Backyard Chickens & Coturnix Quail: Incubating Hatching Eggs and Chicken Breeding

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer break down the real-world differences between heritage chickens, hybrid broilers, and the Cornish Cross birds used in commercial meat production. If you’ve ever wondered why home-raised chicken tastes different than store-bought chicken — or whether raising your own meat birds is actually worth it — this episode dives deep into the truth most people never hear.From Orpingtons and dual-purpose heritage breeds to fast-growing commercial broilers like the Cobb and Ross lines, this conversation explores flavor, texture, nutrition, growth rates, feed management, processing timelines, bone broth quality, freezer space, bird welfare, and the realities of modern poultry production.Jennifer also shares firsthand experience raising large batches of Cornish Cross birds, including the smell, management challenges, leg problems, feed consumption, mortality issues, and why many homesteaders eventually transition toward slower-growing heritage breeds instead.You’ll also learn why older pasture-raised birds produce darker, richer, more nutrient-dense broth, how exercise and bone development affect flavor and texture, and why many traditional chicken breeds create a completely different eating experience than what most people buy at the grocery store.Whether you raise backyard chickens, homestead, process your own meat birds, or simply want healthier and better-tasting food for your family, this episode offers practical, honest insight without the fluff.Topics Covered: Heritage chickens vs Cornish Cross  Hybrid broiler chickens explained  Why grocery store chicken tastes different  Raising meat birds at home  Pasture-raised poultry management  Chicken flavor and texture differences  Bone broth from heritage birds  Feed costs and freezer planning  Broiler health and growth problems  Best chickens for self-sufficiency and homesteading Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Silkie chickens are one of the most misunderstood breeds in poultry—and most people are getting it wrong.In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with veterinarian Dr. Nicole to break down what actually matters when it comes to breeding, raising, and selecting high-quality Silkies.From genetics and defects to breed standards and real-world care, this episode cuts through the fluff and gives you practical knowledge you can actually use.We cover everything from the truth behind Silkie traits like black skin and five toes, to common defects like crossbeak, duck toe, and poor crest structure—and how to identify and eliminate them from your breeding program.We also dive into incubation, egg selection, housing challenges, and why Silkies require a completely different level of care than most chickens.No guesswork. No gatekeeping. Just real poultry education.We believe poultry breeders deserve accurate information, proven methods, and real guidance—not opinions, trends, or bad advice from people who aren’t doing it.If you're serious about improving your birds, this episode is for you. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!How do you actually start a poultry breeding program? Carey and Jennifer break down the realities of building a breeding program from the ground up — from picking the right breed and finding a reputable source, to understanding culls, genetics, and the five-year timeline most beginners don’t expect.In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate breed traits, why visiting a poultry show beats scrolling Facebook, the difference between standard-bred, utility, and English-style birds, and how phenotype and genotype actually work. We share the resources that helped us most — including the APA Standard of Perfection, Kenny Troiano’s Breeders Academy, Brian Reeder’s color genetics work, and Sigrid Van Dort’s books — plus practical advice on housing, hatching numbers, mentorship etiquette, and keeping your own records.Whether you raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, or gamefowl, this episode gives you the framework to build a real breeding program without making the costly mistakes most beginners make.Companion blog: poultrynerdspodcast.com/blog Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Gina Wrather of Wrather Farms in Columbia, Tennessee returns to break down three of the most visually stunning — and most misunderstood — color varieties in Americana chickens. We dig into the genetics behind Splash, Ermine, and Modeled, explain why a recessive gene can hide for 20 years before showing up in your hatch, and talk about the breeder responsibility that comes with selling birds. If you've ever hatched a surprise chick and wondered where it came from, this episode is for you.Join the Poultry Nerds and Gina Wrather from Wrather Farms as we breakdown backyard and exhibition breeding tactics. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Think you can just toss any egg in the incubator? Think again. In this episode of Poultry Nerds, we go nest box to incubator — sorting real eggs by weight, shape, shell quality, and cleanliness to show you exactly what to set and what to skip. We cover large fowl, quail, and celadon eggs, break down double yolkers, torpedo shapes, golf balls, and the perfect 67-gram specimen. Plus — a listener question about noisy roosters and how to keep your neighbors from losing their minds. Whether you're brand new or refining a breeding program, this one's packed with practical knowledge.🐣 Topics covered: gram weight ranges, egg shape, shell texture, dirty vs. washed eggs, quail egg selection, celadon quirks, separating hatching baskets by egg quality, and why your hatch rate problems might start at the nest box — not the incubator.🔗 Join the Incubation Masterclass: incubationmasterclass.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Whether you've already impulse-bought chicks at Tractor Supply or you're planning your first flock, this episode is your roadmap to avoiding the most common beginner chicken-keeping mistakes. We answer real listener questions from a first-time chicken owner — covering nesting boxes, safe treats for kids to give chickens, when to stop using a heat lamp, and whether water supplements are worth the money. Then we dive into our list of 10 critical mistakes new flock owners make: impulse buying without a plan, brooder setup errors, sizing your coop wrong, ignoring predator protection (yes, chicken wire is useless), choosing the wrong feed for your birds' life stage, misunderstanding biosecurity risks, skimping on ventilation, and not deciding ahead of time how you'll handle sick birds. We also cover why you need to know your *why* before you ever bring home a chick — pets, livestock, bug control, or show birds all require a different approach. Plus: the truth about prebuilt kit coops, hardware cloth vs chicken wire, aerial predator netting, and why incubation is basically the most addictive hobby in backyard farming. