Bred to Perfection

In this episode, we welcome back poultry expert Don Schrider to explore one of the most important topics for breeders and backyard chicken keepers alike: how to breed a better laying hen. It's been four years since Don last joined us, and he returns with a wealth of knowledge drawn from decades of experience, research, and practical breeding success.

This episode is packed with practical advice on selecting the best birds for your breeding program. Learn how to evaluate hens and roosters for egg production traits, body conformation, vigor, and reproductive health using hands-on techniques like pelvic spacing and the Hogan Method. We also cover Don's essential "Rules of Breeding," including how to offset faults, intensify desirable traits, and apply the Law of 10% to consistently improve your flock.

Whether you're a breeder or backyard chicken keeper, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to building a more productive flock.

If you're serious about breeding, this is a conversation you can't afford to skip.

#PoultryBreeding #LayingHens #BackyardChickens #ChickenBreeding #EggProduction #HomesteadingLife #SustainableFarming #ChickenKeeping #BreedBetterChickens #FarmEducation #PoultryTips #HeritageBreeds

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Breeding Smarter, Preserving Type, and Shaping the Future of Exhibition Poultry

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sayre, co-host of the Talking Chickens with M&M Exhibition Poultry Podcast alongside Matt Lhamon, for an in-depth conversation about exhibition poultry, judging, and the future of the hobby. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just getting started, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed in the poultry fancy.

Mike shares his journey into poultry, from raising a wide range of breeds, including Cochins (his specialty), Modern Game bantams, Wyandottes, Leghorns, and Plymouth Rocks, to becoming a respected APA/ABA licensed judge and longtime exhibitor. As President of the American Bantam Association, he offers valuable insight into how the organization has evolved and what changes he's witnessed over the years.

We talk about the art and responsibility of judging: how one becomes qualified, the challenges judges face, and what truly separates a "good" bird from a champion. Mike also opens up about controversial decisions, common faults in today's show birds, and the delicate balance between adhering to the Standard of Perfection and allowing room for interpretation.

Beyond the show table, Mike reflects on the deeper meaning of poultry exhibitions, highlighting the camaraderie, community, and shared passion that bring breeders together. He also discusses how social media has influenced breeding trends, and what first-time exhibitors often misunderstand when entering the show world.

The conversation explores some of the more complex and debated topics in poultry breeding today, including:

• The role of judges in shaping breeds, and whether "breeding to win" can do more harm than good.
• The challenges of double mating and maintaining birds that breed true to standard.
• Concerns about shifting priorities from utility to beauty in modern exhibition birds.
• The ongoing debate around American Gamefowl recognition in the APA.
• The risks of focusing too heavily on egg color at the expense of overall bird quality.

Mike also shares stories from his background in the Thoroughbred horse racing industry, along with his extensive contributions to poultry education, writing articles, co-authoring books like Breeding and Showing Cochins: Making it to Champion Row, and developing resources, such as "Incubation and Brooding Ideas from the M&M Guys" and the M&M Master Mix feed.

As we look ahead, Mike offers his perspective on where the poultry hobby is headed over the next 10–20 years, what concerns him most, and how breeders can stay grounded in strong fundamentals while adapting to change.

If you're passionate about poultry, breeding, or exhibition, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Be sure to check out the M&M Exhibition Poultry Podcast with Matt Lhamon and Mike Sayre for more expert insights, engaging interviews, and up-to-date discussions on everything happening in the world of exhibition chickens.

Thanks for listening!

#PoultryPodcast #ExhibitionPoultry #ChickenBreeding #PoultryShow #BantamBreeders #APAABA #BackyardPoultry #ChickenExhibitors #PoultryJudging #HeritageBreeds #FarmLife #PoultryCommunity

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Landwehr, "The Chicken Guy," Editor and Publisher of Gamefowl Times Magazine, for an in-depth conversation about his journey into the world of gamefowl, and the inspiration behind launching Gamefowl Times. We explore the mission of the magazine and the challenges of publishing.

From breeding philosophy and maintaining strains to preserving authenticity and honoring the people behind the birds, this conversation goes far beyond the pages of a magazine. We also talk about the responsibility of carrying forward a legacy, while creating a platform where breeders, historians, competitors, and enthusiasts can all connect.

