PK360 Audio
Welcome to PK360 Audio, and thank you for joining us.If you've been with us for a while, you may remember our original Poultry Keepers Podcast. As PK360 has grown, we've learned something important. Simply sharing information isn't enough. We want to help poultry keepers not only learn more, but also become more confident in the decisions they make every day.That's why we've created PK360 Audio.Our mission remains the same—Helping Poultry Keepers Make Better Decisions. What has changed is how we hope to accomplish that mission. Rather than simply telling you what to do, we'll also provide pr...
What’s Really in Your Chicken Feed? Protein, Fat & Fiber Explained - Video Edition
Protein percentage is only part of the story when it comes to feeding poultry well. What matters is how protein, amino acids, fats, fiber, and the other components of a diet work together.
In this PK360 discussion, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon take a deeper look at three major components of poultry diets—protein, fat, and fiber—and explain why simply choosing the feed with the highest protein number may not give your birds what they actually need.
We discuss vegetable and animal protein sources, why amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and cyst...
Is Your Flock Ready for Winter? Weight & Body Condition Matter-Audio Edition
A chicken can look big, fluffy, and healthy—but what do you really know about what's underneath all those feathers?
In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360 LIVE, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, Carey Blackmon, and Sue Dobson take a practical look at the difference between a bird's weight and its body condition—and why understanding both can help you make better decisions for your flock.
We discuss how to use your hands to evaluate muscle and fat, what the keel and pelvic bones can tell you, why two birds at the same weight may be in very...
Start Chicks Strong-Audio Edition
The first 14 days of a chick's life can shape far more than its early growth. Nutrition, brooder conditions, access to feed and water, lighting, temperature, grit, and opportunities for natural behavior can all influence how those chicks develop.
In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360, Rip Stalvey, Carey Blackmon, and poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks take a practical look at what chicks need during this critical early period—and why getting the basics right from the beginning matters so much.
The conversation covers choosing and evaluating chick feed, the importance of amino acids and early nutrition, when an...
More Winter Light
Winter often brings shorter days—and fewer eggs. But is adding artificial light really the answer?
In this video, we'll separate fact from fiction and discuss what supplemental lighting can and cannot do for your flock.
We'll cover:
• Why egg production naturally declines during winter.
• How day length affects a hen's laying cycle.
• When supplemental lighting may be helpful.
• Common mistakes poultry keepers make with winter lighting.
• Why lighting alone won't solve every egg production problem.
By the end of this video, you'll understand what actually works, what doesn't, and...
Flock Talk
This is audio from the July 16, 2026 PK360 LIVE
Got questions about your flock? Pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Flock Talk LIVE is our interactive livestream where small flock poultry keepers come together to talk about the real challenges and opportunities of raising chickens and other poultry.
This is a relaxed, experience-based discussion where we share practical knowledge, explore current poultry topics, and answer your questions live.
In tonight’s episode, we’ll cover:
• Practical tips and tricks to help you manage your flock more effective...
Learn To Read Your Flock During Winter
Winter has a way of changing a flock.
Some birds become more active. Others spend more time on the roost. Feed consumption changes. Water consumption changes. Social interactions change. The question isn't whether your flock behaves differently during the winter—the question is whether you know how to read what those changes are trying to tell you.
Join us for this PK360 LIVE as we explore one of the most valuable skills a poultry keeper can develop: learning to "read" your flock through observation.
We'll discuss the behavioral clues your birds give every day, wh...
The Future of PK360-Big Changes, New Tools, and What’s Next
The future of Poultry Keepers 360 starts now.
Join Rip Stalvey, Sue Dobson, and Carey Blackmon in this special PK360 Audio, as they unveil the biggest improvements and educational initiatives in our organization's history.
During this show, we'll discuss:
• The new PK360 Learning System
• Field Guide Videos
• PK360 Sheets
• YouTube Shorts as learning reinforcement tools
• The Observation Framework (our first official curriculum)
• Our new programming guide
• Seasonal content planning
• The return of podcasting
• Future educational initiatives
• What's next for PK360
Most...
Selecting Dual Purpose Chickens: Hands-On Traits That Matter for Meat and Eggs (Part 2), Classic Replay
Discover the art and science behind selecting and breeding true dual-purpose chickens in Part 2 of our series! Join us as we dive deep into evaluating carcass quality, balancing body structure for meat and egg production, and how nutrition and genetics both shape your flock’s success. Learn firsthand from real breeders’ experiences, feeding trials, and practical selection methods to create resilient, productive birds. Whether you’re a homesteader, breeder, or serious poultry enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world knowledge you can apply today!