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we get into the real-world side of shipping hatching eggs, buying from breeders, hatch rate expectations, incubation mistakes, poultry medications, NPIP misconceptions, and how to find quality hatching eggs.We talk through what actually matters when you’re buying hatching eggs or live birds, what questions to ask a breeder, how nutrition affects fertility and hatchability, why some eggs should never be shipped, and the red flags people ignore when they’re shopping for birds online.We also break down: how to choose which hatching eggs are worth shipping, why damaged, torpedo-shaped, oversized, undersized, dirty, or questionable eggs should be culled from hatching orders, why shipping partially incubated eggs is a bad idea, how chilling, handling, and stressing embryos can reduce hatch rates, what buyers should ask breeders about feed, flock management, medications, and shipping methods, why NPIP is not the same thing as breeder quality, how poor nutrition and bad breeder practices can affect developing chicks, why shipping materials matter, what to know about egg age, embryo age, and improper storage, and how to find better hatching egg sellers without gambling on social media.This episode is for anyone raising quail, chickens, or other poultry who wants better hatch rates, stronger chicks, and fewer expensive mistakes. If you’ve ever bought hatching eggs online, struggled with incubation, or wondered how to tell a quality breeder from a bad one, this is a conversation you need to hear.  Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Blaze from Bad Baxter Farm in Wynnewood, Oklahoma to talk about raising poultry and livestock in a more natural, practical, and self-sustaining way.Blaze shares how her health journey led her deeper into nutrition, homesteading, growing her own food, and building a farm focused on stronger animals, better management, and less dependence on bagged feed and constant medications. We talk about what it really looks like to raise birds on pasture, why ducks are underrated, how closed flocks can help build stronger birds, and why so many health problems in poultry come back to management, environment, and nutrition.We also get into: pasture-raised chickens, ducks, quail, rabbits, and turkeys  feed freedom and reducing dependence on commercial feed  duckweed as a low-cost, high-protein livestock supplement  natural flock health and disease prevention  coccidiosis prevention, probiotics, whey, and yogurt  why ducks may outperform chickens on some homesteads  breed choices, breeding goals, and raising what actually works  how strong animals are built through better systems, not just more medication This is a real conversation about learning the hard way, building healthier flocks, and creating a farm system that works in the real world—not just on paper.If you care about poultry nutrition, pasture poultry, natural flock management, homesteading, feed alternatives, and raising healthier birds, this episode is for you. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Today we’re talking all about Bresse chickens and why they’ve become one of our favorite breeds for a self-sustaining flock.In this episode, we cover:Why we prefer Bresse over Cornish in many situationsMeat quality, tenderness, and ideal processing ageHow to select breeder birds for width, body shape, and table qualityEgg size, egg selection, and incubation tipsHow to build a breeding program around your goalsThe difference between breeding for production versus breeding for showWhy Bresse may be one of the best chickens for homesteaders who want both meat and eggsIf you’ve been wondering whether Bresse chickens are worth the hype, or you want a better long-term option for meat production on your farm, this episode is for you.Bresse chickens, Bresse chicken breeding, Bresse meat birds, best meat chicken breed, Cornish vs Bresse, self sufficient chickens, dual purpose chickens, homestead poultry, backyard chickens, poultry breeding, meat bird selection, chicken processing, incubation, hatching eggs, sustainable poultry Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!On this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Brent from Zero G Quail Farm to talk all about frozen quail feeders, who buys them, how they are sized, packaged, processed, and shipped, and why they can be a valuable outlet for quail breeders.We also go down some fun rabbit holes, including the history of quail hatched in space, the strange legal gray areas around keeping quail, and the surprising demand from the falconry community, reptile owners, raw feeders, and more.In this episode, we cover:What frozen feeder quail are and why people buy themFalconry birds, reptiles, zoos, rescues, and raw feeding marketsHow breeders use feeders as an outlet for cullsSizing birds by weight for customersPackaging and freezing tips that make birds look better and store betterCervical dislocation vs. CO2 dispatchHandling breeder birds vs. younger birdsShipping challenges, dry ice, delivery logistics, and customer expectationsUsing more of the bird for added valueWhy setting boundaries matters if you want to turn quail into a businessIf you raise quail, breed coturnix, sell feeders, or want to understand another side of the poultry world, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world experience.Guest: Brent of Zero G Quail FarmWebsite: Zero G Quail FarmsCommunity Mentioned: Incubation Masterclass Facebook GroupSubscribe for more episodes on:quail farming, poultry breeding, incubation, gamebirds, nutrition, business strategy, and practical poultry management.#PoultryNerdsPodcast #QuailFarming #FrozenFeeders #CoturnixQuail #Falconry #ReptileFeeders #QuailBreeding #BackyardPoultry #Homesteading #PoultryPodcast #RawFeeding #Gamebirds #Incubation #QuailBusiness Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Thinking about raising quail but not sure how to get started?In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we walk through the real decisions every beginner faces when starting with quail. Should you buy hatching eggs, chicks, or adult birds? What equipment do you really need? And what housing systems work best for backyard quail keepers?We also explain the true costs of starting a quail flock, the pros and cons of different setups, and how experienced breeders plan their operations before buying their first birds.Whether you're interested in quail for eggs, meat, breeding, or homesteading, this episode will help you build a clear plan before investing money in birds or equipment.In this episode we discuss• Starting quail with eggs vs chicks vs mature birds • The real cost of incubators, brooders, and equipment • How shipping live birds through USPS actually works • Different housing options: cages, hutches, aviaries, and barns • Why planning your quail goals saves money and frustration • How quail compare to chickens for eggs, meat, and breedingQuail are one of the fastest growing poultry species, reaching maturity in just a few weeks, making them ideal for backyard farmers, breeders, and homesteaders.🎧 Listen now and learn how to start raising quail the right way. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Is the egg just a shell with a chick inside?Not even close.In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break down the real science behind egg incubation and hatching — and clear up some of the biggest myths spreading through backyard chicken groups.If you're incubating chicken eggs, quail eggs, duck eggs, or shipped hatching eggs this season, this episode will help you improve your hatch rate and produce stronger, healthier chicks.We discuss:How breeder nutrition affects egg quality and chick vigorThe real structure of the egg (yolk, albumen, membranes, air cell, bloom)Why you should NOT wash hatching eggsHydrogen peroxide and egg sanitation mythsVertical incubators vs. horizontal turnersWhy vibration kills embryosBroken air cells from shipped eggs (and how to fix them)Why egg turning during the first third of incubation is criticalHumidity mistakes at lockdown that drown chicksWhy pullet eggs and misshapen eggs shouldn’t be setThe egg isn’t just a container — it’s a complete biological life-support system designed to grow a chick.If you want better hatch rates, fewer weak chicks, and less frustration during hatching season, this episode is for you.Join the conversation inside our Incubation Masterclass Facebook group and hatch smarter this year. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Quail Mania 2 is officially in the books — and the turnout was huge. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we debrief the event results, what improved from last year, and what’s already being planned for Quail Mania 3 (including a Kids Corner and the possibility of expanding to three days).Event highlights discussed:15 speakers, 16 sponsors, and 1,363 participantsOver 4,800 live chat messagesAll-Access Pass availability through May 31 (so you can learn through breeding season)Then we shift into a topic that directly impacts hatch rates and breeder success: rooster (cock bird) health and fertility.You’ll learn:Layer feed vs all-flock feed: what’s best during breeding seasonThe truth about calcium and roosters (and why it’s usually a long-term management issue)How fat roosters reduce fertility and performanceMolt management and why weight cycling mattersFoot health, roost height, and preventing injuriesSpur management and protecting hensEasy ways to check fertility before setting a full batchWhy aggression shouldn’t be tolerated in a breeding programIf you’re trying to improve fertility, hatchability, and chick quality — this is a must-listen.Sponsors mentioned: Valley Hatchery (coupon code: QuailMania), Hatching Time, ParcelPath Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!This week on the podcast we talk about some questions we see asked in our new Facebook group, Incubation Masterclass about incubating and general chicken keeping.  We answer general questions and correct some misinformation we have seen discussed.  Get more confident with your chicken skills after this episode Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break poultry husbandry down into something simple, practical, and proven: the rule of threes.Every bird goes through three critical stages of life — incubation, brooding, and grow-out — and in each stage, there are three things that matter most. Miss them, and problems follow. Get them right, and everything gets easier.We dive into:Egg selection for better hatches (size, shape, shell quality, and why pullet eggs are a hard no)Why constant candling hurts more than it helps — and when checking eggs actually makes senseTurning, tilting, airflow, and avoiding incubator disastersBrooding basics done right: heat, dryness, airflow, and why floors matter more than people thinkHeat lamps vs brooder plates and how different species really behaveGrow-out fundamentals: feeder space, moisture control, and consistent growthWhy we don’t medicate, how natural selection strengthens flocks, and what ethical culling really meansCommon myths, bad habits, and hard truths most breeders won’t say out loudThis episode is equal parts education, experience, and straight talk — no gimmicks, no hype, just what actually works in real barns with real birds.Whether you raise chickens, quail, turkeys, or gamefowl, this episode will help you hatch stronger chicks, brood them cleaner, and grow them out healthier.👉 Like, subscribe, and share — and if this helped even one bird do better, it was worth it. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode, we’re talking about how to scale from hobby quail-keeping to a real business—without getting burned by scammers, chargebacks, or platform fees.Carrie’s back from travel (and we’re recording during an ice storm), so we’re using that momentum to break down the practical business side of quail: how to start selling, how to get paid safely, where to sell online, and how to price correctly when fees stack up. Even if you raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, or other poultry, the same business principles apply.What we cover:The 3 types of poultry people you’ll run into (and why it matters for learning & scaling)Payment processors: PayPal, Venmo, Zelle — what they do and what they don’t protectWhy “Friends & Family” payments are a major red flag for buyersPurchase protection fees (and why sellers must price for them like any other cost of doing business)The buyer/seller trust balance: shipping risk, fair expectations, and chargebacksSelling platforms: Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Shopify, Squarespace (pros, cons, and what fees really cost)Why websites are never “set it and forget it” (and when platform fees might be worth it)The importance of reviews: reading them, leaving honest ones, and building long-term credibilityIf you want more business scaling strategy and quail-specific education, check out Quail Mania (free): quailmania.com.Email us: [email protected] [email protected] Or: [email protected]#Quail #QuailFarming #CoturnixQuail #HatchingEggs #PoultryBusiness #SmallFarmBusiness #FarmMarketing #EtsySeller #eBaySeller #Shopify #Squarespace #PayPal #Venmo #Zelle #Hatching #Incubation #Homesteading #BackyardFarming #PoultryNerdsPodcast #QuailMania Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with HP Murray of Gopher Ridge Farms for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about raising quail, building efficient farm systems, and how quail math can turn a small hobby into a full-time operation.HP shares his journey from growing up on a farm, stepping away from agriculture, and then returning to it through quail after retirement. From early brooding mistakes to importing German quail lines, this episode is packed with real-world experience you won’t find in a textbook.Topics covered in this episode include:How HP got started raising quail and what he learned the hard wayWhy quail quickly become a 7-day-a-week commitmentImporting quail eggs from Germany and introducing new geneticsBuilding your own quail lines through selection instead of constantly adding “new blood”Designing a brooder house for heat, ventilation, and ammonia controlMoving away from stacked cages to a low-maintenance, one-level cage systemWhy automatic waterers can dramatically reduce daily laborRaising and managing gamebirds like chukars and bobwhitesLessons learned from decades of breeding, hatching, and scaling productionWhether you raise quail for eggs, meat, breeding, or business, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has lived it—mistakes, successes, and all.👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Nerds Podcast for real poultry education, honest conversations, and experience-based learning. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we break down the celadon gene, explain how true blue eggs are formed, and clear up common myths surrounding celadon quail breeding. From genetics and egg shell pigmentation to breeding mistakes and record-keeping challenges, this episode delivers real education without the fluff.We discuss:What the celadon gene actually doesWhy blue eggs are blue all the way throughThe difference between true blue lines and random blue eggsWhy celadons are NOT harder to hatchThe importance of proper egg selectionHow recessive genetics impact celadon breedingWhy plumage color does NOT indicate celadon geneticsWhy older hens lay lighter blue eggsCommon social media myths about blue eggs and celadonsWe also explain why many people unknowingly sell celadon carriers instead of true celadons, and how improper breeding can ruin a celadon program.This episode is part of our Quail Mania countdown, leading up to one of the biggest quail education events of the year.