We also dive into:

• The role of magazines in today's digital world
• Concerns about the future of the gamefowl community
• His vision for the future of Gamefowl Times

Whether you're a longtime breeder, a student of gamefowl history, or simply fascinated by preserving heritage and culture, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

#GamefowlTimes #GregLandwehr #AmericanGamefowl #GamefowlCommunity #GamefowlBreeding #PoultryPodcast #GamefowlCulture #HeritageBreeding #OldSchoolBreeders #PreservingTradition #BreederSpotlight #GamefowlLegacy

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Bred to Perfection with Kenny Troiano and Nancy Troiano

What stands between you and a truly exceptional strain of fowl? Sometimes, it's the defects hiding right in front of you.

In Episode 307 of Bred to Perfection, Kenny and Nancy Troiano take an in-depth look at one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of breeding: identifying, understanding, and managing defects. Many breeders fail to recognize the flaws in their own birds, whether due to being "yard blind" or simply not knowing what to look for. But overlooking these defects can have serious consequences for the quality, consistency, and future of an entire strain.

From duck toe, wry tail, and squirrel tail to eye abnormalities, head and beak deformities, crooked breastbones, wing faults, and leg and toe problems, this episode explores the many defects breeders need to recognize. Kenny and Nancy explain how to evaluate a bird's type, balance, structure, vigor, and overall conformation, and why careful observation and proper selection are essential to a successful breeding program.

Not all defects have the same causes or require the same approach. Some result from environmental conditions, poor nutrition, or management issues, while others are genetic and can be passed from one generation to the next. Recessive defects can remain hidden for generations before appearing in offspring, making them especially important to understand. Other defects involve multiple genes and may be improved over time through informed selection and a well-planned breeding strategy.

You'll also learn why recognizing defects early matters, when culling is necessary to protect your strain, and how to approach the improvement of a line affected by certain inherited faults. In the after-show discussion, Kenny explores another important consideration for serious breeders: gene flow, and how introducing outside birds can affect the consistency and long-term development of an established strain.

Whether you're an experienced breeder or just beginning your journey, this episode will help sharpen your eye, strengthen your selection practices, and give you a better understanding of the challenges standing between your current flock and your breeding goals.

#BredToPerfection #PoultryBreeding #BreedingProgram #GeneticSelection #SelectiveBreeding #LineBreeding #Crossbreeding #Outcrossing #Backcrossing #Inbreeding #ClanMating #PoultryGenetics #StrainDevelopment

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Understanding why, when, and how to use the right breeding method.

In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano and Nancy take an in-depth look at the major breeding methods used by serious poultry and gamefowl breeders, and explain why no single method should be relied upon indefinitely. Each method has a specific purpose, and each must be applied at the right stage, for the right length of time, within a structured breeding program.

The discussion begins with crossbreeding, including the advantages of hybrid vigor and the challenges of producing predictable offspring when crosses are bred forward. From there, Kenny and Nancy examine outcrossing, explaining why introducing genetics from another strain of the same breed can be useful but also carries significant risks if not carefully controlled.

They then explore backcrossing as a short-term strategy for gathering specific traits from an exceptional parent, followed by inbreeding, not simply as a breeding system, but as a powerful tool for intensifying genetics and exposing both strengths and weaknesses. The episode also takes a detailed look at line-breeding, including its ability to concentrate the influence of a superior ancestor and the dangers of continuing too long until a family reaches the genetic "dead-end zone."

The conversation continues into clan mating and rotational systems, showing how breeders can maintain genetic diversity and preserve an established family without continually introducing unrelated blood. Kenny explains record keeping, and the importance of retaining superior replacements.

For more advanced breeders, the episode covers double mating, a specialized approach for sexually dimorphic birds, as well as recombinant reciprocal selection, a commercial strategy that allows breeders to produce valuable hybrids while protecting their pure breeding lines.

Finally, Kenny and Nancy discuss grading and how disciplined selection can progressively transform a mongrel or crossbred population toward a more uniform family or strain.

Throughout the episode, one principle remains consistent: Breeding methods are tools. A breeding program is the strategy that tells you which tool to use, when to use it, and when to stop.

In This Episode

• Why breeding methods must be part of a structured breeding program
• Crossbreeding and the benefits and limitations of hybrid vigor
• The risks and proper use of outcrossing
• Backcrossing to capture traits from superior parents
• Inbreeding as a tool for intensifying genetics and exposing faults
• Line-breeding and the dangers of reaching the "dead-end zone"
• Clan mating and rotational systems for long-term preservation
• When and how to rotate cocks
• Selecting and retaining superior replacement birds
• Double mating and sexually dimorphic characteristics
• Recombinant reciprocal selection and commercial hybrid production
• Grading mongrel or crossbred populations toward a uniform strain
• Why planning several generations ahead matters
• The Founders Program and its role in creating, improving, and maintaining a strain

Whether you are establishing a new family, improving an existing strain, or developing a long-term preservation strategy, this episode provides a framework for thinking about breeding at a much deeper level.

