Bred to Perfection

What does it really take to build a bloodline that lasts generations? In this episode of Bred to Perfection , Kenny and Nancy Troiano uncover the long-term strategies behind creating a true breeding strain of chickens and gamefowl. If you're tired of unpredictable results and want to establish a flock that breeds uniform, consistent, and reliable offspring, this episode is for you. You'll learn: H...

In this eye-opening episode of Bred to Perfection , hosts Kenny and Nancy Troiano sit down with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, veterinary pathologist and avian disease expert, to uncover one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats in poultry breeding: Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV). Whether you're building a high-performance gamefowl strain, preserving heritage bloodlines, or improving your backyard flock...

A discussion that addresses the Challenges, Standards, and Solutions Bred to Perfection: The Progressive White Problem, Standards Debate & Breeding Q&A In this episode, Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy return and provide updates and announce that Tony Saville will be back on June 12 for a multi-episode discussion tackling some of the most debated topics in the gamefowl world, including inbreeding...

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a member of the Breeders Academy? In this special episode of Bred to Perfection , hosts Kenny Troiano and Nancy Troiano , take you behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of the Breeders Academy website and show you why it has become one of the most comprehensive educational resources available for gamefowl, poultry, and animal breeders. Whether y...

How selective breeding, natural immunity, and smart management create healthier, stronger, long-lasting strains. In this episode, we will talk about one of the most important, and often misunderstood, topics in chicken and gamefowl breeding: developing true, natural disease resistance within your bloodlines. We break down why disease resistance is a polygenic trait, how epigenetics and mitochondri...

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the breeding of chickens and gamefowl: the supposed divide between pure birds, show birds, and performance birds. Spoiler, when breeding is done right, these aren't three different birds. They are the same bird, shaped through balanced selection, structural correctness, health, vigor, and strict adherence to the breed standard....

A Guide for Chicken and Gamefowl Breeders Are you ready to take your breeding program to the next level? In this episode, host Kenny Troiano and co-host Frank Bradley talk about the heart of what makes a true breeder: selection. Based on Kenny's proven, five-stage method, this episode of Bred to Perfection is your blueprint for choosing the right brood fowl, whether you're starting a new strain or...

What separates a flock from a true strain? In this episode, we discuss the uncompromising world of selective breeding. From disease resistance to maternal instinct, we break down the essential traits every serious breeder must define—and defend—to shape a predictable, high-performing bloodline. You'll learn: The key selection points that form the foundation of a lasting strain Why uniformity in ty...

For every serious chicken and gamefowl breeder, the ultimate goal is to build a true strain, a consistent, high-performing, and reliable family of birds that reflects your vision and breeding ideals. But here's the truth: no matter your starting point, you'll never get there without mastering the power of selection . In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood, and most essent...

Have you ever wondered how we ended up with chickens that lay 300 eggs a year or grow to market weight in just a few weeks? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the science behind chicken breeds and commercial strains —and it's more than just DNA. Join us as we explore how evolutionary mechanisms like natural selection, artificial selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation shape the ch...

Cutting through feed myths and faulty practices to focus on the genetics, selection, and standards that shape better chickens. Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy kick things off with a series of audio and setup mishaps that quickly turn into a lively, unscripted Friday night Q&A. Shifting gears, Kenny shares exciting announcements, including upcoming guests, like Mike Sayers of M&M Exhibition Poultr...

In this episode, we talk about one of the most misunderstood—but absolutely essential elements of successful breeding: SELECTION . While health, structure, and well-planned breeding programs are important, without strategic selection, long-term success is impossible . We explore why selection is the driving force behind strain improvement , how it supports the development of new lines, and why so...

Inbreeding, Genetics & Feeding for the Future In the world of poultry breeding, few names stir thoughtful conversation quite like Brian Reeder . Known for his deep understanding of avian genetics and dedication to the craft of creating true strains, Brian recently hosted a live session diving deep into some of the most misunderstood, and often controversial, aspects of chicken breeding. From polyg...