🎟️ Join Quail Mania (Free or VIP): https://www.quailmania.comWhether you’re new to quail or working toward a true blue celadon line, this episode will help you understand the science, genetics, and practical realities behind celadon quail eggs.👉 Subscribe to the Poultry Nerds Podcast for honest poultry education and myth-busting conversations. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we’re joined by Brie—agricultural engineering student, software developer, and creator of the Poultry Pro app—to explore how data, genetics, and technology are transforming modern poultry breeding.Brie shares how her background in agricultural engineering and livestock systems led her from managing endless spreadsheets to building Poultry Pro, a powerful yet easy-to-use platform designed specifically for poultry keepers. Whether you raise backyard chickens, quail, or large breeding flocks, this episode breaks down how tracking the right information can save time, improve results, and increase profitability.We cover how Poultry Pro helps poultry breeders:Track egg production, fertility, hatchability, and feed usageManage individual birds, flocks, pedigrees, and genetic traitsMonitor health checks and condition scores before problems ariseCalculate cost per egg, cost per bird, and overall farm profitabilityExport financial data for Schedule F and farm recordsBenchmark performance against real breeder averagesWe also discuss the challenges of building agricultural apps, why mobile apps matter for today’s breeders, and how data-driven decision-making leads to stronger, healthier birds.If you want to stop guessing and start breeding with confidence, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world poultry knowledge you can apply immediately.poultry podcast, poultry breeding, Poultry Pro, chicken genetics, quail breeding, poultry data tracking, backyard chickens, poultry health, farm management software, poultry records, livestock technology, agricultural engineering, precision farming, poultry finances, Schedule F, Quail Mania, Poultry Nerds Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Happy New Year and welcome to Year 3 of the Poultry Nerds Podcast! 🎉 We just crossed 50,000 downloads, and in this episode we’re celebrating by looking back at 2025, looking ahead to 2026, and breaking down why quail are becoming one of the smartest poultry choices today.We officially announce Quail Mania 2, a free, two-day online quail education event packed with expert speakers, real-world knowledge, giveaways, and incubation insight — from first egg to freezer or business.In this episode, we cover:What we learned from launching the first Quail ManiaWhy quail are easier, faster, and more efficient than chickensReal timelines: incubation, growth, laying, and harvestFeed-to-meat cost comparisons (real numbers)Why quail are perfect for small spaces and urban setupsHow quail fit modern homesteading and food planningWhat to expect from Quail Mania 2 in FebruaryWhether you’re a chicken keeper curious about quail, a homesteader looking for efficient protein, or someone ready to scale quail production up or down — this episode gives you clarity and a plan.🎟️ Quail Mania 2 📅 February 14–15 🎥 Free to attend all weekend 🎁 Giveaways, expert speakers, incubation education 👉 Learn more & register: quailmania.comquail farming, raising quail, quail eggs, quail meat, backyard quail, homesteading podcast, poultry podcast, small scale farming, quail incubation, quail vs chickens, urban homestead, sustainable protein, poultry education, quail business, quail hatching Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Merry Christmas from the hosts of the Poultry Nerds Podcast! In this special Christmas Day episode, Carrie and Jennifer take a moment to say thank you to the incredible listeners around the world who have supported the show over the past two years.What started as a simple weekly conversation about chickens, quail, turkeys, and poultry life has grown into a global community with over 50,000 downloads, educational courses, live events, and so much more. In this short and heartfelt episode, we reflect on the unexpected growth of the podcast, share some lighthearted farm stories (including winter eggs and confused birds), and give a sneak peek at exciting plans coming in 2026.Whether you raise backyard chickens, gamefowl, quail, turkeys, or simply love learning about poultry, this episode is our way of saying thank you and wishing you and your flock a very Merry Christmas.🎧 Visit poultrynerdspodcast.com to explore episodes, courses, and events — all in one place. Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!What really happens to the rest of the bird after processing? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer dive deep into nose-to-tail poultry utilization—breaking down how quail, chickens, turkeys, and even manure can be used with little to no waste.From feeding pigs and dogs, making dehydrated pet treats, bone broth, schmaltz, bone meal, compost, garden fertilizer, and even crafts and jewelry—this episode pulls back the curtain on sustainable, homestead-style poultry processing. You’ll learn how to turn a single bird into food, supplements, soil improvement, and long-term value instead of waste.Whether you raise quail, chickens, turkeys, or just want to be a more intentional poultry keeper, this episode will completely change how you look at “the rest of the bird.”poultry processing, nose to tail poultry, what to do with chicken carcasses, quail processing tips, turkey processing at home, bone broth from poultry, poultry sustainability, homesteading with poultry, zero waste poultry, chicken bone broth, quail homesteading, using chicken manure, composting poultry waste, poultry pet treats, instant pot bone broth, freeze drying broth, heritage turkey processing, poultry nutrition education, backyard poultry podcast Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Christian from QuailOS joins Jennifer this week in a discussion about tracking chicken and quail expenses.  In the next episode of our Business Episodes, Christian has been making quail a profession for 5 years!  Now he is here to share his latest product that can help you move from backyard chicken keeper to business.  From counting hatching eggs to printing shipping labels, this ap does it all. Find out more at QuailOS.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of Poultry Nerds, we sit down with Dr. M — our resident poultry vet — to get real about worms in backyard flocks.  From the most common culprits (roundworms, tapeworms, cecal worms) to why a fecal float test matters, Dr. M breaks down:✅ What types of worms chickens typically get — and how common each is. 🔬 How a fecal flotation test works: mixing droppings with solution so worm eggs rise — then viewing under a microscope to spot the parasites. 🎯 Why even free-range birds can have worms — and how worm eggs can linger in soil for years, reinfecting flocks. 🧹 Best practices for prevention: quarantine new birds, rotate pasture, clean or turn over soil — plus when to consider deworming. ⚠️ The risks of heavy worm loads — from reduced egg production to intestinal blockages, poor growth, or even death. If you raise chickens — whether a small flock or a full backyard setup — this is essential listening. 