Meet our October Book of the Month. This comprehensive guide covers everything from knife selection and equipment to sanitation, slaughter, butchering techniques, and packaging. Learn the art of home poultry processing with step-by-step instructions and vivid photographs. 

Get 20% off with code BOTM23 in October, and you'll also receive a free disposable apron with your purchase!

Listen in while Jeff shares all about this great reference book!

• Purchase Butchering Chickens by Adam Danforth
• October's Book of the Month Blog
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

Fall is a great time to prepare your coop for the winter season! Listen as Jeff shares tips from our customer service team about how they get ready for the cold weather ahead. 

Cold Weather Products 
Ventilation in the Coop 
Deep Litter Method for Coop Cleaning and Maintenance
Winter Boredom Busters
DIY Comb Balm

Thinking about raising chicks this fall? Listen as Jeff and Linda share tips for starting your flock during the fall season! Check out our additional resources to help you with raising fall chicks! 

Raising Fall Chicks on YouTube
Raising Fall Chicks Blog
Visit Meyer Hatchery to order your fall chicks!
Cold Weather Flock Supplies 

September is here and with it comes our Meyer Hatchery Book of the Month. Our pick for this month is Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius. This is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to learn more about poultry breeds or even for children in 4H. This book features over 128 captivating poultry breeds that come to life on the pages. It showcases a variety of poultry, accompanied by histories, distinguishing traits, and vibrant photographs.

Get 20% off with code BOTM23 in September and you'll also receive a free vinyl sticker with your purchase!

Listen in while Jeff shares all about this beautiful reference book!

• Purchase Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius
• September's Book of the Month Blog
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

Keeping your flock safe is so very important! Listen as Jeff shares tips for predator-proofing in your coop. Learn about different types of predators, points to keep in mind when building and maintaining your coop, products that help with predator-proofing, and much more!

Nite Guard Solar Powered Light - https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Nite-Guard-Solar-Powered-Nocturnal-Predator-Control-Light-p156348593 
Nite Guard Repellant Tape - https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Nite-Guard-Repellent-Tape-2-Rolls-p156354646
Tips Using the Nite Guard Solar Powered Light - https://youtu.be/xigqBxCVlIg

Our August book of the month is another fantastic choice for the gardeners among us. Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook by Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman is a great resource for anyone interested in growing a large portion of their family’s vegetables and enjoys cooking with homegrown produce.

If you want to become more self-sufficient and grow a garden, or if you already garden and want to learn more about high-efficiency year-round gardening, Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook is a great book to include in your homesteading library. Enjoy 20% off the retail price this month when you use code BOTM23 at checkout plus receive a free Barn-Shaped Cookie Cutter. Happy gardening and cooking!

Listen in while Jeff shares all about this great gardener's cookbook!

• Purchase Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook by Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman
• August's Book of the Month Blog
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

The summer heat can bring some unwanted pests into your coop! Listen as Jeff shares some tips for keeping your flock safe, cool, and healthy during the summer! 

Keeping Your Coop Smelling Fresh - https://youtu.be/5RxrfYKjrpQ
External Parasites and Their Treatment - https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2023/04/external-parasites-and-treatments/
Prozap Insectrin Dust - https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Prozap-Insectrin-Dust-p156348632
Meyer Hatchery Pest Control Products - https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Pest-Control-c39783067

We’re excited to feature The Chicken Health Handbook as our July Book of the Month. Authored by Gail Damerow, this comprehensive guide is a must-have for chicken keepers. It covers nutrition, diseases, diagnostic guides, treatments, and more. Order the book in July and receive a free vital pack to support your chickens’ well-being. Don’t forget to use coupon code BOTM23 for a 20% discount at checkout.

Listen in while Jeff chats with Gail to learn more about her informational book!

Purchase The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow.

July's Book of the Month Blog

Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

Raising bantams is a fun and rewarding experience! Listen as Jeff shares some insight into bantams from their origin, tips for raising bantams, and why bantams would make a great addition to your flock!

Shop our great selection of bantams - https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Bantams-c39349274

Some additional information all about bantams -
https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009853472-Bantam-Identification
https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2023/05/all-about-bantams/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-PsIzfM9zELDEnmF8pGWorDGzuU5PmG
 

Placing your order at meyerhatchery.com is quick and easy. Listen to learn some tips for placing your order including checking availability, choosing Marek's vaccination, and more! 

• https://meyerhatchery.com/en/products/Whats-Hatching-c68660004
• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Chickens-c39349237
• https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360036874911-What-breeds-are-available-for-pick-up-
• https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038006832-Can-I-Choose-a-Later-Hatch-Date-

Discover the joy of chicken keeping with our June Book of the Month, Chicken Keeping Pure & Simple by Nikki Husted. This comprehensive guide covers everything from researching local regulations to selecting the right breeds and creating a nurturing environment for your flock. Learn about coop design, brooding techniques, feeding, egg utilization, coop maintenance, and more. Get your copy this month with a 20% discount using code BOTM23 at checkout. Don’t miss out on this essential resource for both new and experienced chicken keepers. Order in June and receive a free vinyl sticker!

Join Nikki at Meyer Hatchery on July 17, 2023, from 11 am - 2 pm to meet the author and get your copy of Chicken Keeping Pure and Simple signed!

Listen in while Jeff chats with Nikki to learn more about her amazing book!

• Purchase Chicken Keeping Pure and Simple by Nikki Husted.
• June's Book of the Month Blog
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

Meyer Hatchery's new Signature Broad Breasted White and Black Turkeys are the best of both worlds. A turkey that grows quickly like a broad-breasted turkey but will be more the size of a heritage turkey averaging 29 pounds for toms and 20 pounds for hens with an ideal processing time frame of 16-22 weeks. Listen as Jeff shares more about these great turkeys!

• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Meyer-Hatcherys-Signature-Broad-Breasted-White-Turkey-p504981829
• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Meyer-Hatcherys-Signature-Broad-Breasted-Black-Turkeys-p504992931
• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Meyer-Hatcherys-Signature-Broad-Breasted-White-Turkey-Hatching-Eggs-p533242080
• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Meyer-Hatcherys-Signature-Broad-Breasted-Black-Turkey-Hatching-Eggs-p533347517
• https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015096152-Turkey-Brooding-101-How-to-Raise-Heritage-and-Broad-Breasted-Poults-from-Arrival-to-Outside
• Breed Spotlight - https://youtu.be/rxtvlRtHUhw

Finding chick availability on Meyer Hatchery's website is as easy as a few clicks! Listen to learn some tips for searching for your favorite breed's availability at meyerhatchery.com. 

• https://meyerhatchery.com/en/products/Whats-Hatching-c68660004
• https://meyerhatchery.com/products/Chickens-c39349237
• https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360036874911-What-breeds-are-available-for-pick-up-
• https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038006832-Can-I-Choose-a-Later-Hatch-Date-
• Website Tips and Tricks - https://youtu.be/fWpNjKPolwM

Storey’s Guide to Raising Turkeys by Don Schrider covers all aspects of raising turkeys including types of turkeys, feeding, breeding, housing, incubation, and pasture-raising. It is a valuable resource for those interested in raising turkeys. When you purchase the book during the month of May, you’ll also receive a free seed packet with your order! Use coupon code BOTM23 at checkout to receive the Book of the Month at a 20% discount.

Listen as Jeff interviews Don, and learn some great information about raising turkeys!

• May Book of the Month Blog
• Purchase  Storey’s Guide to Raising Turkeys by Don Schrider
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month

On the podcast today we have special guest Meyer Hatchery Brand Ambassador Swampy Pines Homestead! In 2020 they started our chicken-raising journey with a flock of 10 Rhode Island Red hens from Meyer Hatchery and have grown since then. Learn all about why they started their homesteading journey, and what they have learned along the way. If you would like to follow along with their chicken and other homesteading adventures, follow them on Instagram @swampy.pines.homestead

Homegrown Pantry by Barbara Pleasant is our April Book of The Month pick. This book is a comprehensive resource for learning how to grow a wide variety of different food crops to fill your pantry and freezer. It covers the entire range of food preservation methods, too; canning, freezing, dehydrating, and even fermenting, pickling, and wine-making. This book is particularly useful for determining how many plants or row feet per family member you may want to plant to provide your family with food for most of the year.

Listen in while Tessa and Jess chat with this brilliant author.

• April's Book of the Month Blog.
• Shop all Meyer Hatchery Books of the Month.
• Purchase Homegrown Pantry by Barbara Pleasant.

Duck Eggs Daily is the third Book of the Month with Meyer Hatchery! Join Tessa and author Lisa Steele to explore the benefits of raising ducks, her experiences, and the misconceptions about raising ducks with your flock of chickens. Duck Eggs Daily is a natural guide to raising ducklings written by a poultry expert that has the knowledge to support your flock at all stages of life. Order a copy today and use code BOTM23 for 20% off! 

• Duck Eggs Daily by Lisa Steele
• Lisa Steele Products
• Waterfowl Brooding Basics
• Nutritional Needs of Ducks
• Tips for a Duckling's First Swim

There is a lot of buzz about commercial poultry feed that can be misleading to both new and experienced poultry keepers. Today, Tessa shares insight on why hens don't lay through the winter, how you can plan for future winters to increase egg production, and what to look for in your flock to make sure they have the perfect environment for laying. 

• Feed Options Explained
• Poultry Feed Guidelines
• Different Types of Poultry Feed
• How the Winter Solstice Effects Egg Laying
• Why is my Hen Not Laying?

You don't have to be a first-time chicken keeper for this book to be an essential part of your collection. First Time Chicken Keeping by Schneider and McCrea covers all areas of poultry care from before the arrival of your first flock to the maintenance they will need as they age along with solutions for potential problems should they arise. Tessa and Linda go over their favorite parts that contain all the information you need to get started with success!

• First Time Chicken Keeping 
• Day-Old Poultry
• Poultry Starter Kit
• Small Order Chick Starter Kit
• Predator Control
• Incubators
• Hatching Eggs
• All About Brooding
• Hatching Eggs Tips and Tricks

WOW! Our Book of the Month flew off the shelves. We are currently out of stock of this book, but, Storey's Guide To Raising Chickens is an excellent alternative!

Welcome to our first Chicken Chat of 2023! We are starting off the year doing a little planning for gardening with our chickens. January is a great time to make your garden plans and order your seeds. Listen as Tessa and Jess share their goals for their garden and chickens! 

• Gardening with Chickens Book 
• Free Range Chicken Garden Book
• Comfy Coop Garden Coop 
• YouTube Video of Chicken Chat
• Blog: Gardening With Chickens

The Backyard Homesteader Seasonal Planner is the first Book of the Month with Meyer Hatchery! Join Tessa and Jess as they interview the author, Ann Larkin Hansen, about her experiences, how she wrote this incredible book, and what it takes to prepare for farm expansion. The Backyard Homesteader Seasonal Planner is the perfect way to kick off 2023 on the right foot to achieve your goals this year! Order a copy today and use code BOTM23 for 20% off! 

• Book of the Month 
• The Backyard Homesteader Seasonal Planner
• Kindle Version of The Backyard Homesteader Seasonal Planner
• The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live it by John Seymour 

If you love Meyer Hatchery, we have the perfect program for you! Applications are now open to be a Meyer Hatchery Brand Ambassador. Spread some love for your flock across social media and earn rewards, exclusive perks, and get insider information on what's new and upcoming. Learn about the requirements of the program and how to apply in this episode of The Coop!

• Application for Meyer Hatchery Brand Ambassador

Snuggle up with your favorite chicken lovers for a special poultry-themed reading of 'Twas The Night Before Chickmas with Meyer Hatchery. Happy Holidays from our coop to yours!

'Twas the first night of Chickmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Meyer Hatchery soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of baby chicks danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just turned off our phones for a long winter's nap,
When out in the coop there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the chicken scratched snow,
Gave a luster of midday to the coop down below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a Meyer Hatchery box full of things I hold dear,
With a little fluffy driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Chick.
More rapid than ducklings his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Quail eggs! now, Guineas! now Frizzle Easter Eggers!
On, Cochins! On, Leghorns! On, Polish or Olive Eggers!
To the top of the Barn! to the top of the wall!
Now fly away! Fly away! Fly away all!"
As geese that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the coop-top the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of eggs, and St. Chickmas too—

Happy Holidays from all of us at Meyer Hatchery!

