Bred to Perfection

What he's planning for himself, and the next generation of chickens, and why it matters to you. In this in-depth episode, Kenny Troiano sits down with renowned breeder, author, and genetic enthusiast Brian Reeder for a masterclass in poultry breeding. Brian shares the story behind his lifelong passion, diving into his groundbreaking research on immunogenetics, coloration, and the science that driv...

Building Superior Bloodlines and Strains In this episode, we talk about the art and science of selective breeding —the true foundation of every great bloodline. Whether you're breeding chickens, gamefowl, or other poultry, these 15 proven rules will help you to create healthier, stronger, and more consistent birds generation after generation. We'll break down everything from choosing your Seed Fow...

Join Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, and his co-hosts as they delve into the intricacies of gamefowl breeding in this episode of Bred to Perfection. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or new to the scene, Kenny and his team discuss key concepts such as genetic principles, breeding strategies, and the importance of selective breeding. The episode also addresses common misconceptions...

Breeding for the complete package involves selecting individuals that possess a combination of desirable traits. Overall, breeding for the complete package offers numerous advantages in terms of improving breed characteristics, as well as, improved health and better resistance to disease, better performance ability, and overall adaptability and survivability to their environment. And, having a str...

Join Kenny Troiano and Frank Bradley , as they discuss the misconceptions surrounding "who is most important, the cock, or the hen." The discussion about who is more valuable, the cock or hen, is as old as the chicken itself. It has been a huge debate for as long as I can remember. Everyone has an opinion, but who is right? Many say it's the cock. But when you look at it more closely, you see how...

In this thought-provoking episode of Bred to Perfection , Kenny and Frank dive deep into the powerful connection between evolutionary biology and selective breeding —and how understanding this relationship is the key to creating, improving, and preserving a pure strain of chickens or gamefowl. Contrary to what some believe, building a true family or strain isn't a myth—it's a science. But most bre...

One is temporary, the other is long lasting, but which is best? As a breeder, you have many tools that you can use to create and improve your strain. None are more important, or have the force to move your strain forward than that of Prepotency. The problem is, for many breeders, Hybrid Vigor gets all the credit. The truth of the matter, Prepotency and Hybrid Vigor are both incredible forces of na...

In this episode of Bred to Perfection , Kenny and Nancy Troiano break down the foundational principles every chicken and gamefowl breeder needs to master to build a true strain. From selecting your seed fowl — your "Adam and Eve" — to identifying genetically weak birds, managing inbreeding, and preserving vital traits like broodiness, this episode is your roadmap to breeding success. We debunk com...

In this episode, we break down everything chicken and gamefowl breeders need to know about Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) — a fast-moving respiratory virus that threatens, not only your flock's health, but also the integrity of your bloodlines and breeding program. From swollen heads and foamy eyes to plummeting egg production and fertility issues, aMPV can wreak havoc in both commercial and small-s...

In this episode of Bred to Perfection , we dive into one of the biggest challenges breeders face—controlling and eliminating rats and mice. These pesky rodents can wreak havoc on your farm by contaminating feed, damaging infrastructure, and even threatening the health of your birds. Join us as we discuss the different types of rats—Norway rats and Roof rats—and how they behave around your farm. Le...

In this episode, we talk about line-breeding —one of the most effective and powerful methods used by breeders to create superior bloodlines and stabilize favorable traits over generations. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl or dogs, understanding line-breeding is key to creating a consistent, high-performing strain. But, like any breeding method, it's not without its problems and...

For serious gamefowl breeders and poultry keepers, molt isn't just a downtime — it's a genetic checkpoint and a vital phase that shapes your birds' future health, performance, and breeding value. Yet many breeders unknowingly sabotage this crucial period with one common misstep: dropping protein and cutting weight too aggressively. In this episode, we break down: What actually happens during the m...

Many breeders operate under the assumption that they're making informed decisions, yet often they are unaware of the crucial knowledge gaps that can lead to the downfall of their strains. It's essential to recognize that sometimes, the greatest risks come from what we don't know we should be doing—or avoiding—in our breeding practices. The journey of improving an established strain is rarely strai...

In this episode of Bred to Perfection , we reveal The 10 Commandments of Breeding —the foundational principles every serious breeder must follow to create a true, lasting strain . Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned breeder looking to refine your program, these commandments will guide you toward building a strain that is healthy, uniform and consistent, and repeatable for gene...

Breeding Terms Simplified  is your go-to resource for demystifying the complex world of breeding terminology. This episode delves into 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,...

In this continuation of our series The 12 Key Challenges in Breeding and Creating a Strain , Episode 150 dives deep into the complexities of establishing a true, purebred strain—examining the connection and similarities between evolutionary biology and selective breeding practices. Breeders striving for perfection face a wide range of challenges, from genetic issues to environmental influences, an...

In Episode 255 of the Bred to Perfection Podcast , host Kenny Troiano of the Breeders Academy—joined by co-host Frank Bradley and Nancy Troiano—talk about the most common and critical challenges breeders face when developing a pure strain of chickens or gamefowl. Whether you're starting with hybrid stock or looking to refine an existing bloodline, this episode offers practical advice, expert insig...

Mastering Breeding: Genetics, Selection, and the Path to Purity Welcome to Episode 254 of Bred to Perfection , brought to you by the Maximus Troy Publications Broadcasting Network! Join host Kenny Troiano , founder of The Breeders Academy, alongside Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley , for a deep dive into the science and strategy of breeding. Whether you're building a new strain from scratch or work...

Breeding isn't just about producing beautiful birds—it's a long-term, science-driven commitment that demands grit, knowledge, and emotional resilience. In Episode 253 , host Kenny Troiano is joined by Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley to shine a light on the often-ignored realities of chicken and gamefowl breeding. This episode takes a no-nonsense look at the hard truths every aspiring breeder must...

Join Kenny Troiano and his co-hosts, Frank Bradley – as they talk about the Breeding and Feeding of our fowl, as well as other issues that affect our fowl. In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we answered questions from the live show.  This episode is packed with great information, and one you do not want to miss. I know you will enjoy this episode, and learn a lot too. We specialize in the bree...

Why Every Breeder Needs to Document Everything In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we're going to talk about the crucial role of Record Keeping, in the creation, improvement and maintenance of your strain. Whether you're a veteran breeder or just starting out, you'll discover why meticulous record-keeping isn't just a formality—it's a cornerstone of a thriving breeding program. Join us as we ta...

There are several breeding methods available to breeders for creating a strain. Each method serves a specific function and purpose. Understanding when and how to apply these methods significantly contributes to a breeder's success in establishing a true strain. However, many breeders are hesitant to practice inbreeding due to concerns about inbreeding depression. Instead, they often resort to outc...

What does it really take to become a successful chicken or gamefowl breeder? Becoming a successful breeder involves a combination of education, experience, skills, and certain personal attributes. While a formal education isn't always a strict requirement, having a background in evolutionary biology and genetics, as well as knowing how to selectively breed for desired characteristics, can provide...

The Truth About Different Types Of Breeders In this episode of Bred to Perfection Live, we will talk about how some believe they are breeders, but don't know how to breed properly. We will talk about the different types of breeders that exist today, and how they affect the breed as a whole, this includes: Master breeders, Apprentice breeders, And, what we call, the 85 percenters. You can decide wh...

In this episode we address a belief many breeders share, and that is, "it's better to introduce new blood rather than to create their own strain." Listen in as we discuss why adding and infusing new blood is not the answer, and that there is a better way. There are many misconceptions that breeders use to justify this practice, and we address them here. This episode is packed with great informatio...