🐣➡️ Timestamps0:00 — Intro & quick background on Dr. M2:15 — Cold weather & worms — do they survive?5:30 — What a fecal float test is & how to get one done10:00 — Common worms: roundworms, tapeworms, cecal worms16:45 — How worms spread & contaminate soil22:00 — Treatment, dewormers, and why you must check withdrawal times26:30 — Prevention: spacing, rotation, biosecurity30:00 — Q&A: eggs, worms, wild birds, and natural remediesDon’t forget: check the show notes for a link to the approved-meds site (FARAD.org) when using dewormers — especially for birds you plan to eat or collect eggs from. Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Join Carey, Jennifer, and guest breeder Aaron Guidroz of Guidroz Family Farm as they dive into the genetics behind the Progressive Pied coturnix quail, how to breed for color and size, tips for brooding success, and upcoming Black Friday farm deals from ShowPro, Brian’s Roost, and Guidroz Family Farm. Perfect for poultry and quail enthusiasts!progressive pied quail, quail genetics, coturnix quail breeding, jumbo quail, quail color mutations, poultry breeding, quail farm Louisiana, quail incubation tips, poultry podcast, show pro farm supply, hatching eggs, quail brooding setup, heat lamp vs brooder plate, Aaron Guidroz, Carey Blackmon, Jennifer Poultry Nerds, Black Friday poultry sale, quail color genetics, quail breeding program Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Welcome back, Poultry Nerds! In this jam-packed episode, Carey and Jennifer dive deep into chicken coop design, comparing fixed coops vs. chicken tractors, winter preparation, predator management, bird density, and how chicken math ALWAYS wins.Whether you’re designing your first backyard coop or upgrading your serious breeding setup, this episode arms you with practical, real-world advice on:Choosing between tractors and stationary coopsWinterizing your birds’ housingKeeping flocks stress-free for better egg production & chick vigorManaging rats, predators, wind, and weatherWhy you ALWAYS end up needing more than one penCoop planning mistakes we’ve learned the hard wayHow livestock, goats, pigs & other animals affect your setupSpacing, bird density, ground maintenance & disease preventionWhy tractors make your grass GREENER (yes, really!)If you want healthier birds, better production, and a coop setup that grows WITH your flock, this is a must-listen. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Welcome back, Poultry Nerds! In this packed episode, Jennifer finally gets Carey to spill all the juicy details about his trip to the 2025 Ohio National Poultry Show — one of the largest, loudest, and most legendary poultry events in the country.Carey shares his full unfiltered experience: • Meeting fans and podcast listeners in person • 8,100 crowing birds under one roof • Anxiety, atmosphere, and the unbelievable energy • Gamefowl appearing at the show for the first time • The gorgeous birds… and the birds that should’ve gone straight to chicken dinner • Youth exhibitors with lab coats, trophies bigger than they are, and serious showmanship • Modern Game, Silkies, huge modeled birds, and a stand-out black-and-white Polish that stole the show • What people get wrong about standards • The chaos of the sale barn • Traveling challenges, show specials, and how he avoided another hotel trailer theft • Why Carey might actually show birds next year (even after swearing he wouldn’t)PLUS — Jennifer reveals details from her new feed trial research, why fertility and chick vigor matter more than anything, and how even small breeders can run accurate feed comparisons like the big commercial companies.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend the Ohio National… this is the no-filter, boots-on-the-ground episode you don’t want to miss.Ohio National Poultry Show, 2025 poultry show, gamefowl standards, poultry exhibition, youth poultry showmanship, poultry breeding, poultry judging, Polish chickens, Silkie chickens, Modern Game birds, sale barn poultry, chicken shows USA, poultry podcast, gamefowl podcast, poultry community, hatching eggs, feed trials, poultry fertility testing, breeder flock management Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Have you ever wondered what chicken breed would be best for yourself?  Or even considered ducks instead?  Then how to find a breeder and what to ask them?  We have you covered this week on the podcast.  We created a checklist for you and then go thru it on some possible answers and the reasons why.  We  also published this one to Youtube to show you some items live from Bryant's Roost!Find the checklist on the website at PoultryNerdsPodcast.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Running a farm isn’t easy — especially when you’re balancing hundreds (or thousands) of birds, a full-time job, and family life. In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and the crew get real about how to manage your time, stay organized, and build systems that make poultry farming sustainable.From feeding routines and managing employees (or deciding to do it yourself), to hiring help for cleaning or landscaping — this episode breaks down what it really takes to handle it all. Learn about daily feeding systems, efficient use of tools like Gators and feed trolleys, and how to avoid burnout while keeping your poultry, pigs, and other livestock thriving.👉 Whether you raise quail, chickens, or gamefowl, you’ll gain actionable tips for improving efficiency, managing chores, and finding balance between your farm and your life.🎧 Tune in to hear:Real-life stories of farm help gone wrong (and lessons learned)Practical time-management systems for poultry keepersSmart outsourcing: when to hire, when to DIYFeed routines, animal care workflows, and organization hacksHow to manage distractions and keep your farm running smoothly🐔 Hosts: Carey Blackmon & Jennifer Bryant 📅 Episode Theme: Poultry Farm Systems & Time Management 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Buzzsprout Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this Poultry Nerds Podcast episode, we dive deep into auto-sexing vs sex-linked breeding in quail and chickens. Learn the genetic differences, why auto-sexing doesn’t apply to quail, how sex-linking can boost hatchery efficiency, and why Egyptian × Pharaoh crosses make one of the best-selling sex-linked quail lines.We also have a real conversation about humane CO₂ culling for surplus males, responsible flock management, and how reptile and raw-feeding communities create zero-waste solutions.Perfect for quail breeders, gamefowl enthusiasts, and anyone moving from hobby to business.📌 Key Topics:Auto-sexing vs sex-linked genetics explainedPharaoh & Egyptian cross for sex-linked quailManaging surplus males ethicallyCO₂ euthanasia setup & equipment tipsHow reptile markets reduce wasteTurning your hobby into a profitable poultry business🎧 Listen now and join the conversation at Poultry Nerds Podcastauto sexing quail, sex linked chickens, sex linked quail breeding, quail genetics, Pharaoh quail, Egyptian quail, poultry breeding podcast, humane CO2 culling poultry, reptile feeder quail, raw feeding, poultry business tips, poultry nerds podcast, gamefowl breeding, quail hatchery management Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode, co-hosts Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon take a deep dive into how a backyard poultry hobby can evolve into a profitable venture. They share their own stories of transitioning from keeping a few birds “for fun” to managing a business built on eggs, quality genetics, specialty supplies, and savvy marketing.You’ll hear:Their personal journey from raising Orpingtons, ducks, quail, and turkeys to having paying customers.  