• Meyer Hatchery
• 12 Days of Chickmas

The Meyer Hatchery store is packed full of great gifts and decor for the holidays. Cheryl, the Manager of the retail store and the purchaser for Meyer Hatchery, joins Tessa on The Coop to share what great items are available both in-store and on the website as well as how she chooses what products we offer. Make your holiday wishlist now!

• How to Create a Wishlist
• Holiday Shop
• 12 days of Chickmas
• Meyer Hatchery Gift Card
• Supplies
• Holiday Gift Guide
• New for 2023

Running a no-waste household can feel like a challenge. Tessa and Jeff discuss how to use every part of the bird, from chickens and ducks to partridges and quail. Try some new ways to eliminate waste in your kitchen!

• Meat Birds
• Meat Bird Options
• Processing Supplies
• Processing Waterfowl
• "Butchering Chickens" by Adam Danforth
• Processing a Chicken From Start to Finish (Viewer Discretion Advised)
• Options For Processing Your Meat Birds

Meyer Hatchery chick release for 2023 is LIVE. Get your wishlist started and place your order for 2023 while inventory is hot! Listen to all the newest assortments and breeds that can be ordered starting today! 

• View all new breeds, including breeds that will be available later in the season
• Wheaten Olive Egger
• Opal Legbar
• Now offering sexed Bantams on all breeds, including Silkies
• Meyer Hatchery's Signature White Turkey
• Meyer Hatchery's Signature Black Turkey
• Chocolate Orpingtons
• Colorful Egg Layers
• Fibro Easter Eggers
• Vastly expanded Hatching Eggs
• Back In Stock Notification Tutorial

Poultry losses are hard whether it's your first flock or you're an experienced chicken keeper. In this episode of The Coop, Customer Service Team Member Linda shares her experiences with troubleshooting loss after years of caring for chicks. Sometimes you have to go back to square one and start over!

• Day old Chicks
• Brooders
• Feed
• Cleaning Supplies
• Medication and Wellness
• Wood shavings
• Brooding Checklist
• Coop Cleaning checklist
• Cleaning brooder video

Your baby chicks have turned into pullets and cockerels. It's time for them to move from the brooder to the coop! Jeff and Tessa discuss stress-free ways of introducing younger birds to your existing flock in this episode of The Coop! 

• Chick Brooder
• Outdoor Playpen
• Playpen Cover
• DIY Broody Hen Box
• Placing Chicks with a Broody Hen
• Integrating New Chickens Into Your Existing Flock
• Tips for Acclimating Chicks

The Meyer Hatchery Fall Hatch-Along is underway! With the right tools and fertile hatching eggs, you can join in on the wonderful experience of incubating chicks at home. Learn how to choose the right incubator for you and how to make sure you have a successful hatch. 

• Incubators
• Egg Candler/thermometer
• Hatching Eggs
• Incubation and Brooding Blogs
• Incubation and Hatch Record Freebies
• Brooder Kit

Have you noticed a drop in production yet? Don't wait until it's too late. Preserving eggs for use through winter is easy and convenient. Listen as Jeff and Tessa discuss the options for preservation to help you decide which option is best for your family.

• How to help a molting hen
• Waterglassing
• Candler
• Silicone Ice Cube Tray
• Salting Yolks
• Dehydrator
• Pickled Eggs

Guinea hatching eggs have arrived! Discover the beautiful assortments of Guineas we now offer to incubate at home!

• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Guinea-Fowl-p156354538
• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Guinea-Hatching-Eggs-c130019539
• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Incubators-c39791183
• https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2017/07/raising-guineas/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gicMaYYxUDY

Gardening with chickens can be a nuisance. Let's talk about how you can use your flock to benefit your garden and what your garden can do for your flock!

Must have books for your chicken library:

• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Gardening-with-Chickens-p156357575
• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Complete-Compost-Gardening-p156354524
• https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Free-Range-Chicken-Gardens-p156354569

More on our Blog: 

• https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/?s=gardening+with+chickens

Safe for your compost: 

• Fresh Coop Odor Control: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Fresh-Coop-Odor-Control-p156348832
• Barn Odor and Manure Digester: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Barn-Odor-and-Manure-Digester-p263524741

Please join us in welcoming Tessa to The Coop Podcast Team!

Join us as we chat all things turkey. Amanda and Jeff will be covering characteristics, needs, weights, and more. If you are thinking about adding turkeys to your homestead or just want to learn more you won't want to miss this.

Shop Turkeys: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Turkeys-c39791181

Brooding Turkeys 101: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015096152-Turkey-Brooding-101-How-to-Raise-Heritage-and-Broad-Breasted-Poults-from-Arrival-to-Outside

Blackhead Disease HDA: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360062464551-Blackhead-Disease-in-Poultry

All Turkey HDAs: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000752971-Turkeys

Meyer Hatchery is now offering quail hatching eggs. If you are considering trying your hand at hatching and/or raising quail, you don't want to miss this interview! We've brought in qualified quail expert Michael to help answer some of the most asked questions.

Quail Hatching Eggs: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Quail-Hatching-Eggs-c127727570

Incubators: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Incubators-c39791183

Gamebird Supplies: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Gamebird-Supplies-c128378334

Coturnix Quail Brooding 101: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4425664324493-Coturnix-Quail-Brooding-101-From-Hatch-to-Outside

Tips For Adult Coturnix Quail: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4433219518733-Tips-for-Adult-Coturnix-Quail

Listen as we take a Meyer moment to share tips and tricks for keeping your flock cool and comfortable during an extreme heat wave.

Waterers: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Waterers-c39622104

Supplements: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Supplements-c39783070

How to deal with summer heat blog: https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2018/06/how-to-deal-with-summer-heat-and-your-flock/

Summer Heat YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMhYUI0a690

Quick and easy DIY frozen treats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18nmL2nHkEk&t=2s

Quick tips TikTok Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdwFo8cT/?k=1

Today we wrap up our three-part series called Meat Shortages, now what? We welcomed  Meyer Hatchery ambassador Elizabeth, with Crossing Creeks farm back to the podcast to talk about their farm's meat bird operation and her passion to provide pastured raised, organic fed, soy-free meats, and eggs direct to the consumer through their website as well as their onsight farm store. So whether you are a small poultry homesteader looking to expand your operation or a homesteader not in the position to raise your own animals for meat but wanting to secure quality food for your family. This episode is for you!

Chickens: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Chickens-c39349237
Meat Birds: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Chickens-c39352239
Ducks: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Ducklings-c39791179
Turkeys: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Turkeys-c39791181
Hatchery To Farm: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Hatchery-to-Farm-c132248505
Crossing Creeks Farm: https://www.crossingcreeks.com/

We are taking a midweek Meyer Moment to share some fun facts about bantams and a special announcement you don't want to miss!

• Bantams-https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Bantams-c39349274
• Blog-https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2022/02/whats-a-bantam-chicken-why-own-them/
• Youtube-https://www.youtube.com/c/MeyerHatcheryOhio/search?query=bantams

Many of us are noticing the limited or bare meat shelves at the local groceries stores along with the rising costs. What if you were not able to purchase processed poultry at the grocery store? What if it becomes unaffordable? What now? In part 2 of this 3-part series, we welcome Meyer Hatchery Ambassador Meghan Gates as she shares her experience raising and processing meat birds in the Oklahoma Panhandle for her family as well as people in her community. Meghan is passionate about providing her family with the best homegrown food possible and wanted to share that passion by developing a resource for others to utilize called The Broiler School. Listen as she shares all about it.

Meat Chickens: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Chickens-c39352239
Meat Birds: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Birds-c57267889
Meat Bird Supplies: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Bird-Supplies-c130020021
Turkeys: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Turkeys-c39791181
Meghan Gates Website: https://meghangates.com/
The Broiler School: https://meghangates.com/the-broiler-school

Meat Shortages - Now What? Interview with Marie of Rusty Plow Farms. 
Part 1 of 3 Part Series

Many of us are noticing the limited or bare meat shelves at the local groceries stores along with the rising costs. What if you were not able to purchase processed poultry at the grocery store? What if it becomes unaffordable? What now? Part 1 of this 3 part series will focus on various options for securing your meat. Marie from Rusty Plow Farms joins us to share her experience raising, processing, and selling her pasture-raised poultry not only off of her farm but also at her local farmer's markets. Listen in as she shares the pros and cons and a few pro tips!

Meat Chickens: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Chickens-c39352239
Meat Birds: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Birds-c57267889
Meat Bird Supplies: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Bird-Supplies-c130020021
Chick Brooding 101 (for Dual Purpose breeds): https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010088611-Chick-Brooding-101-How-to-Raise-Chicks-from-Arrival-to-Fully-Feathered
Cornish Specific Brooding Information: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055407371-Brooding-Cornish-Cross-Broilers-101-How-to-raise-from-hatch-to-processing
Blog Land Page All About Meat Birds: https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/all-about-meat-birds
Chicken Tractor Plans: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Chicken-Tractor-Plans-Instant-Download-p166308277
Rusty Plow Farms: https://rustyplowfarms.com

Considering raising meat chickens? The number of people wanting to raise their own chickens for meat is continually growing. Join us as we chat about all of the different meat chicken options Meyer Hatchery has to offer and the benefits of each.

Links:

Meat Chickens: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Chickens-c39352239

All Meat Birds: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Birds-c57267889

Dual Purpose Chickens: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Dual-Purpose-Chickens-c52289048

All About Meat Birds Blog Landing Page: https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/all-about-meat-birds/

Meat Chicken Help Desk Articles: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360010260651-Meat-Chicken-Information

DIY Chicken Tractor: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Chicken-Tractor-Plans-Instant-Download-p166308277

YouTube Meat Birds Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-PsIzfM9zFktf9A1X24KmxbundnT7w6

Processing Supplies: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Processing-Supplies-c39788047

Meat Bird Supplies: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Meat-Bird-Supplies-c130020021

In this episode, we chat with Kelsey Jorissen Olesen who owns and operates Green Willow Homestead, an 80-acre farm in Northwest Wisconsin. She and her husband, Paul, raise dairy goats, pastured hens, and cultivate a diverse market garden. Kelsey also manages the Farmers Market at Perlick Distillery in Sarona, Wisconsin where she brings together local growers, bakers, and artisans every week throughout the summer and fall.  Alongside farming, Kelsey coaches and teaches farmers how to use online marketing to grow their customer base. Kelsey has been an entrepreneur for 12 years, honing her marketing skills through her photography business, her eCommerce businesses, her farm, as well as coaching fellow small business owners.

With all the benefits of free-range and pastured hens with none of the risks, these DIY A-frame chicken tractors are beautiful to look at and built to last. Designed and created by Kelsey and Paul Olesen of Green Willow Homestead, this chicken-loving couple has devoted years of chicken-keeping to finding ways to make hens happier and safer all over the world. 

Links:

Meyer Hatchery: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/

A-Frame Mobile Chicken Tractor Plans: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/search?keyword=%22mobile%20chicken%20tractor%20plans%22

Also by Kelsey, Broody Hen Box: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Broody-Hen-Coop-Plans-Instant-Download-p446005044

Health and Wellness Category: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Medication-Health-&-Wellness-c39788046

Wyandottes: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/search?keyword=wyandotte

Instagram | @kelseyjorissen

Pinterest | @GreenWillowHomestead

Facebook | Green Willow Homestead

Website | Green Willow Homestead

Today we are talking about all of the new and exciting things Meyer Hatchery is offering for 2022. Whether you are looking for something unique to add to your flock, or want to try a new poultry type there may be something in the episode to peak your interest!

• All new items: https://www.meyerhatchery.com/New-c112148691

In this episode, we catch up with Lisa Steele, the well-known founder of Fresh Eggs Daily. Listen as Meyer Hatchery celebrates with Lisa on the release of her newest book; The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. We are proud to be a Gold Level Underwriter of her public television show Welcome To My Farm and we'll also chat about her experience as a television celebrity and host. You don't want to miss this one because we are doing a giveaway!

