Ever wondered what judges look for at poultry shows?

In this episode of The Coop Podcast, Phil and Lauren sit down with American Poultry Association (APA) President and Ohio National judge Jeff Halbach to discuss poultry judging, breed standards, and the world of exhibition poultry.

Whether you're interested in showing chickens, improving your breeding program, or simply learning more about poultry breed standards, Jeff shares valuable insights into how birds are evaluated and what makes a quality exhibition bird.

Whether you're considering waterfowl for pest control, geese for weeding, guineas for tick management, or heritage turkeys for their personality, this episode will help you understand the unique needs and benefits of each species.

New episodes of The Coop Podcast drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Use code THECOOP at Meyer Hatchery for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum)

Thinking about adding ducks, geese, guineas, or turkeys to your flock? In this episode of The Coop Podcast, Phil and Lauren are joined by Meyer Hatchery Customer Service team member Lynsey to discuss what it's really like to raise different types of poultry.

From muddy ducks and friendly geese to noisy guineas and curious turkeys, Lindsay shares her firsthand experiences raising a mixed flock and offers practical tips for housing, feeding, flock management, and introducing different poultry species to one another.

Links: 

Meyer Hatchery Website: https://meyerhatchery.com/
Contact Us: https://meyerhatchery.com/contact-us

Whether you're considering waterfowl for pest control, geese for weeding, guineas for tick management, or heritage turkeys for their personality, this episode will help you understand the unique needs and benefits of each species.

New episodes of The Coop Podcast drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Use code THECOOP at Meyer Hatchery for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum)

Thinking about adding ducks to your backyard flock? 🦆🐔

In this interview with poultry expert Gail Damerow, we talk all about raising ducks for beginners, including whether ducks and chickens can live together, what management actually looks like, and the biggest mistakes new duck keepers make.

We cover:
✔️ Can ducks and chickens be kept together?
✔️ Beginner duck care basics
✔️ Water management (this one surprises everyone 👀)
✔️ Housing differences between ducks and chickens
✔️ What to know before adding ducks to your backyard flock

If you're starting a homestead, building a backyard flock, or just curious about keeping ducks with chickens, this episode breaks it all down in a practical, beginner-friendly way.

New episodes of The Coop Podcast drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Use code THECOOP at Meyer Hatchery for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum)

Are you doing enough to protect your backyard flock from disease?

In this episode of The Coop Podcast, Phil and Lauren break down the essentials of chicken biosecurity and explain how simple daily habits can help prevent illness in backyard chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and mixed flocks.

Learn why quarantining new birds, maintaining a closed flock, practicing proper chicken coop cleaning, controlling rodents and pests, and following good hygiene habits are some of the most effective ways to keep your poultry healthy year-round.

Whether you're a first-time chicken owner or an experienced poultry keeper, understanding biosecurity for chickens is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce disease risks and create a safer environment for your flock.

Links:

Nite Guard Repellent Tape: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/nite-guard-repellent-tape-2-rolls

First Saturday Lime: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/first-saturday-lime-5-pound-bag

Supplies Page: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/supplies

Whether you're raising backyard chickens for eggs, homesteading, or managing a mixed poultry flock, these practical biosecurity tips can help you protect your birds and gain peace of mind.

New episodes of The Coop Podcast drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Use code THECOOP at Meyer Hatchery for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

In this episode, we talk with backyard chicken expert and author Lisa Steele about her 10th Anniversary Edition of Gardening with Chickens and how chickens and gardens can work together in a practical, sustainable way.

Lisa shares her journey from growing up near a chicken farm in New England to becoming a leading voice in backyard poultry and homesteading. She breaks down how to use chickens in the garden for natural pest control, soil aeration, and fertilization, plus how timing their access can make or break your planting success. We also cover chicken manure composting, the deep litter method, and “chicken poop tea” as a natural fertilizer.

We also dive into keeping chickens out of garden beds, protecting seedlings, choosing more garden-friendly breeds, and which plants to avoid feeding your flock. Lisa explains how to turn garden surplus, herbs, and kitchen scraps into enrichment for chickens while reducing waste and improving egg quality.

Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Are day-old chicks or started pullets the better fit for your flock? 🐣

In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we break down the pros and cons of starting with day-old chicks versus started pullets so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your homestead. 