Challenges of selling “eating eggs” vs. hatching eggs and setting clear boundaries with buyers.  Tips for choosing strong breeding stock and building a niche in a crowded poultry market.  How extra birds or surplus males can be used (e.g. frozen feeders for reptile markets).  The importance of owning your website (vs. relying solely on social media), building SEO, and maintaining control over your content and customer base.  Customer service, boundaries, and how honesty and transparency can build trust and loyalty.  Whether you’re just starting with a backyard coop or already selling eggs, this episode is full of practical business lessons, mindset shifts, and real-world advice.Backyard poultry businessPoultry entrepreneurshipChicken coop to cash flowHatching eggs vs. eating eggsPoultry genetics & breeding stockDiversification in poultry businessWebsite vs. social media for salesCustomer service in agricultureNiche markets (e.g. frozen feeders)Poultry marketing & branding Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Today we talk about water quality and how it affects chickens plus ways to set up a water system to reduce labor.  Carey is much more innovative than Jennifer and her buckets. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Veterinarian Dr. M joins the Poultry Nerds Podcast to unpack chicken genetics and practical care: what vaulted skulls mean in crested breeds (Silkies, Polish), how to safely trim spurs (and what not to do), the real role of combs and wattles in heat regulation, why Vaseline doesn’t prevent frostbite, and humane tips for beak/nail maintenance. We also bust common myths—like “no wattle = sterile rooster”—and discuss caponization, turkey snoods in commercial flocks, and managing rooster behavior responsibly. Perfect for backyard keepers, show breeders, and gamefowl enthusiasts who want science-based, hands-on guidance.What you’ll learnVaulted skulls in crested breeds: risks, handling, and preventionSpur trimming: seeing the quick, filing vs. cutting, infection risksCombs & wattles: heat dissipation, frostbite realities, dubbing contextWinter care: ventilation vs. moisture, recognizing frostbite stagesBeak & nail care: scissor beak management, safe filing, feeding tipsMyth-busting: wattles and fertility, rooster aggression managementCaponization cautions and when to consult a vetKeywords: chicken podcast, poultry podcast, vaulted skulls silkies, chicken spur trimming, combs and wattles, chicken frostbite prevention, beak trimming chickens, scissor beak chickens, rooster aggression, caponization, turkey snood, chicken health, backyard chickens, gamefowl care, poultry husbandry Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Meet the real people behind the Poultry Nerds Podcast! In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode, Carey and Jennifer interview each other—how Show Pro Farm Supply started, how Bryant’s Roost grew from six dozen quail eggs, what it takes to run a poultry brand and a podcast, and why evidence-based nutrition and incubation matter.We also announce IncubationMasterclass.com—our brand-new, step-by-step Quail Incubation Masterclass (Chicken class next!). Intro price: $17 for lifetime access with printable cheat sheets, one-pagers, and research references. Learn to dial in temps, humidity, egg selection, breeder nutrition (feed tag “gotchas”), and how to get excellent hatch rates—even with a budget incubator.Plus, a first look at Quail Mania 2: more speakers, two days of learning, live chat, giveaways, and year-long access upgrade option. Teasers include Heather Levine, Jerry Landry, Dr. “Moda” (poultry vet), and Brie Pats (data/statistics for breeding + Poultry Pro app)…with many more to be revealed.🎧 What you’ll learnOur origin stories, roles, and how we run the showPractical incubation fixes: low/high temp & humidity, egg selection, breeder feed effectsHow to improve hatch rates with systems, not luckWhat’s new and bigger at Quail Mania 2 (and how to win prizes)🔗 ResourcesIncubation Masterclass (intro $17): IncubationMasterclass.comPoultry Nerds site & episodes: PoultryNerdsPodcast.com Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Join us on the Poultry Nerds Podcast as we sit down with Craig Hansen, one of the most respected names in the Cochin world. From his start in 4-H projects to breeding award-winning varieties like Silver Laced and Buff Columbians, Craig shares his journey, breeding strategies, and passion for preserving poultry genetics. We dive into show preparation, artificial insemination for fertility, predator challenges, and what it really takes to raise high-quality exhibition chickens.Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or backyard poultry keeper, this episode is packed with insights on chicken breeding, poultry shows, and the dedication behind raising top-quality flocks.Keywords: bantam Cochin chickens, poultry breeding, chicken shows, exhibition poultry, artificial insemination in chickens, poultry genetics, raising bantam chickens, Craig Hansen Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we celebrate a big milestone—earning an American, Oriental, and Spanish Gamefowl Judging Certificate—and dive into essential farm wisdom every chicken keeper needs. From choosing the right judging regalia (coat, apron, or vest?) to keeping your flock safe from common hazards, we cover it all.Learn about chicken wire vs. hardware cloth, preventing injuries from pigs and cows, why heat lamps are dangerous, and how to protect your poultry from moldy feed, tangled strings, and poorly designed coops. We also discuss roost bar safety, ventilation myths, and the best way to prepare your chickens for a long, healthy life.Whether you’re raising backyard chickens, show birds, or gamefowl, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and real-life farm stories that will help you avoid mistakes and keep your birds thriving.poultry podcast, chicken care, backyard chickens, gamefowl, American Poultry Association, poultry judging, chicken wire vs hardware cloth, chicken safety, poultry farming tips, flock management, farm life stories Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Brittany from Knights Poultry and Lab in Mississippi to explore the fascinating world of chicken DNA testing. From sexing Silkies and Ameraucanas to identifying the blue egg gene, recessive white, chocolate, lavender, and even duck or emu testing, Brittany shares how she turned a personal hobby into a growing poultry lab serving breeders nationwide.We cover:How DNA testing helps chicken owners avoid surprises in city limits & HOAs 🏡Why Silkies, Ameraucanas, and call ducks are common candidates for poultry testingStep-by-step process for collecting a sample and submitting it for fast resultsWhat DNA tests can reveal (blue egg gene, recessive white, chocolate, lavender, and more)The future of poultry genetics, including fibro and quail egg testingWhether you’re raising chickens for show, breeding projects, or backyard fun, this episode is packed with practical insights into poultry science, genetics, and the tools that can save you time, feed, and space.