• Follow this link to enter the giveaway!
• Order Lisa's new book: The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook.
• Shop Lisa's other Fresh Eggs Daily branded products and Meyer Hatchery Favorites, as well as chicken breeds she personally designed. Her supplements are even available as a subscription!

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

If you notice an ill bird or have experienced a sudden loss, reach out to State/Federal officials, either through your state veterinarian or through the USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593

• Meyer Hatchery's AI Information Page: https://meyerh.co/AI
• AI HDA- https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010113291-Avian-Influenza
• Biosecurity HDA- https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022643351-Biosecurity-for-your-Backyard-Flock
• Meyer Hatchery's Biosecurity Practices: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4423284415501-Meyer-Hatchery-s-Biosecurity-Best-Practices
• USDA website- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai
• DIY Footbath video- https://youtu.be/HEyo4ytgNS0 and HDA-https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4428869350029
• Gil Quatrocide- https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Gil-Quatracide-1-Gallon-p156357607 
• Chicken Health Handbook- https://www.meyerhatchery.com/Chicken-Health-Handbook-2nd-Edition-p156354350

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about deviled eggs and the day dedicated to their honor, November 2nd. Sure, it seems that there is a day to celebrate nearly everything but this versatile and delicious variation of eggs certainly deserves some recognition!

Important Links:

• Deviled Egg Recipes
• Deviled Egg Recipes & Tips
• Last Minute Egg Ideas for Halloween Party
• How to Cook Eggs in a Pressure Cooker

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

In addition to our release date, we're also sharing how we determined availability. And there may be a few tricks, but only in us providing "tips and tricks" for placing your next Meyer Hatchery order.

Important Links: 

• Shop Chicks! 
• How Do We Determine Chick Numbers For Hatch Dates - blog
• Breed Minimums & Shipping Rates
• Meyer Hatchery Policies
• Meal Maker Stories - blog
• Join Meyer Hatchery’s Newsletter
• Follow The Coop on Facebook

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

Important Links: 

• Ways To Help Molting Chickens

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

Important Links: 

• EP72: Best of Guards
• MM: Aggressive Roosters
• Friendliest Rooster Breeds - blog
• All About Spurs - blog
• Chicken Saddle
• Shop Roosters!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about pumpkins, squash, and all things spice! Fall is officially in the air and the leaves are changing color. Many folks claim Autumn as their favorite season, and if you have ever seen chickens enjoying a pumpkin, it may very well be their favorite season too! 

Important Links: 

• Pumpkin Spice Chickens 
• Happy Hen Treats: Mealworm Spice Blend
• Fresh Eggs Daily: Brewers Yeast with Garlic

Today we’re sharing some of the common questions we answered from our trip to the Homesteaders of America conference in Virginia.

You may have noticed a brief pause in our podcast production as we traveled over 350 miles to Front Royal, Virginia to attend the 2021 Homesteaders of America Conference. Over 5,000 people attended this 2-day event, full of amazing speakers, vendors and surround by a family-like homesteading community. Meyer Hatchery attended not only as a vendor but also as an official Golden Coop Sponsor, chatting with thousands of great chicken people as we answered all your burning questions. In today’s episode, we compiled the top questions we received, providing answers for our entire community to learn from! 

Important Links: 

• Butchering Chickens
• Butchering by Adam Danforth
• EP 11: Adam Danforth Part 1
• EP 12: Adam Danforth Part 2
• Shop ALL Books!
• Chicken Tractor - instant download plans!
• EP09: Chicken Tractors
• 8-Gallon TriPod Waterer
• Poultry Watering Cups
• Chicken Waterer De-Icer
• MM31: Boredom Busters
• Free Range Freebies - blog
• Meyer Hatchery Youtube

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

Important Links: 

• Predator Control 
• Coop Accessories 

Today we’re talking about guards, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of October, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for guarding. As the spooky season approaches, we thought it would be fun to cover some of the best breeds to help protect your farms and homesteads. 

While maybe not from ghosts or zombies, good poultry guards sound the alarms for aerial predators and will be the first to defend your flock from raccoons, opossums, and even the neighborhood dog. In fact, it’s often an overlooked perk to keeping poultry! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Best Breeds For Guarding Your Homestead
• Learn Other Ways To Guard Your Flock
• Get Our Best Insight and Tips For Flock Guards

Important Links: 

• Shop Roosters!
• Guineas
• Goslings
• NiteGuard
• Electric Fencing
• EP40: Mountain Woods Farm
• Follow Us On Facebook!

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

Important Links: 

• Chicken Treats
• MM11: Kitchen Scraps

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

Important Links: 

• Wood Shavings
• MM: Kitchen Scraps
• Nesting Box Blend

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

Chickens are social “flock” animals and we recommend a successful flock have at least 3 birds. Having chicken friends doesn’t necessarily mean that the chickens will be “friendly” to each other, as it all depends on their social structure.

Important Links:

• MM027 - Hen Pecking
• Pecking Among Chickens: Causes and Solutions
• Keeping Multiple Roosters in a Flock
• Adding New Chickens to Your Existing Flock

Today we’re talking about Kendra’s Newest Poultry Type.  Kendra's raised chickens, bantams, ducks, quail, guineas, and turkeys on my homestead - but just this week, I’ve added a new poultry type! Any guesses… 

I’ll give you a hint. Their call will scare the neighbors at dusk, they like to roost high amongst the trees and they may just be the most beautiful bird I’ve raised to date. 

PEAFOWL! 

In this episode, Kendra fills you in on how she obtained this new poultry type along with all the fun peafowl facts she's learned along the way. 

Important Links: 

• Shop Peafowl
• Guide To Ordering & Keeping Peafowl

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

Important Links:

• EP13: Coop Considerations
• Omlet Coop Light
• How To Ensure A Year-Round Supply Of Eggs - blog
• Why Is My Hen Not Laying? - blog
• Egg Production Tracker - Free Download!

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

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Why Fall Is A Great Time To Raise Chicks
• Catch A Listener Review Who Knows All About Chicken Math
• Learn The Best Reasons To Add To Your Flock This Fall

Important Links:

• Shop Chickens
• All About Brooding

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

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

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover What Free-Ranging Means
• Learn The Benefits and Risks of Free-Ranging Your Flock 
• Get Our Top Free-Ranging Breed Picks for Each Poultry Type

Important Links:

• Benefits of Free-Ranging Your Chickens
• MM19: Yellow Yolk
• EP31: Predators - A Year With Chickens
• MM42: Waterfowl Imprinting 
• LIKE The Coop on Facebook 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about raising meat birds in an urban setting. Many Meyer Hatchery customers raise their birds on a small scale, usually starting with egg layer breeds. But meat birds can also be raised on a small scale! 

Important Links:

• EP:10 Chicken Tractors
• MM: 67 Top 3 Chicken Butchering Books
• EP: 64 The Best of Meat Bird Breeds
• All About Meat Birds - blog
• Processing Supplies

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. 

I’m your host Kendra and on the show today you’ll hear how the desire to feed their family the best possible food grew into a passion for sharing that food with their community. Crossing Creeks farm out of Shelbyville Tennessee began in 2012 raising grass-fed beef and has now evolved to sell pastured pork and poultry as well as eggs!

Elizabeth, from Crossing Creeks shares about their poultry journey, how they’ve evolved from raising 50 broilers to 800 rainbow rangers in mobile coops, her advice for those just starting out, and most importantly how her farm continues to be a family operation as her two young son’s help in the day-to-day chores. 

But to really understand Crossing Creeks' experience, we’ll begin when they made the decision to simply start...

Important Links:

• Blue Ameraucana
• Black Australorp
• Golden Buff
• Non-GMO Rainbow Rangers
• Black Spanish Heritage Turkeys
• Crossing Creeks
• Crossing Creeks Retreats
• Crossing Creeks on Instagram

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about butchering books. There are numerous resources out there to learn about processing chickens. From the processing setup, butchering, and even the kitchen skills for cooking; today we’re reviewing 3 of our favorite books on the topic.

Important Links:

• Adam Danforth: Butchering Chickens & Butchering 
• EP11: Interview: Adam Danforth | Part 1
• EP12: Interview: Adam Danforth | Part 2
• Mobile Poultry Slaughterhouse
• The Backyard Homestead Book of Kitchen Know-How: Field-to-Table Cooking Skills

Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Coop with Meyer Hatchery - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of educating crazy chicken keepers and inspiring future flock owners. I’m Kendra. And I’m Jeff. And today we’re talking about game birds. 

When it comes to poultry types often raised on homesteads and farms most people stick to the tried and true domesticated chickens and ducks. For those feeling adventurous you may try geese and turkeys, and if you’re really wild, maybe even guineas. But have you considered game birds?

Game birds can be raised for eggs and meat, or even used in training for hunting dogs. Today we’re going to cover the Ringneck Pheasants and Chukar Partridges offered here at Meyer Hatchery, as well as Quail and Grouse.

The first thing you need to know about raising game birds is they are vastly different from the common poultry types you’re used to.

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Various Game Bird Breeds
• Learn About Their Feed, Brooding, and Housing Requirements
• Get A Taste of Game Bird Flavors

Important Links:

• Ringneck Pheasants
• Pheasant Brooding 101 
• Chukar Partridge
• Chukar Partridge 101
• Anti-Pick

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


Important Links: 

• Blog: Chicken Soup Recipe 

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. 

I’m your host Kendra and on the show today you’ll hear how an education in child development and love of food came together to drive Stacie Billis to become a food editor, cookbook author, and host to one of the top 20 food podcasts on Apple.

But her food journey didn’t start in the traditional sense of culinary school, after Stacie’s father urged her to receive an education she went to graduate school for child development. With her passion for food still burning, she decided if she wasn’t going to be in the kitchen cooking professionally she could at least engage with parents and families around food content. After having kids herself she realized it was time to be in the kitchen, but not as a chef, as a mom with the purpose of feeding her family.  Making a career pivot from education and research in children’s media she found her place in food media, writing cookbooks and launching the podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You, with her co-Host Meghan Splawn.

Their podcast exudes the fact that food truly is a connector, whether you’re making it, enjoying it, or talking about it. And it’s quick to see in this episode too as Stacie is truly one of the most authentic food professionals I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with. To really understand what led Stacie to create the cookbook, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner and earning her “chicken lady” title, it starts with her first cookbook… 

Important Links:

• Winner Winner Chicken Dinner - cookbook
• Didn’t I Just Feed You - podcast
• Stacie Billis - Instagram
• Make It Easy - cookbook
• CSA Finder: LocalHarvest
• Moink
• Good Meat Breakdown

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

Important Links:
Poultry Cut List - free download! 

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

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Benefits of Raising Your Own Meat
• Learn About Meat Breeds for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and Geese
• Get Access To Meyer Hatchery Exclusive Resources

Important Links:

• Shop Meat Bird Breeds
• Meat Bird Tracker
• Turkey Processing Record
• Raising Cornish Cross - help desk
• Ranger Broiler Meat Chickens - help desk
• What Is A Cornish Cross - blog
• Broad Breasted Turkey Conversion Chart - help desk
• What Goose Breed Is Best For Me - blog
• Share your Turducken Photo in our Exclusive Facebook Group, Inside the Coop! 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about chicken processing must-haves. You’re ready to take the leap and raise your own meat chickens, but may be hesitant about the processing part. Like with most tasks, there are about 20 ways to do things and about 120 tools to help, so where do you begin?

Resources:

EP11 & 12 - Adam Danforth Interview
Processing Supplies

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. 

I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we’re talking to one of our favorite partners, an author, blogger, tv host, and fifth-generation chicken owner. 

From Fresh Eggs Daily, Lisa Steele is here to share about her chicken keeping journey, Meyer Hatchery Exclusive Breeds, and her top advice for new chicken keepers. 

Lisa started Fresh Eggs Daily in 2012 with a blog about raising chickens naturally, eventually leading her into ducks and geese as well. Fast forward almost 10 years later and Lisa is preparing to release her 7th book taking you from coop to kitchen. The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways is set to be released in the Spring of 2022. So how does someone like Lisa start on this crazy poultry-keeping journey? Well, she’s here to tell you. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About Fresh Eggs Daily
• Catch Lisa's Meyer Hatchery Exclusive Breeds
• Go From Coop To Kitchen With Lisa's Newest Book!