Listen now and learn why the real advantage isn't knowing one breeding method, it's knowing which method to use, when to use it, and how to make every method work together as part of a deliberate breeding program.

#PoultryBreeding #BreedingProgram #GeneticSelection #SelectiveBreeding #LineBreeding #Crossbreeding #Outcrossing #Backcrossing #Inbreeding #ClanMating #PoultryGenetics #StrainDevelopment

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

What does it take to turn a lifetime of breeding experience into a library of respected reference books?

Unlocking fertility, hatchability, immunity, and Making of Great Bloodlines through smart vitamin supplementation.

This is not about supplements, it's about providing the proper nutrition for your Brood Fowl and their growing and developing offspring.

In this episode, we will talk about one of the most overlooked, but most powerful tools in poultry and gamefowl breeding: vitamins. Building on the work of Peter Brown, "The Chicken Doctor," we explore how water and fat-soluble vitamins influence everything from fertility to hatchability, growth, immunity, and long-term strain performance.

You'll learn why many modern feeds fall short, how stress dramatically increases vitamin requirements, and which vitamins directly impact brood cock fertility, hen hatchability, chick vigor, and embryo development. We also connect the dots between nutrition and genetics, revealing how proper vitamins helps breeders unlock the full potential of their bloodlines.

Whether you are developing a family of gamefowl, improving your show birds, or strengthening the productivity of your backyard breeding flock, this episode offers practical, science-based guidance to help you produce stronger, healthier, more consistent birds, generation after generation.

#PoultryNutrition #VitaminSupplementation #PoultryBreeding #BroodFowl #FertilityAndHatchability #ChickVigor #PoultryImmunity #EmbryoDevelopment #BloodlineDevelopment #GamefowlBreeding #ShowBirds #BackyardPoultry

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

The Essential Factor in Creating and Improving a True Strain

How controlling Gene Flow preserves traits, accelerates selective breeding, and reveals the same evolutionary forces that drive Speciation

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful, and often overlooked tools in selective breeding: Isolation. Whether breeders are working with livestock like Chickens, or Gamefowl, controlling who breeds with whom is what turns ordinary populations into reliable, high-performance strains.

We break down why isolation is critical for preserving the traits breeders work so hard to develop. When chickens or gamefowl are allowed to mix freely with outside populations, valuable characteristics like performance and production, proper growth, and development, disease resistance, or calmer temperament can quickly become diluted. By preventing gene flow, breeders protect the genetic combinations that make a strain unique and valuable.

You'll also learn how isolation increases genetic consistency, allowing a strain to produce predictable results generation after generation. When creating and improving a strain, predictability is everything, and isolation helps breeders fix desirable traits through careful selection and controlled breeding.

The episode also talks about how isolation accelerates genetic improvement, protects against trait regression, and allows the development of specialized breeding lines that can later be crossed to produce high-performance hybrids.

Finally, we discuss an often overlooked role of isolation - biosecurity. Diseases, parasites, and pathogens are powerful evolutionary pressures. When outside individuals, or the microbes they carry, enter a population, they can disrupt their immune system, alter selection pressures, and undo generations of careful breeding.

In short, if selective breeding is the engine that drives improvement, isolation is the steering wheel that keeps it on course.

This episode connects the dots between genetics, breeding, and evolution to explain how controlling Gene Flow shapes both the strains we depend on today and the diversity of life itself.

#SelectiveBreeding #GeneticSelection #GeneFlow #GeneticIsolation #TrueStrain #PoultryBreeding #ChickenBreeding #GamefowlBreeding #BreedingProgram #GeneticsAndBreeding #Biosecurity #EvolutionaryBiology

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

What does it take to turn a lifetime of breeding experience into a library of respected reference books?

In this episode, we sit down with poultry breeder, author, and publisher Jeff Duguay, the creator of the acclaimed Making It to Champion Row series. While Jeff is widely known for his expertise in exhibition poultry, this conversation goes beyond the birds and into the story behind the books.

Jeff shares how a passion for raising chickens evolved into a mission to preserve knowledge, document breeding practices, and create resources for serious exhibition breeders. We explore the challenges of writing in a highly specialized niche, the research required to separate tradition from proven fact, and why authoritative books continue to matter in an age dominated by online information.

From his breed-specific works on Modern Game Bantams, Old English Game Bantams, Silkies, Cochins, Belgian d'Uccles, Sebrights, Belgian d'Anvers, and Crested Breeds, Jeff discusses what judges really look for, how successful breeding programs are built, and the recurring patterns he has observed among champion birds.

