Chickens Every Day

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3 part series chatting with Jeff Mattocks, an international leader in poultry nutrition. 

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Ever wondered why chicken keepers become so passionate about their feathered friends? In this heartwarming conversation with Thomas Zenos from the Crazy Chicken People Podcast, we discover the unexpected emotional benefits that come from raising backyard chickens.

Thomas shares his remarkable journey from reluctant chicken owner to devoted enthusiast now caring for over 70 birds. What started with his wife bringing home "just a few" silkie chicks evolved into a profound connection that changed his perspective on these remarkable animals. His story will resonate with anyone who's experienced the joy of watching chickens explore their world with curiosity...

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Do you want to be Chicken Famous? Well, no promises but if you love talking about your chickens then I am looking for you! 

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Chickens naturally produce eggs almost daily without needing a rooster, though timing depends on breed, with production breeds like Leghorns giving 5-6 eggs weekly while heritage breeds produce 4-5 eggs per week.

• Hens show clear signs before laying: bright red combs and wattles, submissive squatting behavior, and interest in nest boxes
• First eggs may be tiny "fairy eggs" without yolks or shell-less eggs before regular production begins
• The float test determines egg freshness - fresh eggs lay flat in water while old eggs float
• Newly laid eggs have a protective coating called "bloom" that seals th...

Are you ready to embark on a poultry adventure? Whether you're new to the idea of keeping backyard chickens or you're looking to refine your approach, our latest episode dives deep into the essentials of chicken ownership. We explore everything from the joys of nurturing these feathered friends to the practicalities of maintaining a happy, healthy flock. 

We kick off by discussing the benefits of raising chickens in your backyard—from fresh eggs to the joy of interacting with these charming creatures. We delve into local regulations to help you understand what’s possible in your area and h...

This episode highlights the challenges of maintaining egg production in winter and introduces a practical solution based on light exposure. By experimenting with a smart red LED light to simulate longer daylight hours, listeners can discover effective methods to boost their hens' egg-laying potential sustainably.

• Explanation of how light influences chicken ovulation 
• Personal anecdote about my winter egg production dilemma 
• Details of the red light experiment and its setup 
• Clear results showing improved egg yield in response to light 
• Neighbor's experience with unexpected egg production 
• Recommendations for humane lighting practices for backyard chickens

Fe...

Unlock the secrets of conserving heritage breeds with Jeanette Berenger, the Senior Program Manager for the Livestock Conservancy. Jeanette takes us on a captivating journey from the organization's intriguing origins, born out of a quest for colonial-period animals for living history museums, to its mission of preserving genetically unique and irreplaceable breeds. As we chat with Jeanette, you'll learn about the Conservancy's strategic approach of discover, secure, and sustain, and hear inspiring stories, like the remarkable rescue of a rare flock of Spanish goats in Florida. This episode is a must for anyone passionate about rare breeds and the...

This episode revolves around the issue of grain mites in chicken feed and their implications for poultry health. By sharing personal experiences and practical tips, we discuss how to identify, prevent, and manage infestations to safeguard your flock's nutrition.

• Discussion on the impact of grain mites on chicken feed 
• Personal anecdote on discovering mites in purchased feed 
• Explanation of how grain mites affect feed quality 
• Effective measures for addressing infestations 
• Importance of sourcing feed from reputable suppliers 
• Recommendations for proper feed storage and cleaning practices 
• Insights on using the CoopWorks feed silo for feed manage...

The episode focuses on essential winter care strategies for chickens, explaining how to keep them healthy and comfortable in cold weather. Key topics include the importance of cleaning the coop, managing moisture and drafts, and dietary adjustments during the colder months.

• Understanding winter hardiness among different chicken breeds
• Explanation of the deep litter method and its benefits 
• Importance of cleaning the coop before winter 
• Managing potential drafts and ensuring proper ventilation 
• Discussing the impact of moisture and ammonia on chicken health 
• Dietary changes needed during molting season 
• Protecting chickens from frostbite and signs to watch...

Renowned poultry expert Lisa Steele joins us for an enriching discussion about chicken keeping. With her fifth-generation expertise, Lisa brings invaluable tips for first-time chicken owners, shedding light on the importance of choosing trustworthy resources over the often conflicting advice on social media. We promise you'll gain essential insights into preparing your chickens for the chill of winter, whether you live in warmer or colder climates. Lisa's four "S's" for winterizing a coop offer practical steps to ensure your feathered friends thrive throughout the year.

Explore the delightful world of backyard chickens as we share stories about...

Discover the secrets to optimizing backyard chicken health with Baylor Lansden, a seasoned livestock consultant from the Fertrell Company. Baylor's fascinating journey from political science studies in Louisiana to becoming a go-to expert on poultry nutrition in Pennsylvania offers a wealth of knowledge and practical tips. In our conversation, we tackle the challenges posed by sweltering Louisiana summers, where the heat can drastically affect feed intake and protein levels in chickens. With Baylor's guidance, learn how and why to adjust nutritional plans to improve chicken behavior and egg production, underscoring the pivotal role proper diet plays in managing poultry...

What if the chicken industry's transformation from egg producer to meat powerhouse is one of the most fascinating stories in modern agriculture? Join us as we uncover the remarkable evolution of chicken farming, tracing its roots back to the 1920s when chickens were valued primarily for their eggs. Discover how key players like the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company catalyzed a shift to meat-focused production, modernizing farming with innovations such as the electrically heated incubator. Learn how A&P Supermarkets revolutionized the way poultry products reached consumers, setting the stage for significant changes in chicken size and production...