🔗 Learn more about Brittany’s work at KnightsPoultryandLab.com.Keywords: chicken DNA testing, chicken genetics, chicken sexing, poultry DNA lab, Silkie chicken genetics, Ameraucana blue egg gene, poultry breeding tools, chicken health, poultry lab services Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we dive deep into how to assess your chicken’s health—from daily live observations to hands-on necropsy techniques. Carey and Jennifer share detailed notes from their flocks, including Orpington grow-out observations, line breeding practices, and surprising behavior differences when young cockerels are raised with mature roosters.We also cover:What to look for in combs, wattles, eyes, and feathersHow to check chickens for mites, lice, and scaly leg mitesThe importance of vigor, temperament, and survivability in breeding selectionSimple tools and methods for performing a home necropsyWhy observing chickens in natural flocks teaches valuable lessonsWhether you’re showing chickens, running a homestead, or raising poultry for meat and eggs, this episode gives you practical tools to keep your flock healthy and thriving.🔗 Visit PoultryNerdsPodcast.com for reference materials, necropsy guides, and bonus resources.Keywords: assessing chicken health, chicken necropsy, poultry care, backyard chickens, chicken mites, chicken breeding, Orpington chickens, poultry nutrition, homestead chickens Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!We’re back with another Next Level Nerds episode, and this one’s packed with real-world farming grit and laughs. 🐓🌱Meet Bernadine & Ray from Redmond Hills Farm in Oregon. They’ve turned retirement into full-time farming—raising pasture-raised Cornish chickens, quail for eggs & meat, and even working with Longhorn cattle. But their journey is far from simple…🔥 In this episode: ✔️ Navigating farm-use tax laws & building permits in Oregon ✔️ Expanding from chickens to quail (and now selling chicks to farm stores) ✔️ Dealing with cougars, bears & owls raiding the flock 🦉🐾 ✔️ How HOAs tried to ban their “live eggs” 🤯 ✔️ The struggle (and fun) of turning a hobby into a profitable farm businessIf you’ve ever thought about taking your backyard flock to the next level, or just want to hear some wild farm stories, this episode is for you! Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Ever wondered which chicken, duck, or quail breed is best for your self-sufficient lifestyle? In this fun and informative episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer compare their two very different homesteads—one on multiple acres, one on a small plot—to show how anyone can start raising poultry, no matter the space.We dive into heritage breeds like Orpingtons and American Bresse, fast-growing Cornish Cross, ducks for natural pest control, and quail for small-space egg and meat production. You’ll learn about feed costs, flavor differences, processing tips (hello, Instant Pot magic!), and how each bird can play a unique role on your homestead.Whether you’re on half an acre in the city or 20 acres in the country, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward raising your own food—and give you the confidence to figure out what works for you.Key topics covered:Heritage vs. commercial poultry breeds for meat and eggsDucks as natural mosquito and fly controlQuail for small spaces and urban homesteadsCost, feed conversion, and flavor profilesTips for processing and cooking older birdsThe importance of adapting advice to your land, climate, and lifestyleKeywordspoultry podcast, poultry breeds, heritage chicken breeds, Cornish Cross, American Bresse chicken, Orpington chickens, ducks for pest control, quail for meat and eggs, small space farming, self-sufficient living, homestead poultry, raising poultry, backyard chickens, poultry self sufficiency, homesteading podcast Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Thinking about raising chickens but overwhelmed by fancy coops and expensive setups? In this down-to-earth episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we go back to basics with practical, budget-friendly tips for beginners. From cardboard box brooders to free pallet coops, we share our first chicken stories, starter equipment, predator protection advice, and what you actually need—vs what social media says you should buy. Whether you're raising chicks for the first time or looking to simplify your setup, this episode will give you confidence, clarity, and a few laughs along the way.how to start raising chickensraising backyard chickens on a budgetchicken coop setup for beginnerscheap chicken brooder ideasbeginner chicken keeping tipsbackyard chicken essentialspoultry starter guidelow-cost chicken coop ideashow to brood chicks at homepredator protection for chickenschicken math explainedwhat you need to raise chicks Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we sit down with Whitney from Bissonnette Acres to talk about the Indio Gigante, a massive chicken breed developed in Brazil for meat production and now turning heads in the U.S. for its size, docility, and dinosaur-like appearance. Whitney shares her experience raising these birds, what makes them different from other large fowl like Brahmas or Ayam Cemani, and the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and selective breeding to avoid leg issues like perna bamba.We discuss the origin story of this “government chicken,” how to spot a quality Indio Gigante, and ongoing efforts to develop a U.S. breed standard. Whether you’re curious about their blue eggs, their predator-deterring size, or why they need low protein diets and lots of space—this episode delivers all the poultry nerdy details.🦖 Are these the chickens that prove dinosaurs are still among us? Tune in and decide for yourself.🔑 Keywords:Indio Gigante chickens, tallest chicken breed, Brazilian chicken breed, perna bamba, Indio Gigante care, raising giant chickens, Indio Gigante feed, Whitney Bissonnette Acres, Ayam Cemani, poultry breeding, exotic chicken breeds, backyard chicken podcast, meat chickens, SOP for Indio Gigante, poultry leg health, predator-proof chickens Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Discover the charming world of button quail! Jennifer shares her journey raising these tiny birds, tips on brooding, feeding, housing, and how custom nutrition boosted hatch rates. Whether you're breeding or keeping them as indoor pets, this episode covers it all.  In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer dive into the care, breeding, and quirks of button quail. Learn how to brood them successfully, avoid feed pitfalls, and why these micro quail are becoming trendy indoor companions. A must-listen for quail lovers and aspiring breeders!Button quail careRaising button quailBrooding button quail chicksButton quail feedBest feed for button quailButton quail breeding tipsCustom quail nutritionIndoor button quail petsTiny quail speciesButton quail hatching guideButton quail housing setupHow to sex button quailButton quail for reptile showsButton quail aviary ideasQuail as indoor petsButton quail behaviorQuail egg productionHigh hatch rate button quailButton quail brooder setupGame bird nutrition Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this fascinating episode of Poultry Nerds, Jennifer is joined by Jeanette from The Livestock Conservancy and Deborah from High Ground Farm to shine a spotlight on one of America’s rarest heritage chicken breeds — the Black Java. Thought to be nearly extinct, these beautiful long-backed birds boast rich green iridescent plumage, gentle temperaments, and deep historical roots dating back to the early 1800s.Deborah shares her firsthand experience raising Java chickens since 1999 and explains why they’re perfect for homesteaders. Jeanette offers expert insight into conservation efforts, census data, and the challenges of keeping this breed alive in the face of industrial agriculture trends.If you've never heard of the Java chicken — or thought they were extinct — this episode is a must-listen! Discover where to find them, how to raise them, and how YOU can help preserve this incredible piece of poultry history.