The conversation also examines the realities of publishing niche hobby books, the responsibility of preserving knowledge before it disappears, and the lessons Jeff has learned as both a breeder and an author. Along the way, he reflects on the books that challenged him most, the feedback that shaped his work, and what he hopes future generations of poultry breeders will gain from his writings.

Whether you're an exhibition breeder, a poultry enthusiast, an aspiring author, or simply fascinated by how expertise is captured and passed on, this episode offers a rare look at the intersection of breeding, writing, and legacy.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Jeff Duguay became an author and publisher
• The inspiration behind the Champion Row book series
• Why serious breeders still rely on books in the internet age
• The process of researching and documenting specialized poultry knowledge
• Common misconceptions about breeding and exhibition success
• What separates champion birds from the rest
• The challenges of publishing in a niche field
• Why preserving breeding knowledge matters for future generations
• The legacy Jeff hopes his work will leave behind

Join us for a conversation about craftsmanship, documentation, and the enduring value of putting hard-earned knowledge into print.

#JeffDuguay #ChampionRow #PoultryBreeding #ExhibitionPoultry #PoultryBooks #ChickenBreeding #HeritageBreeds #PoultryPodcast #LivestockPublishing #BreedingForExcellence #AuthorInterview #PreservingKnowledge

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Why great breeding starts in the mind, not in the pen. Experience alone doesn't make a master breeder, mindset does. In this episode, we explore how pride, misinformation, and closed-mindedness can destroy more bloodlines than bad feed ever could. Discover what it truly means to be a breeder who learns, listens, and evolves.

From understanding genetics and recognizing real experts, to avoiding "overnight teachers" and peddlers, this episode will challenge how you think about breeding, and how your mindset shapes your birds. Because the truth is simple: better breeders build better birds, and better breeders begin with better minds.

You'll learn:

• Why mindset is more important than experience alone
• How pride and ego stop breeders from improving
• The difference between real expertise and "overnight teachers"
• How to identify misinformation and protect your bloodline
• Why many great teachers have stopped teaching, and how we can change that
• The steps every breeder can take to build lasting strains and better birds

Whether you breed chickens, gamefowl, or any other strain, this episode will help you think differently about breeding, because improvement begins in the mind long before it happens in the pen.

Listen now and take the first step toward becoming a better breeder, building better bloodlines, and leaving a legacy worth remembering.

#BreedersAcademy #Gamefowl #ChickenBreeding #BreederMindset #Bloodlines #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryGenetics #GamefowlPodcast #BreedingBetterBirds

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

The Critical Role of Gut Health in Poultry Breeding

In this episode, we talk about one of the most powerful yet often overlooked factors in breeding high-performance chickens and gamefowl: gut health. Whether you're focused on conditioning show birds, raising hardy yard breeders, or developing elite strains, this episode uncovers how gut microbiota, probiotics, water quality, and stress management directly impact bird health, immunity, and genetic potential.

We'll explore:

• How the gut acts as a bird's first line of defense
• Why multi-species probiotics outperform single-strain options
• How stress changes gut pH and opens the door to disease
• What makes water quality just as important as feed
• The hidden connection between feathers and gut health
• Practical steps to improve performance from the inside out

If you're serious about breeding birds with strength, stamina, and longevity, this episode will give you science-backed strategies to build better bloodlines, starting with the gut.

Perfect for: Gamefowl breeders, poultry enthusiasts, backyard keepers, and anyone building or improving chicken strains.

#Gamefowl #GamefowlBreeding #ChickenBreeding #GutHealth #GutMicrobiome #PoultryHealth #ChickenHealth #Probiotics #BackyardChickens #PoultryPodcast #BirdNutrition #WaterQuality #SelectiveBreeding #Bloodlines #AvianHealth #Conditioning #BreedingTips #HealthyBirds #Homesteading #PoultryCommunity

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

Beyond Best of the Best - The Science of Breeding Excellence

What does it really take to build, improve, and preserve a successful breeding strain? It's much more than simply putting two good birds together, or following the idea of "breeding the best to the best."

In this episode, I reveal the 3 Laws of Selective Breeding that transformed the way I approached breeding: Selective Breeding & Systematic Breeding Programs, Evolutionary Biology, and Genetics & Inheritance.

I'll share how I went from breeding what I thought were my best birds to understanding the importance of proper selection and culling, conformation, type, temperament, health, and breeding with a specific purpose and direction. I'll also explain why continually crossing and introducing new blood can sometimes move a strain further away from the traits you're trying to develop.