Important Links:

• Lisa Steele’s Meyer Hatchery Favorites
• Steele Eggers Day-Old Chicks
• Cookies & Cream Day-Old Chicks
• Black Australorp
• Pre-Order Lisa’s New Cookbook!
• Shop Fresh Eggs Daily

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about fly control. Is there anything more annoying than a fly buzzing around your head? This time of year, it seems the flies are everywhere but head out to your coop and the fly population is in overdrive. The never-ending droppings from your chickens are a delight to any fly, then add in Summer temperatures and you suddenly have a fly paradise. There are a few approaches a flock owner can take to control a persistent fly population.

Important Links: 

• Video: Homemade Coop Spray
• Uses for Diatomaceous Earth On The Homestead
• Supplies: Pest Control

Today we’re answering your questions about ducks! In our exclusive Facebook group, Inside the Coop, and throughout social media, we asked what questions you had about ducks. Today we’ve compiled the top 10 questions and plan to help you answer them. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Get Your Duck Questions Answered!
• Hear New Tips & Tricks For Raising Ducks
• Be Encouraged To Add Ducks To Your Homestead

Important Links

• What Duck Breed Is Best For You? - blog
• Brewers Yeast
• EP58: Raising Different Poultry Types Together

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about water and its importance to waterfowl. Of course, it’s in the name, but exactly why is water so important to waterfowl such as ducks and geese? Besides the fact that waterfowl seem to enjoy splashing and making any sort of mess with water, this natural instinct is for their health. 

Today we’re talking about automatic chicken keeping. Over the last several years, new products and systems have been developed to help automate some of your chicken keeping chores. From feeders and waterers to automatic doors we’re here to break down some of these products. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn Ways To Automate Chicken Keeping
• Hear The Benefits Of Automatic Chicken Keeping
• Catch Our Top Products For Automation

Important Links

• Feed-O-Matic
• Emperor Feeder
• Range Feeder
• Automatic Trough Waterer
• Automatic Poultry Fount
• Poultry Watering Cups
• Brinsea ChickSafe Advance Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
• Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about keeping your flock cool. The outside temperature is rising, Summer is officially here! Some folks really enjoy hot weather, but others would rather stay inside with air conditioning. But what about chickens?

Resources:

• How To Deal With Summer Heat and Your Flock
• Make A Cool Summer Treat For Your Chickens

Today we’re talking about frugal chicken keeping. It’s true that chickens are one of the most inexpensive animals to add to your homestead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they're cheap! In episode 44 we broke down how much it costs to raise chickens! If you haven’t listened yet, it’s a must as the numbers may shock you. To help you pinch pennies, and save up for new flock additions, we’ve compiled some of our favorite frugal chicken keeping tips. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn Ways To Save Money Raising Chickens
• Hear How Kendra Uses Her Flock For More Than Eggs & Meat
• Catch Our Top Considerations For Frugality 

Important Links:

• EP44: The Cost Of Raising Chickens
• Shop Assortments
• EP51: Chicks VS Started Pullets
• Biosecurity For Your Backyard Flock
• MM25: Deep Litter Method
• Meyer Hatchery Help Desk
• Meyer Hatchery Blog
• Meyer Hatchery YouTube

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about National Fried Chicken Day. The United States has dedicated an entire day to this fried goodness, to be celebrated July 6th. To help celebrate, we explore the origins, history, and types of this prized American cuisine staple.

Today we’re talking about heat hardy breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of July, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for hot climates. For most of the US, July hits peak temperatures often hitting 90s, with some southern states creeping into to 100s. Like us, some flock members prefer these warmer temps and by choosing the right breed it can help make raising a flock much more enjoyable. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Best Heat Hardy Breeds
• Learn How Your Feathered Friends Stay Cool
• Catch Signs For Heat Stress

Important Links:

• Waterers
• Vital Pack - electrolytes
• Chickens
• Bantams
• Muscovy Duckling
• Heritage Turkeys
• Guineas
• MM15 - Beat The Heat
• How To Deal With Summer Heat - blog
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about my 6 things for brooding chicks. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting with me on the phone, you may have heard my 6 things. It’s a conversation I have with new chicken keepers, and those getting back into the brooding game after years of maintaining the same flock. 

If you follow my six things, you’ll have created a safe brooding environment for your chicks leaving the rest up to nature to take its course. What are my six things? Well, I’m glad you asked. 

Resources

• All About Brooding
• Brooder Supplies

Today we’re talking about keeping different poultry types together. As more and more customers expand their flocks by adding new breeds and eventually new poultry types, it’s a question we often receive. Can my flock live together cohesively? In short, the answer is YES, but there are a few things you need to take into consideration. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn Why You Should Brood Your Poultry Types Separately
• Hear Kendra's Two Main Tips For Raising A Mix Flock
• Catch Our Top Considerations For Successful Integration

Important Links:

• Why not to mix species in the brooder - blog
• EP13: Coop Considerations - A Year With Chickens
• EP28: Flying The Coop - A Year With Chickens

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about feed storage.If you keep a very large chicken flock, or like to enjoy the discount that is usually included with bulk purchases, you likely have multiple bags of feed to store. There are a few things to consider when storing feed including location and temperature.

Today we’re talking about our coop organization checklist. We’ve compiled the essentials into one checklist to help you prepare and organize your coop. Organizing your coop is one small task in chicken keeping that can make a big impact. From efficient coop cleanouts to being prepared when weather or predators strike. This is especially helpful for new chicken keepers, but stay tuned seasoned pros you might learn a thing or two! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Benefit to Keeping Your Coop Organized
• Hear Kendra + Jeff's Favorite Tools
• Catch Some New Ideas For Keeping Your Coop Well Stocked

Important Links:

• Free Download: Coop Organization Checklist
• MM14: Poultry First Aid
• Use Code THECOOP and receive 20% off your first bag of First Saturday Lime, here!
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about pest prevention and treatment. Chickens are superstars at controlling all sorts of small pests, such as ticks and other bugs, but they can become bothered by others such as mites or parasites. These are naturally found in all chicken-keeping situations, but an overload or infestation is when treatment steps need to be taken.  

Today we’re talking about pest control, as part of our Best Of Series. For the month of June, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for pest control. By early June the entire US is moving into warmer temperatures and with it comes the return of bugs. The flying, squirming, crawling, and downright creepy creatures that most would care to avoid. The breeds and poultry types you choose for your flock can help control the infestation of pests, making your outdoor time and theirs more enjoyable.

At one time or another, you’ve dealt with slugs, grasshoppers, Japanese beetles, ticks, flies, snakes, mice, and or spiders. If you’re looking for a natural solution to help control these pests look no further than your feathered flock mates. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Best Breeds For Pest Control
• Learn Reasons Why Certain Poultry Types Do Best
• Catch A Few Pest Control Considerations

Important Links:

• Chickens
• Heritage Turkeys
• Guineas
• All Geese
  White Chinese Gosling
  Tufted Buff Gosling
  American Buff Gosling
• All Ducks
  Runner Ducklings
  Muscovy Duckling

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about coop building plans. If you are handy and enjoy DIY projects, Meyer Hatchery coop plans are ideal for creating the perfect home for your flock. We offer building plans for all stages of chicken keeping, including brooders and chicken tractors. Each available as an instant download, purchase a plan and start building today!

Resources:

Chicken Tractor Plans

Hover Brooder Plans

DIY Coop Plans

Today we’re talking about confinement, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of May, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for confinement. If you’re limited on outdoor space or are looking to start with a small flock, finding a breed that does well in enclosed spaces, can make your flock-keeping journey a lot more enjoyable! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Best Breeds For Confinement
• Learn Reasons You May Need To Confine Your Flock
• Catch A Few Confinement Considerations

Important Links:

• Bantam Chickens
• MM31: Boredom Busters
• MM11: Kitchen Scraps
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about our newest chick release, a Lisa Steele Exclusive! Meyer Hatchery is proud to once again partner with our friend and fellow chicken enthusiast, Lisa Steele, to bring you Cookies and Cream Day-Old Chicks!

Resources:

NEW! Cookies and Cream Chicks

Steele Eggers

Lisa Steele’s Favorites

EP46: Breeding Traits

There was a brief pause in our podcast production as we traveled 8 hours to Columbia Tennessee to attend the first “Learn How to Homestead In a Weekend" event put on by Homesteaders of America. Over 300 people attended this 2-day event at Rory Feek's homestead, full of presentations, hands-on demos, and a family-like homesteading atmosphere. In today's episode, we compiled the top questions we received and answered them for our entire community to learn from!

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Answers To Common Chicken-Keeping Questions
• Hear Kendra + Jeff's Experience at Homesteaders of America
• Catch Some of Our Favorite Resources

Important Links:

• Chicken Tractor Plans - Instant Download!
• EP09: Chicken Tractors - podcast
• Cornish Cross Broilers
• Rainbow Rangers
• EP38: Best for Beginners - podcast
• Nite Guard Repellent Tape
• Integrating Chickens - blog
• Chicken Health Handbook - book
• EP22: Gail Damerow Interview - podcast
• Butchering - book
• EP11 & EP12: Adam Danforth Interview - podcast
• Homesteaders of America Conference October 8th & 9th

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Spring Predators. The leaves are unfolding, it’s Springtime!  As the temperatures rise and the ground thaws, your chickens are grateful to feel the sunshine on their feathers. While the changes brought about by Spring are welcome, this change in environment can also cause flocks to become prey to hungry Springtime predators. 

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. 

I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we’re sharing the story of how one chicken keeper’s life changed by an upgrade in their coop set-up. We talk all the time about how chicken keeping is a good lesson in responsibility, and really can be a journey!

From little peeps to farm fresh eggs, here to share her experience is Suellen Purdum of Texas. Predator issues and eventually the advice from her daughter led her to look at a new coop set-up. Now, Suellen is the proud owner of not 1, or 2 but 5 Omlet Chicken Coops and is an ambassador for their products. 

So how does one person end up with so many Omlet coops? Well, like so many of our customers, Suellen began her chicken-keeping experience 15 years ago with the encouragement of her children. On a regular vet visit for their horses, little did Suellen know she was leaving with so much more…

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about favorite chicken names. Some pets seem to easily earn their name, by showcasing their personality and other times we need some inspiration. Naming pets goes as far back as ancient times. Revered dogs can be found in ancient mythology and early Egyptians believed cats had magical powers. Domestic chickens go as far back as 2000 BC, so it is pretty safe to assume that chickens have earned pet names since then.  

Today we’re sharing 10 lessons learned from having a backyard flock! Ask any chicken keeper and they’ll tell you a thing or two their chickens have taught them. That’s right, the idea of raising chicks vs reality can be a bit different than you may have imagined. And so, to help new chicken keepers prepare and in hopes of giving you seasoned pros a laugh, we’ve rounded up 10 lessons learned from keeping a backyard flock. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover 10 Lessons Learned  
• Hear Kendra + Jeff Share Their Stories
• Be Better Prepared For Your Flock (Or Laugh Along With Us)

Important Links:

• What’s Killing My Chickens by Gail Damerow 
• Chicken Tractor Plans
• Shop Day-Old Chicks

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about calcium and its importance for poultry. Calcium is an essential mineral for all growing beings but for your birds, it is a key component of eggshells. There are many sources of calcium for your flock, some obvious and some not so obvious. Today, we’ll summarize how to deliver this vital nutrient to your flock. 

Today we're talking about day-old chicks vs started pullets! When browsing for new flock additions, most chicken keepers are on the hunt for specific breeds but are stopped in their tracks when they see the breed they want is offered as a day-old chick or started pullet. If you’ve been listening to the Coop Podcast for any length of time, then you likely already know what we’re going to say next. 

The choice between day-old chicks and started pullets all depends on you, your flock, and your flock goals! There are many advantages and disadvantages to both and today, we’re here to share them with you in hopes of helping you grow a successful flock. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn The Advantages & Disadvantages of Day-Old Chicks VS Started Pullets
• Hear Real Life Scenarios For Each Option
• Discover New Options For Your Flock

Important Links:

• EP44: The Cost of Raising Chickens
• Shop Day-Old Chicks
• Shop Started Pullets
• Meyer Hatchery Started Pullet Vaccination Program
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about heritage versus hybrid. As you begin your search for new flock additions you may come across terminology such as heritage and hybrid, but what’s the difference? And most importantly what’s best for you?

