PK360 Audio

Hot weather can spell disaster for your flock if you're not prepared. In Part 1 of Beat the Heat , Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon join us for a no-fluff, practical conversation about what poultry heat stress really is, how it affects your birds, and the proactive steps small flock keepers can take to reduce risk. We cover: What defines heat stress and when it becomes dangerous How to spot e...

In this continuation of our in-depth series, host Carey Blackmon is joined by Jeff Mattocks and breeder Jason Yuke as they dive even deeper into Jason’s project to restore production quality in his Barred Plymouth Rocks. From managing harsh climates and selective breeding setbacks to measuring feed conversion, temperament, and thriftiness, this episode offers invaluable insights into the real-worl...

In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360, we kick off Part 1 of an in-depth conversation with poultry breeder Jason, who shares his hands-on experience and strategies for restoring production qualities in the Barred Plymouth Rock. From his early setbacks with show birds to discovering the secrets of line breeding, nutrition, and evaluating skeletal structure, Jason walks us through his journey of br...

In Part 2 of “Culling With Clarity,” join Mandelyn, John, and Rip as they continue their honest and thought-provoking conversation about the art and responsibility of culling within a poultry breeding program. This episode digs deeper into the emotional challenges, humane techniques, and practical considerations that all poultry keepers face when selecting and removing birds from their flocks. You...

In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman have a deep and honest discussion on one of the most challenging but essential parts of poultry keeping: culling. But wait—culling isn’t just about processing birds. It’s about decision-making. It’s about your flock’s future. It’s about refining your breeding goals, making tough calls, and p...

Summer heat can be brutal—but your poultry don’t have to suffer through it. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey shares real-world, down-home strategies to help your flock stay cool, safe, and productive during the hottest months of the year.  From water and shade solutions to ventilation tricks, frozen treats, low-sodium electrolytes, and breed choices that beat the h...

In this deep-dive bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey explores one of the most misunderstood components of poultry nutrition: fats. Whether you’re raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, fat plays a crucial role in energy, feather quality, fertility, and even immunity. Host Rip Stalvey explains how dietary fats impact vitamin absorption, hormone production, feed pa...

In this powerful continuation of our Smart Selection series, we dig deeper into how to make informed, effective breeding decisions for your poultry flock. Whether you're selecting for meat, eggs, show quality, or broodiness, this episode is packed with real-life examples, practical tips, and honest conversations about how to assess and improve your birds. We cover the importance of early envi...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey takes a deep dive into a topic every breeder and exhibitor should understand: how feather development affects poultry type. Drawing insights from a timeless 1915 article by renowned poultry judge and illustrator Arthur O. Schilling, this episode explores how feathers influence our perception of conformation, structure, and mat...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most critical yet overlooked components of poultry nutrition—amino acids. Whether you're raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, understanding the role of amino acids can dramatically improve your flock’s health, productivity, behavior, and appearance. Learn how amino acids like methionine...

In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey is joined by Mandelyn Royal and John Gunterman to explore one of the most powerful yet misunderstood aspects of poultry breeding: Smart Selection .  Whether you're raising birds for eggs, meat, show, or heritage preservation, this conversation breaks down how purposeful culling and intentional selection can make or b...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey breaks down what it really takes to feed your quail for success at every life stage. From the high-protein, high-fat needs of newly hatched chicks to the adjusted calcium and vitamin requirements of breeders, this episode covers the full nutritional roadmap for small flock quail keepers. Based on insights from Jeff Mattocks’ “...

In this Coop Wisdom bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey walks you through a step-by-step, non-fasting molting method that supports your flock’s health, comfort, and future egg production. Learn what molting is, when it occurs, why it matters, and how you can manage it humanely without depriving your hens. You’ll discover how to adjust your flock’s diet, lighting, and ca...

In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we continue our deep dive into the fascinating world of grow outs. Hosts John, Mandelyn, and Rip explore the subtle and not-so-subtle messages your young flock sends you every day—if you know how to look. From activity levels and social behavior to the impact of nutrition, grit, and space on development, this conversation is packed with real-world i...

It’s mosquito season—and that means your birds may be at higher risk of Fowl Pox , a viral disease that spreads rapidly through bites, contact, and contaminated surfaces. In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey breaks down: What fowl pox is and how to recognize it How it spreads in your flock What treatments help reduce symptoms and secondary infections The best way...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we dive into a vital but often overlooked trait in poultry breeding: body capacity . Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, or sustainability, understanding and improving body capacity can elevate your flock's productivity and long-term health. Hosted by Rip Stalvey, this episode covers: What body capacity really means in poultry How to...

Discover the secrets hidden in your young flock’s development! In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , we dive deep into the overlooked but crucial grow-out phase —the time between brooding and maturity. Learn how to observe, track, and interpret the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages your birds are giving you. Join Rip, John and Mandelyn as they share proven tips on: Early growth indica...

In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast , host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most important questions in poultry hatching: What is the most critical part of the incubation process—and when does it matter most? While many poultry keepers focus on temperature, humidity, and egg turning, Rip explains why the first 10 days of incubation are the true foundation for hatch success. You’l...

In this personal and down-to-earth episode, Rip Stalvey shares why poultry nutrition isn’t just about feed—it’s about the food we ultimately serve our families. When we raise backyard chickens, their health, egg quality, and meat flavor are a direct reflection of what we put in their feeders. That’s why we say: We are what we eat, eats. You'll learn how intentional poultry feeding choices—lik...

In Part 2 of the Grow Out Secrets series on The Poultry Keepers Podcast , Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman return to the conversation on raising and evaluating young poultry during the critical grow-out phase. This episode dives into the real-world decisions poultry keepers must make when selecting future breeders and culling out the rest. Learn how to spot activity levels, how nutr...

In this bonus audio, host Rip Stalvey introduces a simple but powerful model for raising better birds: The Poultry Keeper’s Pyramid . This foundational framework focuses on three equal, interconnected pillars— Genetics, Management, and Nutrition —and shows how balancing all three leads to healthier, more productive, and more consistent flocks. Whether you raise birds for eggs, meat, show, or susta...

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most critical yet overlooked phases of poultry keeping: the grow-out stage. From the moment your chicks leave the brooder until they reach maturity, every behavior and growth milestone offers clues—if you're paying attention.  We guide you through the importance of daily observation, growth tracking, and hands-on eva...

In this episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked grow-out phase of poultry keeping—the critical time between brooding and maturity.  Join Rip and guests John and Mandelyn as they explore the importance of observing your chickens’ behavior, tracking growth milestones, and making informed decisions about nutrition, genetics, and flock management. Learn how daily...

Are rodents invading your chicken coop? In this bonus content of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into why rats and mice are drawn to backyard chicken coops, the damage they can cause to your flock, and—most importantly—how to eliminate and prevent them.  Learn practical, humane, and effective strategies to keep your chickens safe, your feed secure, and your coop clean. From rodent-proofi...

In this clip Jeff Mattocks shares his thoughts on giving baby chicks electrolytes. Join our Facebook Groups: Poultry Keepers 360 - -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/354973752688125 Poultry Breeders Nutrition - https://www.facebook.com/groups/4908798409211973