Subscribe for more poultry breeding education, feed strategies, and sustainable flock management tips!<...
Selecting Dual Purpose Chickens: Hands-On Traits That Matter for Meat and Eggs (Part 1), Classic Replay
In this information-packed episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into how to evaluate and select true dual-purpose poultry breeds for both meat and egg production. Join Rip, Jeff, Carey, and Mandelyn as they discuss hands-on selection techniques, key body traits, breed standards, carcass evaluation, and how to use real production data to make better breeding decisions.
Whether you’re breeding American Bresse, Rhode Island Reds, or other traditional dual-purpose breeds, this episode will help you understand what to look for in males and females at different ages, how to balance traits, and why the be...
How To Begin A Successful Journey With Poultry: Part 2 – A Classic Replay
This is the conclusion of last week's episode.
Calling all poultry enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your bird game? This episode unravels the science and art behind poultry breeding and selection, a path that can take your casual interest in birds to a whole new level. We guide you through the maze of information, from understanding the essential factors like egg laying rates, persistence and molting rates to the different breeding strategies that can set a solid foundation for your flock. Be warned, though - in-breeding can be a double-edged sword, so choose wisely!
In...
How To Begin A Successful Journey With Poultry: Part 1 - A Classic Replay
Get ready for an invigorating journey into the world of poultry, as we unravel the intricacies of laying cycles, bird selection, and egg production. Our expert guides are seasoned veterans in the poultry hobby. We'll draw on their wealth of knowledge to delve into the impact of various factors on the laying cycle, from lighting to regional variances. They reveal golden strategies for keeping track of the best eggs and spotting poot quality hens, emphasizing the importance of selecting for vigor when breeding for production qualities.
In our exploration of egg production, we put the spotlight on...
5 Hidden Coop Mistakes Hurting Your Birds Episode 2
Think your chicken coop is “good enough”? What Rip, Jeff, and Carey reveal in this episode will change the way you look at every part of your coop—from the floor under their feet to the air they breathe. Most poultry keepers focus on predators, bedding, or heat… but the real secrets that make coops safe, healthy, and long-lasting are hiding in plain sight.
In this episode of Poultry Keepers Podcast, we break down the most misunderstood parts of coop design. You’ll learn why insulation isn’t necessary (even at –30°F), how poor airflow silently harms...
5 Hidden Coop Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Birds-Part 1
Discover the real secrets behind a clean, productive, low-stress chicken coop that keeps your birds happy, healthy, and stress-free. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon reveal the five coop setup choices that have the biggest impact on flock health, egg quality, and ease of management. These aren’t the tips you find on Pinterest—these are the practical, experience-backed methods used by lifelong poultry keepers.
In Part 1, you’ll learn how the right roost design, nest-box setup, and coop interior layout can...
Coop Design Secrets-Part 2
Think your chicken coop is “good enough”? What Jeff reveals in this episode will change the way you look at every part of your coop—from the floor under their feet to the air they breathe. Most poultry keepers focus on predators, bedding, or heat… but the real secrets that make coops safe, healthy, and long-lasting are hiding in plain sight.
In this episode of Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip, Carey, and poultry nutrition expert Jeff Mattocks break down the most misunderstood parts of coop design. You’ll learn why insulation isn’t necessary (even at –30°F), how poor ai...
Coop Design Secrets – Part 1
If you’ve ever wondered why some coops keep birds healthy and thriving while others create nonstop problems… this episode is your missing blueprint. Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon break down the real factors that make or break a coop—space requirements, ventilation, run design, soil management, flock stress, and more.
Whether you’re building your first coop or improving one you’ve used for years, this conversation will help you avoid the hidden mistakes that lead to behavioral issues, respiratory problems, soil burnout, predator vulnerability, and long-term maintenance headaches.
In Part 1, you’ll lea...
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 4
Welcome to Part 4 of the Poultry Health Master Class, featuring poultry nutritionist Jeff Mattocks and poultry educator Carey Blackmon. In this final session of the series, Jeff and Carey walk through advanced poultry health concepts, including how to recognize internal issues through necropsy, how heart attack presents in chickens, and how to manage rare but serious conditions like Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS).
