Episodes

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: Fi...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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: Ho...

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 Poultr...

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 Trou...

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 M...

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 e...

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 ...

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 Consideration...

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...

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. ...

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...