Experience the art and science of chicken care as Gary Vallery from CENLA Backyard Chickens reveals how to craft the ultimate dust bath for your flock. Ever wonder how chickens keep parasites at bay while frolicking in the dirt? Discover how sifted dirt, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth can transform your chickens' grooming routine into a year-round wellness practice, ensuring they remain vibrant and parasite-free, even in tricky climates. Whether you're just beginning your chicken-keeping journey or you're a seasoned pro, these practical tips will enrich your backyard experience.

Preserving the past for a sustainable future, we...

Uncover the secrets of the stunning Cubalaya chicken, a breed as beautiful as it is versatile! Join me, Gary Vallery, as I guide you through the world of backyard chickens and reveal the unique qualities of the Cubalaya—a triple-purpose bird known for its elegance and valued for meat, eggs, and sport. This episode will paint a vibrant picture of their distinctive traits, from the striking lobster-like tail of the rooster to the subtle hues of the hen. Despite their ornamental allure in the United States, Cubalayas are a critical breed on the Livestock Conservancy list, and we urge li...

What if your backyard could help save a rare chicken breed from extinction? Join us on Chickens Every Day as we uncover the captivating world of the Cubalaya chicken, a stunning breed that combines the best of ornamental beauty and practical utility. With its roots tracing back to Cuba, this triple-purpose bird offers eggs, meat, and show-stopping charm, albeit with a leisurely maturation period. We'll highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this critically listed breed and guide you on finding these extraordinary birds to enrich your flock.

Beyond breeding, nurturing your chickens with healthy treats is...

Ever wondered what it takes to cultivate the perfect backyard chicken flock or achieve a nearly 80% hatch rate with your first attempt? Join Gary from CENLA Backyard Chickens as he shares the captivating journey of hatching chicks using a Kebonnixs 12-egg incubator, recounting the excitement of dry hatching and the thrill of witnessing new life emerge. With practical insights on candling eggs, managing humidity, and the magic of automatic egg turning, Gary paints a vivid picture of the rewarding and educational experience of chick hatching. You'll feel the anticipation as his wife captures the first chick making its grand...

Ever wondered if raising chickens in your backyard could be the perfect hobby or even a sustainable lifestyle choice? Join us as Gary from CENLA (Central Louisiana) Backyard Chickens answers all your burning questions about chicken keeping for beginners. You'll get an overview of everything from local ordinances and costs to the basics of setting up a chicken coop. Gary also shares why starting with at least three chickens can make all the difference and weighs in on the age-old debate of whether or not to keep a rooster.

But that's not all! We'll introduce you to...

Ever wondered why your hens aren't laying as many eggs even with all the extra daylight during the summer? Today on Chickens Every Day, we promise to uncover the surprising impact of summer heat on your flock’s egg production. Join me, Gary Vallery of CENLA Backyard Chickens, as I discuss how rising temperatures can make chickens lethargic and less hungry, disrupting their nutrition intake and ultimately affecting their laying capacity. 

To help you combat this, I quote some expert advice from Jeff Maddox, a leading poultry nutritionist, and Baylor Landston, a livestock nutrition consultant. We explore the...

Ever wondered what sets show-quality poultry apart from the birds you find at hatcheries? This episode of Chickens Every Day features an enlightening conversation with Michelle Sullivan Burns from Mineral Wells, Texas, who transitioned from a modest garden and a few chickens to managing a menagerie that includes chickens, cows, goats, turkeys, and ducks. Michelle, a seasoned breeder and poultry shower, breaks down the key differences between breeder stock and hatchery chickens, using Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons as prime examples. Learn from her experiences and discover what might make you fall in love with show birds or...

Why settle for average when you can raise chickens that bring history, resilience, and productivity to your backyard? In this episode of Chicken Every Day, join me, Gary Vallery of CENLA Backyard Chickens, as we break down the fascinating contrasts between heritage breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Orpingtons and commercial breeds. Learn how heritage chickens mature slowly, enjoy longer lifespans, and make excellent mothers, while commercial breeds grow quickly and lay more eggs but have their own set of challenges. You’ll also discover the telltale signs that your young flock is ready to start laying, from changes in...

Can raising backyard chickens really transform your family life while contributing to ethical food production? On "Chicken Every Day," we explore the rewards of raising chickens, especially during chick season. We uncover the joys of gathering fresh, nutritious eggs right from your backyard and discuss how this hands-on activity can be a delightful and educational experience for the whole family. Furthermore, we tackle the serious issue of the poor conditions in commercial egg production, referencing a Congressional Research Service report, and discuss how raising chickens at home supports better bird welfare and reduces the number of caged birds.
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Could a simple rooster fight have inspired an ancient Greek army to victory? Hear how these feisty birds may have turned the tide of history, and discover how chickens, first domesticated from the red jungle fowl in India, became an integral part of human civilization. Join Gary Vallery from CENLA Backyard Chickens as he takes us on a historical journey, recounting tales that span from ancient battles to modern-day backyard coops. 

In this episode of "Chickens Every Day," we unravel the incredible story of Gallus domesticus. Learn about the evolution and domestication of chickens over the millennia, t...

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The top 5 signs your young hens are getting ready to start laying. 

Adding chickens, especially younger chickens to an existing flock can be stressful and even dangerous to the new additions. In this episode, I'll discuss my method which has never failed.... 

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This is an introductory to Chickens Every Day... Gary talks about his past and what brought him to start this podcast. Check videos at CENLA Backyard Chickens

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