You’ll also learn practical, science-based natural remedies for improving flock health, including the correct use of garlic, oregano, sulfur, ashes, cayenne pepper, and herbal tinctures—and why using these tools only as needed keeps them...
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 3
In Part 3 of the Poultry Health Master Class on The Poultry Keepers Podcast, hosts Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks continue their deep dive into poultry health, exploring the causes, symptoms, and management of some of the most common ailments affecting flocks today. This educational episode covers Marek’s disease, gout, bumblefoot, rickets, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic respiratory disease (CRD)—each explained with clarity and real-world experience that backyard and small-flock keepers can trust.
You’ll learn how stress and enviro...
Poultry Water Systems-Part 2
In this follow-up episode of the Poultry Keepers Podcast, poultry experts Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon dive deep into the details of building and maintaining reliable poultry water systems for every season.
Learn how to design a system that keeps your flock’s water clean, cool, and flowing — even in freezing winter temperatures or summer heat waves. Discover the pros and cons of nipple and cup systems, how to reduce water pressure safely, and practical DIY tricks for heat and freeze protection that actually work.
You’ll also get hands-on insights from r...
Poultry Water Systems-Part 1
Welcome to another episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast! In this first part of our two-part deep dive, Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks unpack everything you need to know about poultry water systems—from nipple and cup design to keeping water clean, cool, and algae-free.
Whether you’re raising a few backyard hens or managing a larger breeding flock, clean water is critical for bird health, growth, and egg production. Carey and Jeff share practical solutions for summer heat, winter freeze protection, pH balance, and choosing the right equipment for chicks, laye...
Poultry Health Master Class-Part 2
In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon continue their Poultry Health Master Class with an in-depth look at real-world health issues every poultry keeper faces. Learn how to recognize early symptoms, identify management causes, and apply effective solutions for viral and bacterial conditions that can affect your flock.
Topics covered include:
Understanding and managing Mycoplasma-related respiratory diseaseRecognizing Botulism and how Clostridium bacteria cause “limber-neck” in chickensIdentifying Gout in poultry and how protein and calcium imbalance trigger joint painThe difference between Bumblefoot and...Poultry Health Master Class-Part 1
Welcome to The Poultry Keepers Podcast! In this first installment of our four-part Poultry Health Master Class series, Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks dive deep into the most common poultry health issues—and how to manage them naturally and effectively.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify and treat:
Dry vs. Wet Fowl Pox — what they look like and how they spreadInfectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and what signs to watch forCRD (Mycoplasma) and other respiratory illnesses: prevention and biosecurityFowl Cholera and other...Getting Ready For Breeding Season-Part 2
In Part 2 of Getting Ready for Breeding Season, The Poultry Keepers Podcast continues the conversation with deeper insights into preparing your flock for success. This episode covers critical topics every poultry keeper should know, including:
How to manage lighting for optimal fertility without stressing birdsThe role of water systems and continuous flow setups in maintaining flock healthWhy nutrition—especially amino acids like lysine, methionine, and threonine—directly impacts egg quality and chick vigorIdeal egg sizes for hatching strong, healthy chicksHousing and nest box designs that reduce stress and encourage reliable layingThe importance of fresh greens, sprouts, and...Getting Ready For Breeding Season-Part 1
Are your chickens truly ready for breeding season? In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon dive into everything small flock keepers need to know to prepare for a successful breeding program. From selecting the best hens and roosters with the fewest defects, to setting realistic long-term goals for your flock, this discussion lays the foundation for healthier birds and stronger bloodlines.
You’ll also hear practical tips on lighting management, line breeding vs. inbreeding, and how to avoid common mistakes that new breeders make. Whether you want to hatch ten chicks or...
Heritage Poultry Flock Breeding and Management, Part 2
In Part 2 of our Heritage Poultry Flock Breeding & Management series, master breeder Frank Reese, Jr. dives into the practical realities of keeping true utility strains going—how many hens you need to maintain genetic diversity, when to share bloodlines with trusted partners, and how hens vs. roosters influence different traits (hens driving body size and skeletal/health; roosters shaping egg production and plumage pattern). We also talk through the business side: define your market before you build, know your state/federal rules, budget for testing and processing, and price realistically.
Frank contrasts heritage st...