Today we’re talking about egg anatomy! Did you know there are 8 parts to an egg? The fact that chickens lay eggs is fascinating, but just the egg itself is incredible! For those raising backyard chickens for the first time, you may be taking a more vested interest, in just how different your eggs are compared to those in the grocery store. Today we’re taking you back to 8th-grade science class with egg anatomy! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn The 8 Parts To An Egg
• Catch Common Egg Oddities
• Discover New Facts About Your Eggs

Important Links:

• Egg Anatomy - blog
• Egg Anatomy Worksheet
• EP26: Eggshell Abnormalities
• Are Eggs with Blood Spots Safe To Eat - blog
• CDC Salmonella & Eggs

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about storing eggs. Spring has sprung for many chicken owners and you may be noticing an increase in egg production. Eggs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner become part of your weekly menu, but as we all know, you can only eat so many eggs. So how do you store the abundance of eggs your flock is producing?  

Today we’re taking a look at Egg Laying Breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of April, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for egg-laying. Egg production varies drastically between breeds and even poultry types. If you’re looking for eggs for your family, market or to bake up something new and delicious, this episode is for you! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Best Egg Laying Breeds
• Learn Just How Many Eggs We Consume
• Catch Best Breeds for All Poultry Types

Important Links:

• USDA Egg Stats
• Egg Production Tracker
• EP 24: Egg Laying - A Year With Chickens
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about single hatchlings. There are many factors that can affect the outcome of a hatch and there may be a time when there is only a single hatchling. Poultry is known for its flock tendencies. So in the best interest of a lone bird, there are some special considerations for their health and happiness. 

Today we’re talking about common brooding mistakes! It’s the first step to raising chicks, and one of the most crucial to ensure your flock has a healthy start. What is brooding? It’s a 6 week period in which you assist in raising your chicks by helping them regulate their body temperature. In short, you’re playing mother hen! While the basics of brooding are easy to understand there are small mistakes that could be detrimental. So today, we’re going to cover common brooding mistakes in hopes it will help you avoid them this season!


In this episode you'll: 

• Hear 5 Common Brooding Mistakes
• Catch Kendra + Jeff's Best Tips For Avoiding Them
• Discover Our Best Brooding Resources

Important Links:

• Small Order Chick Starter Kit
• Chicken Brooding 101
• Brooding Checklist - free download!
• All About Brooding - blog
• Why Not To Mix Species In A Brooder - blog
• Feed Guidelines

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about egg hatching myths. As many chicken breeds as there are in the world, there are just as many theories about hatching eggs. Hatching techniques can vary between incubator types and any experienced hatcher will tell you that every hatch experience is unique. For that, the promise of more eggs, and more females are usually the goal of any hatch. But with all of the information out there, it can be hard to determine what is actually true or just a myth.

Today we’re talking about hatching eggs! Hatching eggs for the first time is always an exciting process, but with it comes many questions. From preparing your incubator to understanding the terminology you have a lot of learning ahead of you. To help, we’re going to guide you through 10 of the most common questions we receive regarding hatching eggs. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Here Common Hatching Questions & Answers!
• Find Our Best Hatching Resources

Important Links:

• Purchase Fertile Hatching Eggs! 
• Episode 03: Incubation
• Hatch-Along - blog
• How To Check Eggs for Fertility - blog
• Guide to Incubating and Hatching
• Hatching & Brooding Your Own Chicks
• Let’s Hatch Chicks
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about blue genetics. Chicken genetics are truly fascinating and complex. You don’t have to be an experienced breeder or geneticist to know that chicken feathers are some of nature’s most beautiful handiwork. Blue is one most sought-after color of chickens here at Meyer Hatchery and for good reason. 

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. 

I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we’re talking about breeding traits! Sound boring? Well, keep listening, because we’ve brought in Meyer Hatchery’s Breed Flock Manager, Alex to share her expansive knowledge on how to select the best traits, along with answering some of the questions you asked on social media. This includes things like that tricky blue gene if there’s really a difference between hatchery broilers and how we’re breaking the industry standard when it comes to the term “hatchery quality”. 

Oh and at some point in this episode, Alex spills the beans giving you an exclusive first look at new breeds coming to Meyer Hatchery. 

But first, let’s start with an inside peek at our breeding program and what a Breed Flock Manager exactly does? 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover How To Identify & Select Breeding Traits
• Learn How Meyer Hatchery Breaks The Mold of Hatchery Quality
• Hear Alex's Favorite Breeds
• Catch New Breeds Coming To Meyer Hatchery!

Important Links:

• Barred Rock
• Delaware
• Blue Ameraucana
• Cornish Cross
• Blue Gene - help desk
• ABC’s of Poultry Genetics
• An Introduction To Heritage Breeds
• APA Standard of Perfection
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about preparing incubators for hatching. Hatching eggs is an awe-inspiring process as you create optimal conditions for life to develop and hatch. Mother hens instinctively know those optimal conditions, but education and experience are needed for us to successfully hatch. The very first step of incubation is, of course, an incubator! 

Today we’re taking a look at Broody Breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of March, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for brooding chicks. That’s right, some breeds are broodier than others, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the goals of your flock. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Broodiest of Breeds
• Learn How To Care For A Broody Hen
• Catch The Pros and Cons of Broody

Important Links:

• Broody Chicken Breeds
• MM17: Breaking A Broody Hen
• Hatching Poults With A Broody Hen - blog

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Meyer Hatchery’s Hatch-Along. Meyer Hatchery hosts an annual Hatch-Along in March, to share our knowledge of incubating and the joy of freshly hatched spring chicks!  We also encourage you to join in on the fun and set eggs with us. 

Today we’re talking about the cost of raising chickens! It’s a common question we hear from new chicken keepers. First, you should know that chickens are probably one of the most inexpensive farm animals to keep, but that doesn’t mean they are cheap! Today, we’re going to go through the various options available to you as you start and add on to your flock. And later in the episode, we’ve even crunched some numbers for you! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Variables That Go Into The Cost of Raising Chickens
• Learn Tips To Save Money
• Get The Annual Cost of Raising Chickens!

Important Links:

• Shop Chickens!
• DIY Coop Plans
• Automatic Coop Door
• Chicken Treats - blog
  
  

Pricing and costs in this episode are for illustrative purposes only, prices may vary.

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the United States Postal Service Embargo. An embargo is a government order that restricts commerce or the exchange of specific goods. These are usually created as a result of unfavorable political or economical circumstances. Last week a USPS Embargo was put into place restricting the transportation of live animals due to the winter storm that swept the nation. The Postal Service has since extended the suspension. We hope the embargo will be resolved this week, but the government can extend it again. Please stand beside us in voicing your concerns!

Today we’re talking about combs. No, not the kind you keep in your back pocket (is that still a thing?), we’re talking about chicken combs! Combs come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes but what exactly are they? As defined by the Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow - A comb is a fleshy crownlike protrusion on top of a chicken’s head, usually more prominent in males than females. Most breeds have bright red combs, however, Sumatras have purplish combs and Silkie combs are so dark they’re nearly black. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover 10 Common Comb Styles
• Learn The Purpose of Combs
• Catch Comb Health Tips

Important Links:

• Chicken Encyclopedia
• Types of Chicken Combs - blog
• MM 30 - Frostbite
  
  

Definitions in this episode are from the Chicken Encyclopedia. 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about waterfowl imprinting. If you have ever seen adorable ducklings following their mother in a perfect line, or a chick peeking from underneath its mother, you have witnessed the phenomenon of imprinting. Imprinting is the natural process of an animal becoming bonded to its caretaker. Whether this caretaker is its own species or not, is what makes imprinting so amazing. 

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we’re talking to a gosling advocate and author who you may recognize from Instagram where she showcases restoring her 200-year-old farm while raising a flock of 17 geese in addition to chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, and sheep. 

Here to share her best advice is Kirsten Lie-Nielsen of Hostile Valley Living. Located in rural Maine, Kirsten has been raising geese and enjoying their query personalities and practicality in her sustainable permaculture practices for years. For a poultry type with many misconceptions, how does one become intrigued to raise such a large flock of them?

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About Hostile Valley Living
• Hear How Geese Play A Role In Sustainable Permaculture
• Find Tips For Raising Geese
• Be Invited To Kirsten's Upcoming Class!

Important Links:

• Shop Goslings
• A Guide to Geese & Goslings Online Class 
  February 20, 2021, Hosted by Kirsten from Hostile Valley Living - $10
• Hostile Valley Living Instagram
• Hostile Valley Living Blog
• The Modern Homesteaders Guide To Keeping Geese - Kirsten's Book
• Which Is The Best Goose Breed For You? - blog
  
  
  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about red chicken breeds. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, today we will explore history and facts of some of the red breeds offered by Meyer Hatchery. Chicken colors range almost the full spectrum of the rainbow, but there is something quintessential about a red chicken. 

Today we’re taking a look at Poultry Pets, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of February, we’re going to dive into the best poultry pets! With love in the air this month we thought we’d share about the “LOVE” of our poultry and how they’ve quickly become backyard pets for so many. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover The Benefits of Keeping Poultry Pets
• Learn Tips for Raising Poultry as Pets
• Catch our Favorite Episodes With More Tips!

Important Links:

• Episode 38: Best Beginner Breeds
• MM 40: Raising Tame Chickens
• Shop Poultry!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about raising tame chickens. Many folks get chickens with the idea of delicious fresh eggs but are soon charmed with their pet-like nature. Having docile and tame chickens is especially important for families with small children and those wanting chicken companionship. Here are our best tips for raising tame chickens!

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we’re talking to an expert farmher who you may recognize from Instagram where she shares posts and stories about her highland cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and livestock guardian dogs. 

So how does one maintain keeping poultry amongst other animals in Colorado, known for its excessive snowfall, high altitude, and very large predators? Here to share her best advice and inspire other female farmers, I’m joined by Renee Woods of Mountain Woods Farm. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About Mountain Woods Farm
• Hear How Renee Handles Snow with Her Flock
• Find Tips For Raising Poultry at High Altitude
• Be Inspired By A Fellow Farmher

Important Links:

• Mountain Woods Farm - Instagram
• Heritage Barred Rock
• Ranger Broilers
• Definitely Not Simple Life Podcast

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about January being National Soup Month. It’s the perfect time of year for soup, right after the bustling holiday season and just as the cold really starts to settle in. There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to find comfort in. 

Soups are not only great for warming you up, but they're often filled with nutrients, minerals, and fats. A bowl of soup can help replenish lost energy after shoveling snow, chopping wood, or caring for your flock. So what makes soup, soup?

Today we’re talking about your Flock Goals! That’s right. With a new year often comes new goals. For most people it may be weight loss, quitting a bad habit or getting organized. But for crazy chicken keepers, you may just find yourself setting some new flock goals! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Common Flock Goals
• Learn About Integrating New Flock Additions
• Catch Tips On Expanding Your Coop

Important Links:

• Integrating New Chickens
• Colorful Egg Layers
• DIY Plans
• Shop Chickens!

Also, don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop"!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about frozen eggs. Throughout the winter months, as temperatures continue to drop, you’ll also find your egg production reducing. Getting every last precious egg from the coop to the house is of importance. But what happens when your eggs start to freeze, or worse yet, crack?

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about winter watering. In Meyer Moment episode 26 we talked about the various styles of heated waterers. But for first time flock owners navigating cold conditions or winter elements, you may still be struggling to water your flock. Here’s a few tips to help you this winter!

Today we’re taking a look at Beginner Breeds, as part of our Best Of Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering the very best of each month's topic. For the month of January, we’re going to dive into the best breeds for those beginning their chicken keeping endeavor. But don’t worry poultry pros, we have something for everyone here, as we plan to also cover different poultry types if you're thinking of expanding your horizons beyond chickens. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Discover Beginner Breeds
• Learn What Makes Them Great For Beginning
• Catch Kendra + Jeff's Favorite Beginner Breed

Important Links:

• Chickens
• Ducks
• Geese
• Turkeys 

Also, don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop"!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the parameters that define heat versus cold hardy breeds. It’s a question we often receive, as customers seek out the magic temperature that deems a breed hardy for their climate. However, you may be surprised to know, there is no hard number to follow, rather, a variety of characteristics to consider. 

