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 ...
Jul 30, 2021•19 min•Ep. 63
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: Hom...
Jul 27, 2021•4 min•Ep. 62
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 ...
Jul 23, 2021•15 min•Ep. 62
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.
Jul 20, 2021•3 min•Ep. 61
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 Wat...
Jul 16, 2021•22 min•Ep. 61
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...
Jul 13, 2021•4 min•Ep. 60
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 Mon...
Jul 09, 2021•20 min•Ep. 60
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.
Jul 06, 2021•3 min•Ep. 59
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 e...
Jul 02, 2021•8 min•Ep. 59
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 a...
Jun 22, 2021•4 min•Ep. 58
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 Fo...
Jun 18, 2021•14 min•Ep. 58
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.
Jun 15, 2021•3 min•Ep. 57
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 O...
Jun 11, 2021•16 min•Ep. 57
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.
Jun 08, 2021•4 min•Ep. 56
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. A...
Jun 04, 2021•13 min•Ep. 56
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...
Jun 01, 2021•2 min•Ep. 55
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 L...
May 28, 2021•7 min•Ep. 55
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...
May 25, 2021•2 min•Ep. 54
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 Ans...
May 21, 2021•22 min•Ep. 54
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.
May 04, 2021•4 min•Ep. 53
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. P...
Apr 30, 2021•24 min•Ep. 53
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.
Apr 27, 2021•4 min•Ep. 52
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 Shar...
Apr 23, 2021•24 min•Ep. 52
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.
Apr 20, 2021•4 min•Ep. 51
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...
Apr 16, 2021•9 min•Ep. 51
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?
Apr 13, 2021•4 min•Ep. 50
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 Discove...
Apr 10, 2021•9 min•Ep. 50
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?
Apr 06, 2021•3 min•Ep. 49
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...
Apr 02, 2021•7 min•Ep. 49
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.
Mar 30, 2021•3 min•Ep. 48