Heritage Poultry Flock Breeding and Management, Part 1
Heritage poultry breeding isn’t nostalgia—it’s a disciplined, data-driven path to better birds and better outcomes. In Part 1 of this deep-dive, Frank Reese, Jr. joins Carey Blackmon and Jeff Mattocks to unpack what “heritage/standard-bred” really means, how USDA recognizes certified standard-bred labels, and why the American Poultry Association’s Standard matters on the farm and in the marketplace. We cover picking your purpose (meat, eggs, or both), matching breeds and lines to goals, and the real-world economics of selling eggs, processing birds, and staying solvent.
You’ll hear practical guidance on breed/line s...
What To Do With Extra Roosters
Drowning in extra roosters as grow-out season hits? This episode lays out a practical, ethical roadmap so you can plan before you hatch—and avoid the last-minute scramble. We cover the real-world options, their pros and cons, and how to set up a reliable, humane system that fits your space, goals, and local rules.
What you’ll learn
Why planning matters: straight-run math, space, feed, timelines, and neighbor considerationsOption 1: Grow out and harvest yourself — reliable, data for dual-purpose evaluation; skills, time, and costs requiredOption 2: Outsource — establish relationships with families raising for their tables or approved...Meet Content Creator Maleah Thom
In this episode, we introduce Mia Thom, one of our new Poultry Keepers Podcast content creators. Mia shares her inspiring journey raising Black Silver Marans and Silver Cuckoo Marans in Southern Oregon. From her first $10 hen that sparked her passion, to carefully line breeding, selecting for dual-purpose traits, and overcoming challenges like egg color, heat stress, and hatch rates, Mia offers practical insight into the rewarding world of project varieties of Marans.
She also discusses how she uses peat moss bedding, feed enhancements, and careful breeding strategies to strengthen...
Nature vs Nurture Hatching Chicks with Hens or Hatchers-Part 2
In Part 2 of Nature vs Nurture: Hatching Chicks with Hens or Hatchers, we explore the time-tested traditions of broody hens alongside the science of modern incubators.
Discover:
From beginner-friendly advice to advanced insights for serious breeders, this...
Nature vs. Nurture: Hatching Chicks With Hens, Part 1
Thinking about letting a hen hatch her own chicks instead of using an incubator? In this Poultry Keepers Podcast episode, we explore the pros, pitfalls, and fascinating realities of hen hatching.
Learn why some breeds—like Silkies—are famous for broodiness, how a mother hen’s natural care can boost chick survival and growth, and the environmental factors that trigger broodiness. We share practical advice on feed timing, managing aggressive flock members, and when (and if) you should move a broody hen and her chicks. Whether you raise backyard birds or manage a breeding program, this discussion will he...
Beat the Heat: Proven Ways to Prevent Heat Stress in Your Birds-Part 2
In Part 2 of this Poultry Keepers Podcast, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon return to tackle more proven, real-world strategies for preventing heat stress in your birds. From ventilation hacks and nutrition adjustments to water system improvements and coop cooling tricks, this episode is packed with practical insights every poultry keeper can use.
We dive into:
Airflow and coop design for better temperature regulationWhy chickens prefer apple cider vinegar in summer water Frozen treats: fun or flawed? What it does to your eggs High-protein treats—helpful or harmful in summer? Smart watering systems: misting, recirculating lines, and tempe...Beat the Heat: Proven Ways to Prevent Heat Stress in Your Birds-Part 1
Hot weather can spell disaster for your flock if you're not prepared. In Part 1 of Beat the Heat, Jeff Mattocks and Carey Blackmon join us for a no-fluff, practical conversation about what poultry heat stress really is, how it affects your birds, and the proactive steps small flock keepers can take to reduce risk.
We cover:
What defines heat stress and when it becomes dangerousHow to spot early warning signs before birds crashProven shade and ventilation strategiesReal-world success with misting systems, fans, and frozen water tricksThe role of nutrition: high-fat diets, vitamin C, and reducing cornHow...Improving Production In Barred Rocks-Part 2
In this continuation of our in-depth series, host Carey Blackmon is joined by Jeff Mattocks and breeder Jason Yuke as they dive even deeper into Jason’s project to restore production quality in his Barred Plymouth Rocks. From managing harsh climates and selective breeding setbacks to measuring feed conversion, temperament, and thriftiness, this episode offers invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and breakthroughs of small-scale poultry improvement.
Jason discusses genetic bottlenecks, feed errors, managing aggression, breeding for uniformity, and how to identify pivotal "aha" moments when a breeding plan starts to pay off. He also shares advice fo...
