The Coop with Meyer Hatchery

AI, also known as Avian Influenza or the bird flu, is something that is always present and continuously monitored by the USDA. Recently there have been increased reports of a Eurasian H5 strain of high pathogenic Avian Influenza that have put poultry owners on alert. Today we are discussing what this virus is, symptoms to watch for as well as ways to protect your flock. If you notice an ill bird o...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about deviled eggs and the day dedicated to their honor, November 2nd. Sure, it seems that there is a day to celebrate nearly everything but this versatile and delicious variation of eggs certainly deserves some recognition! Important Links: Deviled Egg Recipes Deviled Egg Recipes & Tips Last Minute Egg Ideas for Halloween Party How to Cook Eggs in a Pressure...

Today we’re all treats and no tricks as we prepare for the 2022 season. It is the time of year when we begin to prepare for what next year will have in store. One of the most coveted days includes our chick release. This is when availability for each breed gets added to the website and 2022 orders can be placed. Want to know when you can begin placing those orders? Listen to this episode to find o...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about molting. Molting is not usually a welcome season for chicken owners, as it usually means a mess of feathers, decreased egg production, and bald-looking chickens. But the molting season is normal and healthy for your chickens, and there are few things you can do to support your flock during this time. Important Links:  Ways To Help Molting Chickens

For many backyard chicken keepers, having a rooster is part of keeping a flock. For new keepers, you could be questioning the addition of one. Despite the stories, you may have heard there are a lot of pros and cons to raising roosters. Today we’re going to cover all you need to know about roosters in your flock. Important Links:  EP72: Best of Guards MM: Aggressive Roosters Friendliest Rooster Br...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about pumpkins, squash, and all things spice! Fall is officially in the air and the leaves are changing color. Many folks claim Autumn as their favorite season, and if you have ever seen chickens enjoying a pumpkin, it may very well be their favorite season too!  Important Links:  Pumpkin Spice Chickens  Happy Hen Treats: Mealworm Spice Blend Fresh Eggs Daily: Bre...

Today we’re sharing some of the common questions we answered from our trip to the Homesteaders of America conference in Virginia. You may have noticed a brief pause in our podcast production as we traveled over 350 miles to Front Royal, Virginia to attend the 2021 Homesteaders of America Conference. Over 5,000 people attended this 2-day event, full of amazing speakers, vendors and surround by a fa...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Fall predators. Predator protection is paramount, to most chicken keepers at any point in the year, but each season brings its own concerns and predators. As the weather cools and leaves fall, keep your flock safe as you stay vigilant when Fall predators are on the hunt. Important Links:  Predator Control  Coop Accessories 

Today we’re talking about guards, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of October, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for guarding. As the spooky season approaches, we thought it would be fun to cover some of the best breeds to help protect your farms and homesteads.  While maybe not...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about protein. While it may sound boring, protein is absolutely essential to the health of a chicken. Eggs, feathers, and everything in between need a steady supply of good protein. Chicken feed is offered at various protein levels, based on the age and needs of your flock, but there are many treats and supplements that give your flock an always-welcome extra boos...

Today we’re talking about winterizing your garden, with chickens of course! For most of us throughout the Northern United States, our gardens have hit their peak and are starting to dwindle. As you pick through and work to preserve the last of your summer bounty, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your garden, and your chickens can help! Important Links:  Wood Shavings MM:  Kitchen Scra...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the social structure of a chicken flock. You’ve heard of the pecking order, but beyond being the top bird or being last on the rung, there is a unique social structure within each and every flock. The social structure is delicate and is ever-changing based on multiple factors.  Chickens are social “flock” animals and we recommend a successful flock have at l...

Today we’re talking about Kendra’s Newest Poultry Type.  Kendra's raised chickens, bantams, ducks, quail, guineas, and turkeys on my homestead - but just this week, I’ve added a new poultry type! Any guesses…  I’ll give you a hint. Their call will scare the neighbors at dusk, they like to roost high amongst the trees and they may just be the most beautiful bird I’ve raised to date.  PEAFOWL! ...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about leaving the lights on. As daylight slowly fades away this time of year, do you leave the lights on in your coop? The question often begins with electricity in the coop building stage. Often people associate electricity with heat, but a well-insulated coop does not need to be heated. You may, however, want to consider electricity for lights. Important Links:...

When it comes to getting chicks, most keepers think of the Spring season. But in my opinion, any time of year is a good time for chickens! Ok, maybe not the dead of winter but as we face the beginning of fall don’t hesitate to get that brooder ready. There are plenty of reasons to raise chicks in the fall from breed selection to egg production. In this episode you'll:  Discover Why Fall Is A...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to celebrate my birthday month, with some of my personal Meyer favorites. While I’d like to tell you this month is all about me, I do have something special in store for YOU! So keep listening. 

Today we’re talking about free-range breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of September, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for free-ranging. Whether you’re jumping on the pastured poultry bandwagon or just looking for some good breeds for your backyard, there are a few things...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about raising meat birds in an urban setting. Many Meyer Hatchery customers raise their birds on a small scale, usually starting with egg layer breeds. But meat birds can also be raised on a small scale!  Important Links: EP:10 Chicken Tractors MM: 67 Top 3 Chicken Butchering Books EP: 64 The Best of Meat Bird Breeds All About Meat Birds - blog Processing Supplies

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners.  I’m your host Kendra and on the show today you’ll hear how the desire to feed their family the best possible food grew into a passion for sharing that food with their community. Crossing Creeks farm out of Shelbyville Tennessee began in 2012 raising g...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about butchering books. There are numerous resources out there to learn about processing chickens. From the processing setup, butchering, and even the kitchen skills for cooking; today we’re reviewing 3 of our favorite books on the topic. Important Links: Adam Danforth: Butchering Chickens & Butchering  EP11: Interview: Adam Danforth | Part 1 EP12: Interview:...

Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Coop with Meyer Hatchery - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of educating crazy chicken keepers and inspiring future flock owners. I’m Kendra. And I’m Jeff. And today we’re talking about game birds.  When it comes to poultry types often raised on homesteads and farms most people stick to the tried and true domesticated chickens and ducks. For those feeling...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about chicken stock. Chicken stock has been used for centuries and is still commonly used today in all sorts of recipes. Chicken stock, also known as bone broth, is revered for its health benefits. When you had a cold or flu growing up, many of us have memories of our mom or grandma making a big pot of chicken soup. This feel-good meal is rooted in the amazing ben...

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners.  I’m your host Kendra and on the show today you’ll hear how an education in child development and love of food came together to drive Stacie Billis to become a food editor, cookbook author, and host to one of the top 20 food podcasts on Apple. But her...

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about poultry cut lists. When processing your own birds it should always start with a butchering plan. A cut list will help you track, record, and package your poultry according to how you plan to use it. For instance, do you like to keep the leg and thigh together? Have you considered making a batch of chicken sausage? Today we’re quite literally helping you brea...

Today we’re talking about meat bird breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of August, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for producing meat. Whether you’re looking to bring a home-raised chicken to market, or produce enough meat to feed your family there are several meat breed o...