highlights discussed:
Then we shift into a topic that directly impacts hatch rates and breeder success: rooster (cock bird) health and fertility. You’ll learn:
If you’re trying to improve fertility, hatchability, and chick quality — this is a must-listen. Sponsors mentioned: Valley Hatchery (coupon code: QuailMania), Hatching Time, ParcelPath Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Backyard Chicken myths busted | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:43:31 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! This week on the podcast we talk about some questions we see asked in our new Facebook group, Incubation Masterclass about incubating and general chicken keeping. We answer general questions and correct some misinformation we have seen discussed. Get more confident with your chicken skills after this episode Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| The Threes C's of Chicks: Better Hatches, Better Broods, Better Birds | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:38:41 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break poultry husbandry down into something simple, practical, and proven: the rule of threes. Every bird goes through three critical stages of life — incubation, brooding, and grow-out — and in each stage, there are three things that matter most. Miss them, and problems follow. Get them right, and everything gets easier. We dive into:
This episode is equal parts education, experience, and straight talk — no gimmicks, no hype, just what actually works in real barns with real birds. Whether you raise chickens, quail, turkeys, or gamefowl, this episode will help you hatch stronger chicks, brood them cleaner, and grow them out healthier. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share — and if this helped even one bird do better, it was worth it. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| From Hobby to Hustle: How to Scale Quail Sales + Payments, Websites, and Reviews | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:49:37 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode, we’re talking about how to scale from hobby quail-keeping to a real business—without getting burned by scammers, chargebacks, or platform fees. Carrie’s back from travel (and we’re recording during an ice storm), so we’re using that momentum to break down the practical business side of quail: how to start selling, how to get paid safely, where to sell online, and how to price correctly when fees stack up. Even if you raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, or other poultry, the same business principles apply. What we cover:
If you want more business scaling strategy and quail-specific education, check out Quail Mania (free): quailmania.com. Email us: #Quail #QuailFarming #CoturnixQuail #HatchingEggs #PoultryBusiness #SmallFarmBusiness #FarmMarketing #EtsySeller #eBaySeller #Shopify #Squarespace #PayPal #Venmo #Zelle #Hatching #Incubation #Homesteading #BackyardFarming #PoultryNerdsPodcast #QuailMania Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| How HP Murray Built a Quail Operation: Imports, Brooder Houses, Automatic Waterers & Quail Math | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:52:20 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with HP Murray of Gopher Ridge Farms for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about raising quail, building efficient farm systems, and how quail math can turn a small hobby into a full-time operation. HP shares his journey from growing up on a farm, stepping away from agriculture, and then returning to it through quail after retirement. From early brooding mistakes to importing German quail lines, this episode is packed with real-world experience you won’t find in a textbook. Topics covered in this episode include:
Whether you raise quail for eggs, meat, breeding, or business, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has lived it—mistakes, successes, and all. 👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Nerds Podcast for real poultry education, honest conversations, and experience-based learning. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| What are celadon quail eggs, and why are blue eggs one of the most misunderstood topics in the quail world? | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:28:18 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break down the celadon gene, explain how true blue eggs are formed, and clear up common myths surrounding celadon quail breeding. From genetics and egg shell pigmentation to breeding mistakes and record-keeping challenges, this episode delivers real education without the fluff. We discuss:
We also explain why many people unknowingly sell celadon carriers instead of true celadons, and how improper breeding can ruin a celadon program. This episode is part of our Quail Mania countdown, leading up to one of the biggest quail education events of the year. 🎟️ Join Quail Mania (Free or VIP): Whether you’re new to quail or working toward a true blue celadon line, this episode will help you understand the science, genetics, and practical realities behind celadon quail eggs. 👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Nerds Podcast for honest poultry education and myth-busting conversations. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Poultry Pro App Explained: Using Data, Genetics & Technology to Breed Better Birds | Poultry Nerds Podcast | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:40:23 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we’re joined by Brie—agricultural engineering student, software developer, and creator of the Poultry Pro app—to explore how data, genetics, and technology are transforming modern poultry breeding. Brie shares how her background in agricultural engineering and livestock systems led her from managing endless spreadsheets to building Poultry Pro, a powerful yet easy-to-use platform designed specifically for poultry keepers. Whether you raise backyard chickens, quail, or large breeding flocks, this episode breaks down how tracking the right information can save time, improve results, and increase profitability. We cover how Poultry Pro helps poultry breeders:
We also discuss the challenges of building agricultural apps, why mobile apps matter for today’s breeders, and how data-driven decision-making leads to stronger, healthier birds. If you want to stop guessing and start breeding with confidence, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world poultry knowledge you can apply immediately. poultry podcast, poultry breeding, Poultry Pro, chicken genetics, quail breeding, poultry data tracking, backyard chickens, poultry health, farm management software, poultry records, livestock technology, agricultural engineering, precision farming, poultry finances, Schedule F, Quail Mania, Poultry Nerds Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Quail Mania 2 Is Here! | 2025 Recap, 2026 Preview & Why Quail Just Make Sense | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Happy New Year and welcome to Year 3 of the Poultry Nerds Podcast! 🎉 We officially announce Quail Mania 2, a free, two-day online quail education event packed with expert speakers, real-world knowledge, giveaways, and incubation insight — from first egg to freezer or business. In this episode, we cover:
Whether you’re a chicken keeper curious about quail, a homesteader looking for efficient protein, or someone ready to scale quail production up or down — this episode gives you clarity and a plan. 🎟️ Quail Mania 2 quail farming, raising quail, quail eggs, quail meat, backyard quail, homesteading podcast, poultry podcast, small scale farming, quail incubation, quail vs chickens, urban homestead, sustainable protein, poultry education, quail business, quail hatching Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Merry Christmas from the Poultry Nerds | Gratitude, Growth & What’s Coming in 2026 | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:04:51 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Merry Christmas from the hosts of the Poultry Nerds Podcast! What started as a simple weekly conversation about chickens, quail, turkeys, and poultry life has grown into a global community with over 50,000 downloads, educational courses, live events, and so much more. In this short and heartfelt episode, we reflect on the unexpected growth of the podcast, share some lighthearted farm stories (including winter eggs and confused birds), and give a sneak peek at exciting plans coming in 2026. Whether you raise backyard chickens, gamefowl, quail, turkeys, or simply love learning about poultry, this episode is our way of saying thank you and wishing you and your flock a very Merry Christmas. 🎧 Visit poultrynerdspodcast.com to explore episodes, courses, and events — all in one place. Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| What Happens To The Rest of The Bird? | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:38:11 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! What really happens to the rest of the bird after processing? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer dive deep into nose-to-tail poultry utilization—breaking down how quail, chickens, turkeys, and even manure can be used with little to no waste. From feeding pigs and dogs, making dehydrated pet treats, bone broth, schmaltz, bone meal, compost, garden fertilizer, and even crafts and jewelry—this episode pulls back the curtain on sustainable, homestead-style poultry processing. You’ll learn how to turn a single bird into food, supplements, soil improvement, and long-term value instead of waste. Whether you raise quail, chickens, turkeys, or just want to be a more intentional poultry keeper, this episode will completely change how you look at “the rest of the bird.” poultry processing, nose to tail poultry, what to do with chicken carcasses, quail processing tips, turkey processing at home, bone broth from poultry, poultry sustainability, homesteading with poultry, zero waste poultry, chicken bone broth, quail homesteading, using chicken manure, composting poultry waste, poultry pet treats, instant pot bone broth, freeze drying broth, heritage turkey processing, poultry nutrition education, backyard poultry podcast Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| From backyard breeder to full time business, move your quail and chickens to the Next Level | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:44:33 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Christian from QuailOS joins Jennifer this week in a discussion about tracking chicken and quail expenses. In the next episode of our Business Episodes, Christian has been making quail a profession for 5 years! Now he is here to share his latest product that can help you move from backyard chicken keeper to business. From counting hatching eggs to printing shipping labels, this ap does it all. Find out more at QuailOS.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Veterinarian Tips on Managing Worms in Chickens, turkeys and quail | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:38:17 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode of Poultry Nerds, we sit down with Dr. M — our resident poultry vet — to get real about worms in backyard flocks. From the most common culprits (roundworms, tapeworms, cecal worms) to why a fecal float test matters, Dr. M breaks down:
If you raise chickens — whether a small flock or a full backyard setup — this is essential listening. 🐣 ➡️ Timestamps
Don’t forget: check the show notes for a link to the approved-meds site (FARAD.org) when using dewormers — especially for birds you plan to eat or collect eggs from. Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Progressive Pied Quail, Genetics, and Black Friday Deals | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:36:34 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Join Carey, Jennifer, and guest breeder Aaron Guidroz of Guidroz Family Farm as they dive into the genetics behind the Progressive Pied coturnix quail, how to breed for color and size, tips for brooding success, and upcoming Black Friday farm deals from ShowPro, Brian’s Roost, and Guidroz Family Farm. Perfect for poultry and quail enthusiasts! progressive pied quail, quail genetics, coturnix quail breeding, jumbo quail, quail color mutations, poultry breeding, quail farm Louisiana, quail incubation tips, poultry podcast, show pro farm supply, hatching eggs, quail brooding setup, heat lamp vs brooder plate, Aaron Guidroz, Carey Blackmon, Jennifer Poultry Nerds, Black Friday poultry sale, quail color genetics, quail breeding program Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| The Truth About Chicken Coops: Best Designs, Winter Prep & Why You NEED Multiple Pens | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:34:31 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Welcome back, Poultry Nerds! Whether you’re designing your first backyard coop or upgrading your serious breeding setup, this episode arms you with practical, real-world advice on:
If you want healthier birds, better production, and a coop setup that grows WITH your flock, this is a must-listen. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Inside the Ohio National Poultry Show: Gossip, Gamefowl, Winners, Weird Birds & Behind-the-Scenes Stories | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:33:54 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Welcome back, Poultry Nerds! In this packed episode, Jennifer finally gets Carey to spill all the juicy details about his trip to the 2025 Ohio National Poultry Show — one of the largest, loudest, and most legendary poultry events in the country. Carey shares his full unfiltered experience: PLUS — Jennifer reveals details from her new feed trial research, why fertility and chick vigor matter more than anything, and how even small breeders can run accurate feed comparisons like the big commercial companies. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend the Ohio National… this is the no-filter, boots-on-the-ground episode you don’t want to miss. Ohio National Poultry Show, 2025 poultry show, gamefowl standards, poultry exhibition, youth poultry showmanship, poultry breeding, poultry judging, Polish chickens, Silkie chickens, Modern Game birds, sale barn poultry, chicken shows USA, poultry podcast, gamefowl podcast, poultry community, hatching eggs, feed trials, poultry fertility testing, breeder flock management Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| How to choose the Right Breeds & Breeder | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:36:15 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Have you ever wondered what chicken breed would be best for yourself? Or even considered ducks instead? Then how to find a breeder and what to ask them? We have you covered this week on the podcast. We created a checklist for you and then go thru it on some possible answers and the reasons why. We also published this one to Youtube to show you some items live from Bryant's Roost! Find the checklist on the website at PoultryNerdsPodcast.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| How Farmers Manage It All: Time-Saving Systems for chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, goats and pigs! | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:40:08 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Running a farm isn’t easy — especially when you’re balancing hundreds (or thousands) of birds, a full-time job, and family life. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and the crew get real about how to manage your time, stay organized, and build systems that make poultry farming sustainable. From feeding routines and managing employees (or deciding to do it yourself), to hiring help for cleaning or landscaping — this episode breaks down what it really takes to handle it all. Learn about daily feeding systems, efficient use of tools like Gators and feed trolleys, and how to avoid burnout while keeping your poultry, pigs, and other livestock thriving. 👉 Whether you raise quail, chickens, or gamefowl, you’ll gain actionable tips for improving efficiency, managing chores, and finding balance between your farm and your life. 🎧 Tune in to hear:
Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Auto-Sexing vs Sex-Linked Quail: Genetics, Breeding Strategies & Humane Culling for Poultry Nerds | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:28:41 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this Poultry Nerds Podcast episode, we dive deep into auto-sexing vs sex-linked breeding in quail and chickens. Learn the genetic differences, why auto-sexing doesn’t apply to quail, how sex-linking can boost hatchery efficiency, and why Egyptian × Pharaoh crosses make one of the best-selling sex-linked quail lines. We also have a real conversation about humane CO₂ culling for surplus males, responsible flock management, and how reptile and raw-feeding communities create zero-waste solutions. Perfect for quail breeders, gamefowl enthusiasts, and anyone moving from hobby to business. 📌 Key Topics:
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation at Poultry Nerds Podcast auto sexing quail, sex linked chickens, sex linked quail breeding, quail genetics, Pharaoh quail, Egyptian quail, poultry breeding podcast, humane CO2 culling poultry, reptile feeder quail, raw feeding, poultry business tips, poultry nerds podcast, gamefowl breeding, quail hatchery management Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| From Coop to Cash Flow | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:39:04 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! In this episode, co-hosts Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon take a deep dive into how a backyard poultry hobby can evolve into a profitable venture. They share their own stories of transitioning from keeping a few birds “for fun” to managing a business built on eggs, quality genetics, specialty supplies, and savvy marketing. You’ll hear:
Whether you’re just starting with a backyard coop or already selling eggs, this episode is full of practical business lessons, mindset shifts, and real-world advice.
Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Chicken Watering Systems | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:39:44 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Today we talk about water quality and how it affects chickens plus ways to set up a water system to reduce labor. Carey is much more innovative than Jennifer and her buckets. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||
| Chicken Genetics & Care Myths—Vaulted Skulls, Spurs, Combs, Frostbite & More | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:36:53 | |
send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Veterinarian Dr. M joins the Poultry Nerds Podcast to unpack chicken genetics and practical care: what vaulted skulls mean in crested breeds (Silkies, Polish), how to safely trim spurs (and what not to do), the real role of combs and wattles in heat regulation, why Vaseline doesn’t prevent frostbite, and humane tips for beak/nail maintenance. We also bust common myths—like “no wattle = sterile rooster”—and discuss caponization, turkey snoods in commercial flocks, and managing rooster behavior responsibly. Perfect for backyard keepers, show breeders, and gamefowl enthusiasts who want science-based, hands-on guidance. What you’ll learn
Keywords: chicken podcast, poultry podcast, vaulted skulls silkies, chicken spur trimming, combs and wattles, chicken frostbite prevention, beak trimming chickens, scissor beak chickens, rooster aggression, caponization, turkey snood, chicken health, backyard chickens, gamefowl care, poultry husbandry Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Feel Free to email us at - PoultryNerds@gmail.com Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients. | |||