📍 Topics include:Java chicken origins and unique traitsWhy they’re critically endangeredHistorical role in American agricultureThe importance of slow-growing, dual-purpose breedsChallenges in breeding and show standardsConservation efforts and how to get involvedBlack Java chicken, Java chicken history, endangered chicken breeds, heritage poultry, homesteading chickens, Livestock Conservancy, slow-growing chicken breed, dual-purpose chicken, Java rooster, poultry breed conservation, homestead farming, APA standard chicken breeds, black feathered chickens, American chicken breeds🔗 Learn more or join the conservation movement: https://livestockconservancy.org🎧 Subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast platform! Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!What role does light play in your flock’s health, behavior, and egg production? In this episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we dig deep into how seasonal changes in daylight—like the summer solstice—affect your chickens and quail. From lighting tricks to manage molting, to using LED and rope lights for consistent laying, we share expert tips for lighting routines in brooders, barns, and breeder pens.Join Carey and Jennifer as they discuss the science behind light spectrums (blue vs red), setting the mood for fertility, and preventing light-related stress in poultry. Whether you're raising birds naturally or using artificial light to plan for early chick hatches, this episode gives practical insights backed by real-world experience.Get answers to questions like:When should you add artificial light?How long should poultry get light per day?Can lighting affect molting or aggression?Does red or blue light make a difference in poultry care?Perfect for backyard flock keepers, gamefowl breeders, and poultry nerds of all kinds.lighting for chickens, egg production in winter, poultry molting, artificial lighting in poultry, daylight hours and egg laying, LED lights for chickens, quail egg production, chicken laying schedule, poultry lighting systems, molting season, rope lights for birds, best lighting for brooders, red vs blue light poultry, summer solstice chickens, chicken egg laying cycle, gamefowl lighting, poultry barn management Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this egg-citing episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, Carey and Jennifer are joined by Nolie from Mojo Homestead Official to crack open the colorful world of rainbow egg genetics. From breeding true blue egg layers like Ameraucanas to creating Olive Eggers with rich, speckled shells, this episode dives deep into the science, myths, and breeding strategies behind green, pink, mauve, and even “dirty river water” eggs.Whether you're just starting out or refining a multi-generational olive egger line, you'll learn how pigment layers, homozygous genes, and selective backcrossing play a role in egg color outcomes. Plus, hear real breeder stories, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose quality stock for your rainbow flock. Topics Include:Homozygous blue egg genes explainedF1 Olive Eggers vs. later generationsSpeckles, blooms, and egg "toner"Tips for managing Morans, Ameraucanas, and Olive EggersWhy breeding olive to olive isn’t as predictable as you thinkReal-world lessons from a Florida storm-surviving breederPerfect for beginner and advanced poultry breeders looking to master egg color genetics the right way!Olive Eggers, rainbow egg chickens, egg color genetics, Ameraucana vs Easter Egger, how to breed Olive Eggers, Morans chickens, green egg layers, pink eggs, poultry genetics, backcrossing Olive Eggers, homestead chickens, Mojo Homestead Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond! Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!In this deep-dive episode of the Poultry Nerds Podcast, we're joined once again by our resident poultry veterinarian, Dr.  Morishita, to tackle one of the most misunderstood and hotly debated topics in the poultry world—Marek’s Disease.We break down the science behind this deadly herpesvirus, how it spreads through feather dander, and why vaccination is the only real defense. Dr. Morishita explains the four main symptoms of Marek’s, how to identify them, and whether it's even possible to maintain a Marek’s-free flock.Plus, we get answers to your biggest questions:Can vaccinated birds spread the virus?Is turkey dander protective?Do herbal remedies work?How can you safely necropsy your own birds?Can you test for Marek’s in a live bird?🔬 Whether you're a backyard poultry keeper, gamefowl breeder, or raising exhibition chickens—this episode is packed with must-know facts that could save your flock.🧬 Keywords: Marek’s disease in chickens, Marek’s vaccine, backyard poultry health, poultry vet advice, chicken tumors, gray eye disease, necropsy chickens, feather dander virus, poultry podcast Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!Wondering why your chickens look half-naked and stopped laying? In this Poultry Nerds Q&A episode, we answer the top 20 questions about molting in poultry—what it is, when it happens, how to support birds with proper nutrition, and the best housing tips to reduce stress. Whether you're raising layers, show birds, or backyard chickens, you'll learn how to help your flock thrive during this natural but stressful season. We’ll talk molting rations, protein needs, lighting, housing, and common molt mistakes—so your birds bounce back with healthy new feathers and strong immune systems. Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!What starts with a few backyard chickens can spiral into a full-scale farming operation before you even know what hit you. In this kickoff episode of Next Level Nerds: From Hobby to Hustle, hosts Jennifer and Carey get real about how they each went from “just a few birds” to running multi-layered ag businesses — from breeding, shipping, and selling hatching eggs to creating feed brands, running delivery routes, and launching podcasts.If you’ve ever wondered how to offset your feed bill (or justify those extra goats), this episode is for you. Whether you’re looking to start selling eggs, launch a side hustle, or go full-time farmpreneur, this series is your crash course in turning passion into profit—without losing the joy in the process.hobby farming, poultry business, homestead income, farm side hustle, backyard chickens, hatching eggs, selling chicks, farm entrepreneurship, gamefowl business, quail farming, small farm startup, farm podcast, farm business ideas, NPIP, breeding poultry, livestock business, homestead to business Valley Hatchery is a proud sponsor of Poultry Nerds, find more at ValleyHatchery.com Support the showFeel Free to email us at - [email protected] us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerdsSign up for News at PoultryNerds.comEggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R FarmsPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]