Improving Production in Barred Rocks-Part 1
In this episode of Poultry Keepers 360, we kick off Part 1 of an in-depth conversation with poultry breeder Jason, who shares his hands-on experience and strategies for restoring production qualities in the Barred Plymouth Rock. From his early setbacks with show birds to discovering the secrets of line breeding, nutrition, and evaluating skeletal structure, Jason walks us through his journey of breeding for dual-purpose excellence.
Discover how historical context, purposeful selection, and proper feeding programs (including Project MAD) are helping him reestablish pre-war standards of productivity, including egg laying, fleshing, and bird temperament. Learn what traits Jason prioritizes...
Culling With Clarity Part 2
In Part 2 of “Culling With Clarity,” join Mandelyn, John, and Rip as they continue their honest and thought-provoking conversation about the art and responsibility of culling within a poultry breeding program. This episode digs deeper into the emotional challenges, humane techniques, and practical considerations that all poultry keepers face when selecting and removing birds from their flocks.
You’ll hear personal experiences about predator recovery, humane euthanasia options, what makes dual-purpose breeds more sustainable, and the real-world challenges of over-culling and narrow gene pools. We also discuss deferred culling, stress-based selection, record-keeping, and how better birds improve your s...
Culling With Clarity-Part 1
In this insightful episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey, Mandelyn Royal, and John Gunterman have a deep and honest discussion on one of the most challenging but essential parts of poultry keeping: culling.
But wait—culling isn’t just about processing birds. It’s about decision-making. It’s about your flock’s future. It’s about refining your breeding goals, making tough calls, and protecting your reputation as a poultry keeper. Whether you raise birds for meat, eggs, show, or dual purpose, you’ll walk away from this episode with fresh insight into what culling really means—a...
Beating the Heat: Help Your Birds Stay Cool in the Summer
Summer heat can be brutal—but your poultry don’t have to suffer through it. In this episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey shares real-world, down-home strategies to help your flock stay cool, safe, and productive during the hottest months of the year.
From water and shade solutions to ventilation tricks, frozen treats, low-sodium electrolytes, and breed choices that beat the heat—this episode is packed with practical advice tailored for backyard and small flock poultry keepers. Whether you're just starting out or you've been raising chickens for decades, you'll come away with tools and tip...
The Impportance of Fat in Poultry Diets-Bonus Content
In this deep-dive bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, Rip Stalvey explores one of the most misunderstood components of poultry nutrition: fats. Whether you’re raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, fat plays a crucial role in energy, feather quality, fertility, and even immunity.
Host Rip Stalvey explains how dietary fats impact vitamin absorption, hormone production, feed palatability, and overall flock health. You'll learn the differences between animal- and plant-based fats, how omega-3s affect egg and feather quality, and ideal fat levels by bird type—from chicks to mature breeders.
You'll also get...
Smart Selectioon-Part 2
In this powerful continuation of our Smart Selection series, we dig deeper into how to make informed, effective breeding decisions for your poultry flock. Whether you're selecting for meat, eggs, show quality, or broodiness, this episode is packed with real-life examples, practical tips, and honest conversations about how to assess and improve your birds.
We cover the importance of early environment, tracking maturity rates, identifying “early bloomers” vs. late-developers, the power of journaling your observations, and the tools and techniques serious poultry keepers use to evaluate birds objectively and efficiently.
You’ll hear about managing emotio...
How Feathers Affect Type
In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey takes a deep dive into a topic every breeder and exhibitor should understand: how feather development affects poultry type. Drawing insights from a timeless 1915 article by renowned poultry judge and illustrator Arthur O. Schilling, this episode explores how feathers influence our perception of conformation, structure, and maturity—and why learning to judge beyond the feathers is crucial.
Discover the difference between soft-feathered and hard-feathered breeds, why early feathering can be misleading, how cockerels and pullets develop differently, and what molting reveals about your birds. Whether yo...
Amino Acids Bonus Content
In this bonus episode of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, host Rip Stalvey dives into one of the most critical yet overlooked components of poultry nutrition—amino acids. Whether you're raising layers, broilers, breeders, or show birds, understanding the role of amino acids can dramatically improve your flock’s health, productivity, behavior, and appearance.
Learn how amino acids like methionine, lysine, and threonine affect feather development, muscle growth, egg production, immunity, and even temperament. Discover why crude protein percentages don’t tell the whole story, and what to look for in a well-formulated poultry feed. If you’ve ever won...