From Meyer Hatchery it’s The Coop - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. I’m your host Kendra and on the show today we share a place where you can find expert instruction, friendly encouragement, and a welcoming group of people who are committed to helping you gain the know-how and problem-solving skills you’re seeking. 

Where does such a place exist? Surprising, on your bookshelf thanks to Storey Publishing. With a focus on practical books for creative self-reliance, covering subjects from homesteading to health and well being, I’m joined by publisher Deborah Balmuth as we discover the value and joy Storey Publishing has created in every home. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn More About Storey Publishing
• Hear The Publishing Process
• Find Deborah's Favorite + What's New

Important Links:

• Storey Publishing Books
  20% Discount | Code: STOREY20
  Discount valid only on Meyer Hatchery Website through the link provided above. Expires 12/31/20 No Cash Value.
• Episode 11: Adam Danforth
• Buy The Book: Butchering Chickens
• Episode 22: Gail Damerow
• Buy The Book: Chicken Health Handbook

Deborah’s Favorites on Storey Publishing:

• Storey’s Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills
• Farm Anatomy
• Fermented Vegetables

Books Coming in 2021

• Growing Under Cover - from the author The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener
• Grow Veg
• Mystical Stitches

Let’s take a Meyer Moment, to take a look back. As the season winds down, we’ll be taking the holiday season off to enjoy time with family but also finish planning the 2021 podcast season. With that, we share some bloopers along with a look back at our first year on The Coop Podcast. 

Today we’re here to talk about what’s new for next year! Catalogs are starting to arrive in mailboxes across the United States, so we thought what better time to start revealing all the new and exciting changes happening at Meyer Hatchery for 2021.

In this episode you'll: 

• Experience  Meyer Hatchery's 2021 Catalog
• Catch Meyer Hatchery's New Offerings
• Hear About Our New 2021 Breeds

Important Links:

• Digital 2021 Catalog
• Frost White Legbar
• Mrs. Meyer’s Adopt Me Bargain
• Production Pack
• Steele Egger
• Non-GMO Rainbow Ranger Broilers
• Grimaud Pekin Hybrid
• Duclair
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about how to convince your spouse you need more chickens! For many of you listening, chickens may be on your urban backyard or homesteading wishlist, but how do you convince your spouse you need chickens and more of them?

Today, we’ve reached the end of our, A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of December, we're taking a look at year 2 and beyond. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about your chickens aging out after their first year, to selective traits for breeding and what flock replacement looks like. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About The Changes In An Aging Hen
• Experience The Symptoms Of A Hen Aging Out
• Hear Some Common Questions To Help Select Breeding Traits
• Better Understand What Flock Replacement Means For You

Important Links:

• Why Is My Hen Not Laying - blog
• Laying Hen vs Non-Laying Hen - blog
• Standard of Perfection
• Breed Trait Record - freebie!
• The Complete Year With Chickens Series
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment, to talk about determining hatch rates! The new year is quickly approaching with new availability, so we thought we’d share how Meyer Hatchery determines the number of chicks for each hatch date.

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Thanksgiving! November is a popular time to talk turkey. In addition to chickens and ducks, turkeys are a popular choice for backyard enthusiasts, homesteaders, and even large farming operations. 

Meyer Hatchery offers white and bronze broad-breasted turkeys along with a variety of heritage breeds from Bourbon Red to Royal Palm. 

To celebrate Thanksgiving in our own way, we’re sharing some fun facts you may not have known about this special holiday. 

Today we’re here to spread some holiday cheer! That’s right, whether you’re ready or not the holiday season is approaching. If you caught our episode 30 on things they don’t tell you about raising chickens, then you already know chicken-themed gifts are in your near future. So to help you and your family out, Meyer Hatchery has curated a Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you’re looking for something for a friend, family or your flock we have you covered.  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about boredom busters for your flock! Every chicken keeper wants their flock to be happy and healthy. If you’re experiencing changing temperatures, shortened hours of daylight, or just a schedule change where you can’t let your flock out as often, you may want to consider adding some activities to their coop. Bored chickens can lead to feather picking, bullying, cannibalism, and egg-eating. Curb those unwanted habits with these boredom buster ideas! 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about frostbite in your flock! If you live in an area with extreme winter temperatures, your flock may be at risk. Chickens are susceptible to frostbite on their combs, wattles, and toes. It’s important to choose breeds that are hardy in cold climates and take preventative measures. But rest assured, even the most prepared flock owner can get caught off guard when temperatures dip. Here are a few tips to help you deal with frostbite this season. 

Today, we're discussing cold weather care as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of November, we're taking a look at cold weather care. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about raising your flock in the coldest of seasons from proper ventilation to the myths of heat and more, to keep your flock comfortable and healthy.

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn More About Cold Weather Breeds
• How To Assess Ventilation Vs Drafts
• Discover Tips On How Kendra Preps Her Coop
• Better Understand The Myth Regarding Heat

Important Links:

• Cold Weather Resources - blog
• Coop Ventilation - blog
• 5 Easy Winter Boredom Busters - blog
• Meyer Moment Deep Litter
• Meyer Moment Heated Waterers
• Meyer Moment Winter Feed
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about winter feed! The cold is setting in and many of our northernmost states are already seeing snow. If this is your first time raising chickens, you may be caught off guard by just how much feed your flock will go through in the winter months. We’ve compiled a few tips to help you prepare in keeping your flock well-fed and healthy this winter season. 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk Trick or Treats for your flock during this spooky season! As you prepare for a frightful weekend trick or treating, we’ve compiled a few things you may want to stay clear of when it comes to treating your favorite flock members. 

Today, I’m joined by industry leaders, Jenna Gregorich, Bird Health Programs Manager for the Ohio Poultry Association. OPA is a non-profit statewide trade organization that found its start in 1948 representing more than 600 Ohio egg, chicken and turkey farmers. You may be familiar with OPA through their Ohio Egg Marketing Program or Ohio Turkey Council as they work to exemplify the voice of hundreds of Ohio Poultry farmers. 

Together with Jenna, we better explain what the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is and how it can benefit you as a homesteader, breeder or poultry show enthusiast. 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about hen pecking! Pecking is a normal chicken behavior that allows birds to explore their surroundings. But if your hens cross from curious to aggressive pecking, you may have a bigger issue on your hands. It’s important to identify the cause then make changes to ensure the well being of your flock. 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about heated waters! As the temperature continues to plummet it’s time to start thinking about your watering set-up. Frozen waterers, hoses, and thirsty birds can make for a miserable winter. However, with a little planning now, you can set yourself up for a successful season. 

Each waterer we discuss today will be linked in the show notes below! 

Today, we're discussing predators as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of October, we're taking a look at predators. We’ll discuss everything from what types of predators to watch for, how to identify them, and how to best protect your flock.

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About The Most Common Predators Chickens Face
• How To Spot Signs To Help Identify Your Predator
• Catch Suggestions For How To Best Protect Your Flock

Important Links:

• Predators 101 - blog post
• Brinsea Automatic Coop Door
• Electric Poultry Netting
• Nite Guard Solar
• Nite Guard Tape
• What’s Killing My Chickens? 

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the deep litter method! As winter approaches, you may be considering using deep litter, in your coop for waste management. If done properly, it can create less frequent coop cleanouts and fabulous compost, ready for your garden or flower beds. 

So how do you begin using the deep litter method?

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the seasonal shift! The autumnal equinox has arrived, meaning fall has officially begun for the Northern Hemisphere. As the season shifts, the sun will begin to rise later and nightfall will approach sooner. Now is the time to layer up in a cozy sweater and hot mug of coffee for your morning chores.

Most believe the fall foliage and amount of eggs your hens lay is due to the change in weather, a common misconception, it’s actually a result of the amount of daylight. 

This year we’ve seen a lot of new chicken keepers join the club. Now occasionally you can find me in emails and chats for Meyer Hatchery, and Jeff on the phones. If you’ve had the luxury to chat with us live, we may have warned you of a few of these items already. But just so we’re clear, here are 10 things they don’t tell you about raising chickens.

Important Links:

• Friendliest Rooster - blog
• Chicken Health Handbook
• Nesting Box Garden - YouTube
• Boredem Busters - blog
• Chicken Poop Lip Balm
• Kitchen Decor
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment, to wake up and talk about Better Breakfast Day, happening September 26th!

So how did this day come to be? Better Breakfast day originated, during WWI as the United States encouraged citizens, to eat a better breakfast. Then the  Cereal Institute soon began promoting, Better Breakfast Month for the first time in September. 

With our counters overflowing with eggs, we can’t help but agree, that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. So what better way to celebrate Better Breakfast Day, than with fresh eggs from your backyard flock! 

Now if you’re getting tired, of the same old scrambled or fried egg in the morning, we have some egg-citing recipes you can try in celebration of Better Breakfast.

On The Coop today, you’ll hear how heritage breed conservation and your backyard flock play an important role in agricultural biodiversity with Senior Program Manager, Jeannette Beranger of the Livestock Conservancy. 

Now, “heritage” has become a popular word so we further explore how the Livestock Conservancy defines heritage, as well as some of the criteria they use to rank breeds on their conservation priority list. You can find this list linked below in the show notes, but we’ve also marked the breeds we carry in our annual catalog on the breed comparison chart. 

If all of this sounds a little over your head, I encourage you to continue listening as the work of the Livestock Conservancy is more critical than ever in protecting our food system, conserving valuable genetic traits, supporting sustainable family farms, and preserving our history and culture. 

Breeding poultry, raising a backyard flock or simply supporting the Livestock Conservancy’s efforts all play an important role, but what exactly is the impact and what does it mean for you? 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How "Heritage" Is Defined
• Discover The Formula For The Conservation Priority List
• Learn Ways You Can Support Poultry Conservation

Important Links:

• The Livestock Conservancy
• Chicken Conservation Priority List
• Get Involved With The Livestock Conservancy
• Comparison Chart 2020 Catalog
• Standard of Perfection
• North American Poultry Census
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about your aggressive rooster. Roosters were born to protect your flock. They are fearless when it comes to predators, but this can be intimidating to us humans. Getting flogged in the back of the legs while tending to your flock, takes the fun out of chicken keeping and can cause serious harm. So how do you handle an aggressive rooster and can they be tamed? 

Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Coop with Meyer Hatchery - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of inspiring crazy chicken keepers and educating future flock owners. Each week we like to take a Meyer Moment to cover relevant happenings. Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about National Chicken Month! 

Over two decades ago, the National Chicken Council, came together with major chicken producers to promote chicken sales in September, resulting in September being National Chicken Month! To celebrate in our own way, we’re sharing 10 facts about chickens you may not have known. 

Today we’re discussing flying the coop as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of September, we’re taking a look at all things outside of the coop now that your chicks have matured. We’ll discuss everything from how to free-range, to preparing for molt and how to literally keep your flock from flying the coop with wing trimming.  

In this episode you'll: 

• Get Answers To All Your Free-Ranging Questions
• Learn What To Expect When Chickens Molt
• Better Understand How To Properly Trim Wings

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Silkies
• The Benefits Of Free-Ranging – blog
• How To Clip Your Chicken’s Wings – blog
• Supporting Your Flock Through Molting – blog
• Episode 16 – Transitions
• Use Code THECOOP and receive 20% off your first bag of First Saturday Lime, here!

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about your hen’s egg-eating habit! Chickens enjoy eating eggs just as much as we do. If you are finding broken or half-eaten eggs in your nesting boxes, it can be incredibly frustrating. Left unstopped, the destructive behavior of egg-eating can become harder to correct. So how do you break this bad habit? We’ll provide tips on preventing the habit from forming, and how to break an egg-eating hen. 

Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Coop with Meyer Hatchery - where we talk all things poultry in hopes of educating crazy chicken keepers and inspiring future flock owners. I’m your host Kendra and today we have a special news alert. 