In this episode, we talk about one of the most polarizing topics for many breeders: outcrossing . Is it a powerful tool to refresh a bloodline, or a fast track to genetic chaos? From hybrid vigor and genetic diversity to the loss of breed identity and the dangers of scatter breeding, we break down the pros and cons of outcrossing in clear, practical terms. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just...

Breaking Down the Biggest Breeding Myths Breeders Face and how finding a way to Move Forward In this episode of  Bred to Perfection podcast , hosts Kenny Troiano and Frank Bradley sits down with Douglas Bruce for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on breeding, education, and the growing problem of misinformation in the gamefowl community. Together, they explore how they first connected through th...

Unwanted Traits, Recessive Surprises, and the Genetic Tools Every Serious Breeder Must Master Every breeder eventually faces it, that moment when a hidden flaw suddenly appears in a line you've spent years refining. Is it a throwback? Bad luck? A hidden recessive? Or a deeper genetic issue waiting to surface? In this episode, we break down why good strains sometimes reveal bad traits , and more im...

This episode talks about key glossary terms, scientific principles, and advanced concepts related to breeding, whether you're a novice or a seasoned breeder. This episode also unpacks critical terms, like gene recombination, selective breeding strategies, polygenic traits, and hybrid vigor, helping you expand your breeding knowledge and improve your vocabulary. Perfect for anyone looking to refine...

In this episode, we confront the growing crisis of misinformation and myth-driven practices in the chicken and gamefowl breeding community. From the misuse of crossbreeding to the rejection of inbreeding, breeders are abandoning common sense in favor of fads, trends, and flawed advice, and it's costing them the health and future of their birds. Breeding is not guesswork—it requires a balanced appr...

Join us for a special live episode of Bred to Perfection this Monday, February 23rd at 6 PM as we return after a six-week break with " The Come Back Show ." We've missed you, and we're ready to talk about what matters most: breeding and developing true strains of chickens and gamefowl. Whether you're a long-time member of the Breeders Academy or a dedicated follower of the Bred to Perfection Podca...

Have you ever found yourself questioning whether it's time to walk away from a strain you've been working on? Are you not seeing the results you expected? Or perhaps it feels like your progress has stalled, leaving you wondering if it's all been in vain? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone. In this episode, we'll explore why some breeders, despite their hard work and de...

In this roundtable, we go beyond feathers and form to explore the heart and heritage of true breeding. Join us for a powerful and candid conversation with three of the most dedicated minds in the field, Kenny Troiano , Nancy Troiano and Sue Dobson —as they share the personal journeys, philosophies, and hard-won lessons that have shaped their lives as breeders. From humble beginnings sparked by cur...

In this episode of Bred to Perfection , we uncover one of the most underestimated factors affecting your birds' success: stress . While breeders often focus on bloodlines, conditioning, and nutrition, stress quietly undermines everything, from immune function to feather quality, behavior, and breeding results. Join us as we break down: What stress really means in gamefowl How it weakens your birds...

Join us as we   discuss the misconceptions surrounding worms. We all know about worms, and how they can affect the health of our strains. However, many don't realize that they are over-worming their birds, using toxic drugs and pesticides. In this episode we are going to talk about the effects of medications and wormers. In short, we will learn how to protect our fowl, and how often we should use...

In this episode, we will give you a number of useful tips, to get you ready for the upcoming breeding season. I had a great mentor who believed that preparation was the prerequisite to success. As a breeder, I took that to heart, and it has served me well for years. The breeder who prepares himself, and his birds, will be the successful breeding. This is an episode you do not want to miss.   We sp...

The Misuse and Abuse of Antibiotics, and their Consequences – The question I have for you, are you using Medications, Antibiotics and Vaccinations Properly? Our Special Guest is Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo a Poultry Veterinarian, from UC Davis is here to address this very important and controversial subject.   We all know how beneficial antibiotics and vaccinations can be. If used properly, and for the r...