Valley Hatchery Podcast

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Ordering chicks sounds simple, but choosing between straight run, pullets, or assortments can shape your entire flock . In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Matt break down what each option actually means and how it impacts your setup . To go even deeper, pair this episode with the guide “ Straight Run vs Pullets vs Assortme...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Bringing chicks home is exciting, but it can also leave new flock owners second-guessing every detail in the brooder. In this episode, Nikki and Tina explain how chick behavior often reveals more than any thermometer, helping you recognize signs of comfort, stress, or imbalance through patterns like clustering, chirping, activity level, and spa...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Summer stress doesn’t start in summer. It shows up later, but the causes usually begin weeks earlier. In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast, Cortney and Tina walk through what early heat stress actually looks like in a backyard flock , from increased panting and water intake to drops in egg production and overcrowding in shaded areas . If...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Spring is the most common time for new chicks to arrive, but it’s also when many beginners run into avoidable brooder problems. In this episode of Chicken Support Insight s , Connie and Nikki walk through three of the most common spring brooding mistakes: overheating, overcrowding, and excess moisture in the brooder. These issues may seem small...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Chickens can do more than provide eggs. When used intentionally, they can also support a healthier and more productive garden system. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Nikki talk through how backyard chickens can help improve soil health, manage pests, and assist with seasonal garden cleanup . Instead of treating chickens...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Starting a backyard flock often begins with popular breeds or eye-catching birds, but experienced keepers take a different approach. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Tina and Matt discuss why choosing chicken breeds based on purpose leads to a stronger , more manageable flock. Instead of chasing trends, the conversation focuses on p...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to order. Shipping itself does not slow down or speed up with the season, but demand and breed availability absolutely shift as spring approaches. In this conversation, Cortney and Tina break down what really changes during this transition and how to think about your order more intentionally. Tran...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Starting chicks in February can feel exciting until something seems slightly off in the brooder. Maybe they’re louder than expected. Maybe bedding feels damp. Maybe you’re second guessing your heat setup. In this episode, Connie and Matt walk through what early season brooder troubleshooting really looks like and why small, steady adjustments m...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode If you’re expecting chicks to arrive this month, those first moments can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. In this episode, Tina and Matt walk through what chick arrival actually looks like, helping you understand what to do first and what can wait . The focus is on staying calm, prepared, and confident as you welcome new chicks into...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Receiving chicks during colder months can bring a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first winter delivery. In this episode, Cortney, our Customer Support Manager, and Nikki from the support team walk through what cold-weather chick shipping actually looks like, and how to prepare with confidence instead of stress. The goal is simple, to...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode If you’ve ever felt rushed placing a chick order or unsure whether your setup was truly ready, this episode is for you. In this episode of Valley Hatchery’s Chicken Support Insights, Nikki and Matt walk through why early ordering matters and how it directly impacts a smoother, more successful spring flock season. This conversation focuses on pl...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Thinking about ordering chickens but not sure if you are truly ready? In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast , Cortney and Connie encourage chicken keepers like you to slow down and plan your flock intentionally before the spring rush hits. Building on ideas introduced in Episode 7, they walk through how to define your homestead goals, whe...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Struggling to choose the right chicken breeds for your backyard flock? In this episode of Valley Hatchery's Chicken Support Insights, we break down the essential questions every beginner should ask before buying chickens. From climate and space considerations to temperament and egg-laying potential, we got you covered. Join Nikki and Tina...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Tina walk through common situations that prompt customers to call support and explain which ones are normal, which should be addressed right away, and which usually resolve on their own. They share real examples, quick guidance, and what they wish customers understood before calling, all...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode A sudden drop in eggs can be alarming—but most of the time, it’s completely normal. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights , Connie and Tina break down the most common reasons hens stop laying, including age-related decline, molting, and seasonal daylight changes. We also cover nutrition gaps, stress, broodiness, hidden nests, and when a s...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Choosing the right flock size starts with space, not guesswork. In this episode, Cortney, Customer Support Manager at Valley Hatchery, and Matt from the support team break down coop and run requirements, egg expectations, and simple planning steps to help you build a healthy, manageable backyard flock.

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Heat lamps work — when they’re set up correctly. In this episode, Nikki and Connie walk through how to use heat lamps safely and effectively for brooding chicks, including proper setup, testing, positioning, and reading chick behavior. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes, hit the right temperatures for mail-order chicks, and brood with co...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Nikki and Tina walk keepers through the simple brooder adjustments that make a big difference. With the right heat, bedding, space, and setup, anyone can give their chicks a strong, confident start — and avoid the common pitfalls we see every season.

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Episode 1 kicks off our new Chicken Support Insights segment, bringing real conversations from the Valley Hatchery Support Team straight to our listeners. Cortney and Connie break down what beginners need to know, what experienced keepers are refining, and why flock planning for 2026 is already underway. Clear guidance, honest expectations, and...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Join us for this frank discussion about "the Dark Side" - those times when you start to question your decision to raise chicks. When they get sick. When they die. Heck, when you look up one day and you just have too many to keep track of! It's a thing we all know as Chicken Math and it's real. In this episode, we're goi...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode Join us for our 2025 round-up of all of our key VH Essentials video content, summarized for you in one podcast! This is Season 1, Episode 1 of Beyond the Brooder: Mastering the First Year with Backyard Chickens.