Recently, the United States Postal Service has been making headlines. Meyer Hatchery has released our official statement stemming from political and pandemic frustrations centered around shipping concerns in hopes of offering customers support and relieving fears. I’ll be sure to link the press release below in the show notes but would like to take a brief moment to read it for you here.  

Important Links

• Full Press Release
• Meyer Hatchery Website
• Meyer Hatchery Blog
• Episode 10 - Shipping at Meyer Hatchery

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about yellow egg yolks! Many people believe that eggs with dark yellow or sunset orange yolks, taste richer and are healthier for you. While there isn’t much scientific research available, that supports this theory, most of us can’t deny the fact that “fresh is best” when it comes to our eggs. Do you know, what it takes, to get those darker yolks?

Previously we covered poultry abnormalities and now it’s time to talk about eggshells. Have you ever wandered out to the coop for your daily collection, only to find a misshapen, soft, or just strange-looking egg? We’ll cover 16 of the most common eggshell abnormalities you may find from your backyard flock.

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn How An Eggshell is Produced
• Discover 16 Of The Most Common Eggshell Abnormalities
• Learn How To Correct The Cause

Important Links:

• Egg Anatomy - blog post
• Oyster Shells
• How An Eggshell Is Made - scientific article 
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about your nesting boxes! With your hens laying regularly now and egg collection part of your routine, there are a few additions you can make to your nesting boxes to benefit you and your chickens!

On The Coop today, you’ll hear how an education in design and engineering, love of poultry, and an entrepreneurial spirit lead Hanns Paul and his Co-Founders to launch Omlet. Growing from coops to chicken keeping accessories and other pet supplies, Omlet products are now available in Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand. 

So what happens when you take an age-old concept and totally re-imagine it? You get questioned and passed up at trade shows. That didn’t stop four college friends in their quest to revolutionize chicken housing standards, simplifying chicken keeping for urban backyards and bringing farm fresh eggs to the garden. After finishing school they set out to just that...

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How Omlet Found It's Start
• Learn More About Omlet Chicken Coops
• Catch Hann's Favorite Omlet Product - A Customer Request!

Important Links:

• Omlet Eglu Cube
• Omlet
• Yellow High-Vis Chicken Jacket 
• Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben 
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment, to talk about how to break a broody hen. Broodiness is great if you’re wanting to hatch eggs. But if you’ve hit your chick limit, you may be faced with breaking your hen, of her broody behavior. Today we’re going to cover what broodiness looks like and how to stop it. 

Today we’re taking a look at laying eggs, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of August, we're taking a look at how to prepare for when your flock begins laying eggs. We’ll discuss everything from how to tell your chicken is going to begin laying, to how to collect, clean, and store eggs. After making it through the brooding phase and coop integration, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Are you egg-cited? 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How To Tell If Your Hen Is Going To Begin Laying
• Get Tips For Collection, Cleaning and Storing Eggs
• Learn The Symptoms of Egg Binding + How-To Treat

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Easter Eggers
• Signs Your Hen Will Begin Laying Soon - Blog Post
• What Are Pullet Eggs - Blog Post
• Cleaning & Storing Eggs - Blog Post
• Egg Production Tracker

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the moment you and your chickens have been waiting for….the annual Meyer Hatchery Catalog Cover Contest! Enter your best photos now to land the front cover of the Meyer Hatchery 2021 Poultry Catalog. Did you know Kendra not only is a podcast host but designed last year’s catalog? She’s back at it again this year and has a few insider tips for you! 

Today we’re discussing ducks! We thought we would cover some of the basics about raising ducklings from brooding to the coop. Do you currently have ducks in your flock, or plan on adding them?

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear Kendra + Jeff's Duck Raising Experience
• Learn The Basics Of Raising Ducks
• Get Answers To Our Most Common Duckling Questions

Important Links:

• Duck Breeds 
• Waterfowl Brooding 101 - Help Desk
• Poultry Feed Guidelines - Help Desk
• Best Duck Breed For You - Blog Post
• Episode 7 - Poultry Types
• Episode 20 - Abnormalities
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about how to help your flock beat the heat! Across the country, we’re feeling the summer heat, and your birds are feeling it too. Today we’re going to cover how to keep your poultry safe while staying cool this summer season. 

This minisode is a little bit different than traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Sometimes we also interview industry leaders, and today I’m excited to be joined by author Gail Damerow. 

Gail has been raising poultry for nearly five decades and writing about chickens since her first book came out in 1976. You may recognize the name from her well-loved books Storey’s Guide  To Raising Chickens, The Chicken Health Handbook, her newest release What’s Killing My Chickens and many more.

Today we get to learn more about Gail’s background in poultry keeping as she shares some of her best tips for illness prevention and identification.

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn How Gail's Poultry Experience Lead To Writing About Poultry
• Hear Gail's Best Husbandry Tips
• Learn How To Identify Disease Vs Health Issue
• Catch Details On Gail's Newest Book, What's Killing My Chickens

Important Links:

• The Chicken Health Handbook
• What’s Killing My Chickens
• Gail Damerow
• Storey Publishing
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about poultry first aid must-haves!

Feed and supplements are your first line of defense, but what happens when you have an injury in your flock? We’ve curated a list of poultry first aid must-haves to keep stocked for the moment you need it most.

The summer season is in full swing and typically the time of year folks are planning weekend getaways or annual multi-week vacations. The planning is complete, bags are packed but who is going to care for your flock while you’re away? I will say having a farm and traveling can be tough, however, it’s not impossible. We’ve gathered some considerations and tips to help you care for your flock while on vacation.

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Salmonella! With your new chicks arriving it is hard to resist cuddling with them, but did you know, improper poultry handling can lead to a Salmonella infection? The CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Hadar infections, linked to contact with backyard poultry such as chicks and ducklings.  

Today we’re taking a look at Abnormalities, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of July, we're going to cover common abnormalities you may experience with your poultry from crooked toes to cross beak. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Common Poultry Abnormalities
• Learn How To Correct Or Manage Them At Home
• Get Some Tips For Best Flock Health

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
• Poultry Science Department By State - Help Desk Article
• Wry Neck - Help Desk Article
• Wry Tail - Help Desk Article
• Spraddle Leg - Help Desk Article
• Crooked Toes - Help Desk Article
• Cross Beak - Help Desk Article

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the Meyer Hatchery Virtual Poultry Show! 

With local fairs being altered or completely canceled this year, we want to encourage our youth to continue to learn and grow in their poultry keeping. So we decided to hold a virtual poultry show for the months of July, August, and September.

This minisode is a little bit shorter than our traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Sometimes we also interview industry leaders, and today we’re excited to be joined by Amanda from Meyer Hatchery. You may remember Amanda from Episode 9 when we discussed Chicken Tractors. Today, she has returned to discuss 4-H as she provides some insight into those looking to begin as well as her best tips and tricks for showing. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn How You Can Participate In 4-H
• Hear Amanda's Experience 
• Catch Our Best Showing Supplies
• Find All Of Our Best Showing Resources

Important Links:

• 4-H Website 
• Standard of Perfection
• Best of Show Prep Kit
• Gallop Poultry Shampoo
• Meyer Hatchery Showing Supplies
• Our Best Showing Resources

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about kitchen scraps. As the warmer season continues, you’ll often find yourself with an abundance of fresh produce, from your garden, local farmers market, or grocery store. Instead of tossing your leftover scraps or taking them to the compost bin, consider treating your poultry! 

Today we're talking Turkey! Talking about turkeys that is. With customers ordering turkeys for 4-H and Thanksgiving, we thought we would cover some of the basics about the different turkey breeds, raising turkeys, and some commonly asked questions we received from our listeners!

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear Kendra + Jeff's Turkey Raising Experience
• Understand The Difference Between Broad-Breasted & Heritage Turkey Breeds
• Learn Answers To The Questions You Asked!

Important Links:

• Turkey Breeds 
• Turkey Brooding 101 - Help Desk
• Poultry Feed Guidelines - Help Desk
• Raising Heritage Turkeys - Blog Post
• Coccidiosis - Blog Post
• Episode 7 - Poultry Types
• Episode 16 - Transitions
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about poultry feed. 

As you begin your poultry journey, you may find yourself in the feed aisle overwhelmed by the endless options. Let’s take a moment to breakdown some of the common feed terminology, along with the different stages of feed, throughout the lifespan of your poultry.

This minisode is a little bit different than traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Sometimes we also interview industry leaders, and today I’m excited to be joined by Mike Stichler from the Ohio National Poultry Show.  

Ohio National is one of the largest poultry shows hosted the second weekend in November, in Columbus, Ohio. There are over 5500 entries each year and they welcome poultry enthusiasts of all levels and ages. 

In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Mike’s role as Show Superintendent and answer some of the showing related questions you asked over on our social channels. If you’re interested in showing at Ohio National this year, or any show for that matter you won’t want to miss Mike’s tips. 

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Newcastle Disease and the recent quarantine lift in Southern California! After a very long year and half, the CDFA has officially announced an end to the Newcastle Disease quarantine, allowing poultry to move freely within California. Congratulations Southern California residents, your new additions are awaiting! 

So how can you prevent the reintroduction of widespread disease and risk of quarantine? Biosecurity. We have a few biosecurity tips any level poultry owner can implement today!

Today we’re taking a look at transitions, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of June, we're going to cover transitioning your flock to the coop, integrating with an existing flock, and some of the concerns that may arise from making that transition! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Kendra's Experience 
• Learn How To Integrate At The Brooding Stage
• Get Some Tips for Integrating Into An Existing Flock
• Catch Our Best Tips For A Successful Transition To The Coop

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Blue Splash Marans
• Not Mixing Species In Brooder - Blog Post
• Integrating New Chickens Into Existing Flock - Blog Post
• Pullet Egg - Blog Post

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Jeff's favorite type of chicken, Rotisserie Chicken. In 2015 Boston Market submitted a request to the National Calendar Day folks to deem June 2nd National Rotisserie Chicken Day, and that request was granted. It’s undoubtedly favored as a quick family dinner option when paired with some of your favorite sides. We hope you’ll cook up a way to celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day, today June 2nd!

This minisode is a little bit different than traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Sometimes we also interview industry leaders, and today I’m excited to be joined by Jessica Jacobs of First Saturday Lime.

First Saturday Lime is a natural, easy to use and effective repellent that also neutralizes and deodorizes spaces like your chicken coop. They’ve taken the extra steps to exceed purity requirements to deliver a formula that’s safe for your family, gardens, ponds, pets, and animals. 

If you’ve been listening to the podcast you’ve probably heard me mention their product before and it’s because it’s something I personally use each month. I want you all to know that the products, companies, and people we feature on The Coop, are all used and adored by us, your hosts!. 

In today’s episode, we learn how First Saturday Lime found its start, talk about their recently scored deal on Shark Tank, and of course, we cover all the ways you can use their product in your coop and around your home.  

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the various breeds of meat chickens. Raising meat birds can seem daunting, especially when faced with which breed is right for you! Today we’re here to give you a breakdown on the meat birds available and help you become one step closer to self-sustainability, by raising your own meat chickens today!

The spring season not only brings chick fever but also the desire to get outside and prep your garden beds. While chickens sometimes get a bad rap for scratching up your lawn and landscaping they can be beneficial for your garden. Today, we’ll take a look at how to garden with chickens throughout each season.

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear Kendra's Gardening With Chickens Experience
• Learn How To Use Chickens In Your Garden
• Catch Useful Tips For Each Season
• Listen To Poultry Pride!

Important Links:

• Beneficial Plants For Your Chickens - blog
• MM: National Gardening Day - podcast
• Chicken Container Garden - YouTube
• Composting Chicken Litter - blog
• Best Goose Breed For Me: Weeders - blog
• Meyer Meal Maker - help desk

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about the month of May, National Egg Month! Did you know Ohio is the second leading producer of eggs in the nation? Learn more eggciting facts for National Egg Month and cook up a way to celebrate!

Today we’re taking a look at coop considerations, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of May, we're providing some considerations in regards to your new or existing coop, including the differences between a coop and run, general building considerations and add-ons! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Kendra + Jeff's Coop Experience 
• Learn The Difference Between A Coop + Run
• Get Some Tips for Location, Electricity + Water 
• Leave With Considerations For Your Coop

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Barnevelder
• Predators 101
• Coop Ventilation And Why It's Important
• Instant Download Coop Plans

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday Now, popped up last Tuesday, May 5th in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but sparked a month-long global generosity movement. The term “giving” can mean donating, volunteering, thanking someone, or really any act of generosity. Podcasters are stepping up to show their appreciation to fellow creators today, May 12th, for Giving Tuesday Podcasts. 