We cover everything from cost and breed availability to brooder setup, bonding, vaccinations, and how quickly you can expect eggs. Plus, we talk through the biggest differences in care, commitment, and what to expect whether you're raising chicks from day one or bringing home point-of-lay pullets. Keep in mind that pricing mentioned in this episode is subject to change and may vary depending on breed and availability. 

Whether you're looking for the full chick-raising experience or want a faster path to fresh eggs, this episode will help you choose the right start for your flock. 

Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Are you thinking about raising turkeys but don’t know where to start? 🦃

In this special guest episode of The Coop Podcast, we sit down with author Stacey Benjamin to talk all things turkey keeping, from getting started with poults to raising a happy, healthy flock.

We cover the key differences between heritage and broad-breasted turkeys, brooder temperature and high-protein feeding, housing setups, and how turkey behavior compares to chickens (spoiler: they’ve got BIG personalities). Plus, we dive into breeding, brooding, common mistakes to avoid, and what new turkey keepers should know before bringing birds home.

Whether you're adding turkeys to your flock for the first time or just curious about these charismatic birds, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get started.

Link to Stacy's Book:

An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Turkeys: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/an-absolute-beginners-guide-to-raising-backyard-turkeys

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Are you ready to hatch your own chicks or grow your flock the easy way? In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we compare incubating eggs with raising day‑old chicks so you can choose what’s best for you.

We’ll walk through selecting quality hatching eggs, setting up your incubator, managing temperature, humidity, turning, and the 21-day timeline—including what happens during lockdown and hatch day. You’ll also get brooder setup tips, chick feeding basics, and common mistakes to avoid when bringing chicks home.

Incubation Supplies: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/incubation-supplies

Gro Gel: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/gro-2-max-probiotic

Weak Chick Info: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023972551-How-To-Revive-A-Weak-Chick

Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Are you ready to build your dream backyard flock? In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we dive deep into the top chicken breeds, meat birds, and waterfowl for your homestead. From Barred Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Easter Eggers to Cornish Cross, Rainbow Rangers, and Pioneer Broilers, we cover which birds are best for eggs, meat, or dual-purpose use.

We also explore specialty breeds like Cochins, Brahmas, Polish, and colorful Easter Eggers, as well as waterfowl options like ducks, turkeys, geese, and guineas. Plus, get expert tips on mixing breeds safely, understanding temperament, planning housing and fencing, and sourcing healthy, biosecure birds.

Links:

How to Filter Search: https://youtu.be/Viqp2GaSoM4?si=UFLNWyTY6bYXCwOe

Meyer Hatchery Assortments: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/assortments

Pet Nail Care Dremel: https://amzn.to/4anp39l

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to [email protected].

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Backyard chicken keeping is booming, especially in suburban and urban areas. In this episode of The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, Phil and Lauren break down coop and run design from the ground up so you can build a safe, healthy, and functional setup for your flock.

We cover the essentials of coop and run design: location, drainage, lighting, ventilation, predator proofing, nest boxes, roosts, and easy human access for cleaning and maintenance. You’ll learn why ventilation is non-negotiable, how to prevent ammonia buildup, and how to protect your flock from raccoons, hawks, owls, and other common predators.

We also dig into enrichment, dust baths, rooster management, boredom busters, and how to design your space so your chickens stay healthy, productive, and stress-free. Along the way, we share real-life stories from our own flocks, including our Cluck Cluck What the Heck segment with chickens, pigs, roosters, and some truly chaotic farm moments.

Ventilation Video: https://youtu.be/_721JHw7n0U?si=dxk0FgpISr5JS-FS

Books Page: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/books-and-puzzles

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to podcast@meyerhatchery.com.

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Raising backyard chickens is becoming more popular in suburban and urban areas, but before you bring home chicks, it is critical to understand the zoning laws and HOA rules that may apply to you.

In this episode of The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, Phil and Lauren break down zoning regulations, homeowner association rules, and local ordinances that affect poultry keeping. We walk through where to start, how to research the rules in your area, and why checking before you buy chicks can save you a huge amount of stress and heartache later.

You will learn how zoning laws work, how HOA restrictions differ from local ordinances, and what renters need to consider before starting a flock. We also explain why your county extension office should be your first stop, how to navigate complaints from neighbors, and how to stay compliant while still enjoying backyard chickens.

Pest Control Supplies: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/pest-control

Whether you’re a beginner or expanding your flock, this podcast aims to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your poultry questions or stories at podcast at meyerhatchery.com.

Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! 🐔 Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).