So what better way join in on the fun than to give a special shout out to a few of our personal favorites!

This minisode is a little bit different than traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. This episode is a special part two continuation from my conversation from last week with Adam Danforth, a butcher, educator, and James Beard award-winning author. As a reminder, last week we introduced Adam and his initiatives at Good Meat Project and Atlas of Butchery. We also covered how the effects of COVID have impacted meat production and how the local landscape is shifted. If you missed last week's episode I highly recommend giving it a listen. 

Without wasting any time, let’s jump into the remaining interview as we take a closer look at home processing. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear A Brief Overview Of The Home Processing Set-Up
• Learn More About The Community Aspect of Butchery
• Better Understand How You Can Participate As A Beginner
• Catch Details On A Special Giveaway!

Important Links:

• Listen to Part 1 with Adam Danforth
• Good Meat Project Resources
• Adam Danforth
• Adam Favorite Breed
• Adam's Favorite Recipes:
  - Roasted Half-Chicken
  - Chicken Sausage with Garlic and Rosemary
  - Smoked Chicken Wings
• Purchase Butchering Chickens: A Guide to Humane Small-Scale Processing.

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

This minisode is a little bit different than traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Sometimes we also interview industry leaders, and today I’m excited to be joined by Adam Danforth, a butcher, educator, and James Beard award-winning author.

You may recognize the name from his comprehensive butchering books, including his newly released book Butchering Chickens: A Guide To Humane Small-Scale Processing. He is an active board member of the Good Meat Project and Chefs Collaborative and through this work, he leads experiential workshops worldwide on butchery and meat science for venues such as Stone Barns Center for Agriculture, the James Beard Foundation Chefs Boot Camp, Google, and the National Bison Association. Adam also consults and provides education to restaurants including Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, Bazaar Meat, and Maude. 

In today’s interview, Adam’s passion is truly evident, and I can’t wait to share his wealth of knowledge and insight with you all. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn About The Good Meat Project & Atlas of Butchery Initiatives
• Hear How COVID-19 Has Changed The Local Landscape
• Get Resources On Supporting Local
• Learn About Processing At Home
• Catch Details On A Special Giveaway!

Important Links:

• Good Meat Project Resources
• Good Meat Switchboard
• Eat Well Guide
• Eat Wild
• Local Harvest
• Adam Danforth
• Purchase Butchering Chickens: A Guide to Humane Small-Scale Processing.
• Be sure to listen to Part 1 & 2 with Adam Danforth!

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about poultry waterers. It seems like a simple task, to water your chickens, but there are a lot of different watering systems available to you! We thought a simple breakdown of waterer styles may introduce you to new concepts while helping you find the right fit for your homestead or farm. 

Providing fresh clean water to your flock is vital, but can become a daily chore if your system is not properly set-up, or you can’t find a solution to accommodate your coop. We’ve rounded up different waterers available, to help you find the best fit for your daily routine, while also hydrating your flock!  

This minisode is a little bit shorter than our traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Today we’re extending our conversation from Episode 06 when we discussed the hatching process at Meyer, to now covering how all those little peeps make their way to their new homes. 

A lot of new customers are shocked to hear we ship live day-old chicks throughout the United States. And typically those conversations are followed up by further questions regarding our procedure and their safety. Today, we’re here to answer those questions!

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How We Hard To ID Breeds Are Leg Banded
• Learn About Our New Box Design
• Get Answers To Common Questions
• Catch Details On Meyer Hatchery's Golden Ticket!

Important Links:

• Shipping Related Help Desk Articles
• How To Remove Leg Bands
• Meyer Meal Maker

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about National Gardening Day, happening today, April 14th. We thought we would help you celebrate by sharing some plants you can start now for you and your chickens to enjoy.

Gardening is a satisfying hobby but also a way of life for many. Did you know there are plants that have natural remedies to help your flock with their overall health? Green thumb or not, we’ve rounded up some easy to grow, enjoyable plants to get you started today. 

Today, I'm joined by my co-worker Amanda to talk Chicken Tractors! Amanda has successfully used chicken tractors and will be using our instant download plans to build a new chicken tractor next month. We’re going to cover our very different experiences with chicken tractors, essential elements of a chicken tractor build, including the pros and cons of raising poultry in this method.

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Kendra + Amanda's Chicken Tractor Experience 
• Learn What A Chicken Tractor Is
• Hear Some Tips For Chicken Tractor Success
• Learn About Our New Chicken Tractor Plans

Important Links:

• Chicken Tractor Tour
• Watering Cups
• Chicken Tractor Plans - Instant Download!
• Meyer Hatchery YouTube - Subscribe Today!
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about Mud Season. That glorious time between winter and spring when your driveway, yard and chicken run are mud. This is also the time of year when you typically start to smell your chicken coop again. The cold winter season, if you’re from the northern United States, will often mask the smell of your chicken coop but when spring and that warmer weather return, you know it’s time to get cleaning. 

To control the effects of mud season and chicken coop odor, we want to share a few ways we care for our chickens. 

Today we’re taking a look at brooding, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of April, we're going to cover how to raise chicks from arrival to fully feathered including brooder set-up, troubleshooting, and a few identification basics.

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Kendra + Jeff's Brooding Experience 
• Learn How To Revive A Weak Chick 
• Hear Some Tips For Brooding Success
• Learn A Few Identification Basics

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Frost White Legbar
• Chick Brooding For Beginners Blog Post
• Chick Brooding Supply Checklist
• Feed Guidelines
• Chick ID Guide or Bantam ID Guide
• How To Revive A Weak Chick
• How To Treat Pasty Butt
• Mixing Instructions for Vital Pack or Grogel 

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Let’s take a Meyer Moment to talk about how to care for your flock during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Its top of mind for most individuals as the Stay At Home order has been put into effect for many states including Ohio. For homesteads and farms across the United States not only do individuals have to think of their friends and family, but also their flocks! Here are some of our first-hand tips for caring for your flock during the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order. 

Today we’re taking a look at Poultry Types! Do you want eggs, meat, pest control, protection, entertainment or... the list goes on! In this episode, we provide breed facts to illustrate the differences between dual-purpose, meat and egg breeds for chicken, duck, turkey, goose and guinea poultry types. We also share our personal experience as well as comments from our followers to help in choosing the right breed for you!

In this episode you'll: 

• Listen To Breed Examples For Each Poultry Type
• Her Kendra + Jeff's Personal Experiences
• Catch Our Followers Favorites
• Learn How To Choose Your Breed by Characteristics

It's important to know that the breeds used to illustrate the poultry type differences in this episode are for illustrative purposes. There are various other breeds that fit these categories as well. 

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Guineas!
• What Goose Breed Is Best For You Blog Post
• What Duck Breed Is Best For You Blog Post
• ChickSafe Eco Automatic Coop Door Opener
• Shop Brinsea! Receive Free Shipping
• View Our Digital Catalog Chicken Comparison Chart
• Request A Free Catalog

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

This minisode is a little bit shorter than our traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Today we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how Meyer Hatchery hatches thousands of chicks to fulfill your orders. We chat with Stacey who is a shipping associate, but as you’ll hear wears many hats at Meyer, as she gives us first-hand insight into the hatching process.

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How We Collect Hatching Eggs
• Catch Our Capacity & Weekly Routine
• Learn How We Sex & Sort Chick Breeds
• Hear More About Our Eco-Friendly Water Supply

Important Links:

• Instagram Hatch-Along Highlights - Clips of How Meyer Hatchery Hatches Can Be Found Here!
• Hatching Eggs

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

We interrupt our regular scheduling for a special announcement minisode to discuss COVID-19 and your chickens! The health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. Recently we received an influx of questions regarding how COVID-19 may affect your current flock or future poultry orders. Today we have the answers for you along with a link to stay up-to-date on any future developments.

In this episode you'll: 

• Learn If Covid-19 Can Affect Your Chickens or Poultry Flock
• Catch The Latest Developments From The US Postal Service
• Hear How Meyer Hatchery Has Changed Their Internal Measures

Important Links:

• Meyer Hatchery's COVID-19 Statement & Plan
• US Postal Service Statement
• Biosecurity Tips For Your Backyard Flock

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop"!

This week we’re excited to be joined by Pascale, Executive Vice President of Brinsea as a special guest on The Coop with Meyer Hatchery! We dive into what Brinsea offers, Pascale’s personal insight into incubation while raising a flock and discuss Brinsea’s newest product to hit the market. We’ve also partnered with Brinsea to provide our podcast listeners an exclusive offer for the month of March. Don’t miss out on this exciting interview, listen today! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Find What Brinsea Is Known For
• Hear Pascale's Personal Insight Into Incubation & Raising A Flock
• Catch Her #1 Tip For Incubation Success
• Learn More About Brinea's Newest ChickSafe Automatic Coop Door Openers

Product Highlights 

• Maxi II Advance Incubator
• Ovascope
• EcoGlow
• Mini II Classroom Pack
• Chick Safe Door Opener

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Today we’re taking a look at incubation, as part of our A Year With Chickens Series. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. For the month of March we're going to dive into hatching eggs for the very first time, including incubator set-up, how to determine what's critical during the hatching process, and how to prepare for a successful hatch.

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear About Kendra + Jeff's Incubation Experience 
• Learn About Different Types and Functions of Incubators 
• Hear Some Tips For Candling Eggs
• Learn How Meyer Hatchery Ships Hatching Eggs
• Catch The Winner For Our Launch Day Giveaway!

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Olive Egger Hatching Eggs
• Guide To Incubating
• Meyer Hatchery Hatching Eggs Breed Key
• Free Hatching Egg Tracker
• Meyer Hatchery Hatch-Along
• Shop Brinsea In March
  
  

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

This minisode is a little bit shorter than our traditional episodes, as we cover relevant happenings in and around Meyer Hatchery. Today we’re covering our upcoming Hatch-A-Long taking place in the month of March and how you can participate! 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear What The Hatch-Along Will Entail
• Learn How You Can Participate #MHHatchAlong
• Catch 3 Tips To Help You Prepare 
• Find A "Secret Word" For Our Launch Day Giveaway

Important Links:

• Tag Us On Social Instagram | Facebook
• Keep Tabs On How + What Our Staff Is Hatching Here
• Free Hatching Egg Tracker Download
• Shop Brinsea!
• Enter The Launch Day Giveaway*

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

*To celebrate launching The Coop Podcast publically, listen for our secret word. Then click the link above (or here), to submit the secret word and enter to win! One Entry Per Listener. Giveaway Ends March 5, 2020. For US Residents Only. No Cash Value. Winner will be announced during our March 6th episode, so tune in!

Today we're launching the first episode in a year-long series, A Year With Chickens. We dedicate one episode per month to this series, covering what to expect when raising a chicken in that particular month. We’ll cover everything from the day you set eyes on that fluffball of peeping joy, to laying eggs and beyond. This month we’re going to talk about planning, prep, and everything you need to know before you begin. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Hear How Kendra + Jeff Began With Chickens
• Listen To Some Of Our Common "Before You Begin" Questions & Answers
• Hear A Brief Overview of the Meyer Hatchery Ordering Process
• Catch Our Poultry Pride Story of The Week Submitted by Luke!

Important Links:

• Poultry Pick Of The Week: Rhode Island Red
• Newcastle Disease Shipping Restrictions
• CDFA Statement 
• Marek's Vaccination
• Luke's Story On The Blog!
• Meyer Meal Maker

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!

Meyer Hatchery is celebrating its 35 Year Anniversary, so why not launch The Coop Podcast! This episode is a brief introduction into Meyer Hatchery and what The Coop Podcast will entail. 

In this episode you'll: 

• Meet Your Hosts Kendra + Jeff
• Hear A Brief History of Meyer Hatchery
• Learn What's To Come On The Coop

Also don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group "Inside The Coop" and submit your Poultry Pride Story, here!