You'll learn why breeding methods, such as inbreeding, line-breeding, and outcrossing are simply tools, and why knowing when, how, and why to use them is what makes a systematic breeding program effective.

We'll also explore the breeding programs I developed and teach through the Breeder's Academy: The Founders Program, Gene Shopping Program, and Improvement through Reduction Program. Each program has a specific purpose in creating, transforming, improving, or maintaining a strain.

Then we'll take a deeper look at evolutionary biology and genetic inheritance, including ancestry, uniformity, genetic variation, dominant and recessive traits, polygenic traits, sex-linked traits, and progeny testing. Understanding these principles gives breeders a greater ability to evaluate their birds, make informed mating decisions, and guide a strain in a deliberate direction instead of relying on luck or chance.

The biggest lesson is simple: knowing what you want is one thing; knowing how to produce it is another. Once I understood how these three laws worked together, selective breeding finally started to make sense. I was able to put the power of selection in my hands and take both myself as a breeder and my fowl to the next level.

If you're serious about creating, improving, or preserving a strain, this is a lesson you won't want to miss.

#SelectiveBreeding #BreedersAcademy #ChickenBreeding #PoultryBreeding #Genetics #GeneticInheritance #EvolutionaryBiology #BreedingPrograms #Linebreeding #Inbreeding #PoultryGenetics #BreedingEducation

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Summer heat can take a serious toll on breeding flocks, affecting everything from egg production and fertility to the overall health and survival of your birds. In this episode of the Bred to Perfection podcast, host Kenny Troiano sits down with renowned poultry expert Peter Brown, better known as the "Chicken Doctor," to discuss practical, proven strategies for helping chickens thrive during hot weather.

Together, they explore how heat stress impacts poultry, the early warning signs every breeder should recognize, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks before temperatures become dangerous. From providing adequate shade and ventilation to managing water, feeding schedules, and supplementation, Peter Brown shares actionable advice that breeders can implement immediately.

You'll also learn why humidity matters just as much as temperature, how to safely use misters, what to do in heat-related emergencies, and why certain breeds require extra attention during the summer months. Kenny and Peter also discuss the importance of thoughtful breeding and gene selection in developing resilient strains that can better withstand environmental stress.

Whether you're raising a few backyard birds or managing a serious breeding program, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you protect your flock, maintain productivity, and navigate the challenges of summer with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How heat stress affects chickens and how to recognize the warning signs.
• The importance of shade, ventilation, and humidity control.
• Best practices for keeping water cool and encouraging hydration.
• Why feeding times matter during hot weather.
• How vitamins, electrolytes, and other supplements can support your flock.
• Emergency measures for treating severe heat stress.
• Breed-specific considerations and building heat-resilient breeding stock.

Tune in for expert insights that will help keep your birds healthy, productive, and thriving all summer long.

#ChickenCare #PoultryHealth #BackyardChickens #ChickenBreeding #HeatStress #SummerChickenCare #PoultryFarming #FlockManagement #BreedingSuccess #ChickenDoctor #BredToPerfection #PoultryPodcast

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Why Our Birds Need Extra Attention at this Time of Year

When do our birds require the utmost care and consideration? The answer is during the molt. This crucial period is marked by significant stress as birds undergo a complex process of feather renewal, muscle replenishment, and bone repair. Both cocks and hens experience this challenging phase, making it an essential aspect of their overall health.

While many view molting as a negative phase, it actually presents an opportunity for improvement. As a breeder, it's vital to understand how to navigate the molt effectively and use it to your advantage. A common pitfall for breeders is failing to grasp the nuances of the molt, which can hinder efforts to create, improve, and maintain a robust strain.

Proper management of the molt is crucial; neglecting this process can significantly impact the upcoming breeding season and the quality of offspring. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the molting season and explore strategies for achieving optimal results.

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday's at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

For serious gamefowl breeders and poultry keepers, molt isn't just a downtime, it's a genetic checkpoint and a vital phase that shapes your birds' future health, performance, and breeding value. Yet many breeders unknowingly sabotage this crucial period with one common misstep: dropping protein and cutting weight too aggressively.

In this episode, we break down:

• What actually happens during the molt, physically, nutritionally, and behaviorally
• The risks of underfeeding fit birds during feather regrowth
• Why dropping protein and forcing weight loss can lead to brittle feathers, extended molt duration, weakened immunity, and long-term performance decline
• Smart, supportive strategies to help your birds recover fast and come back stronger
• How proper molt management preserves your bloodline's resilience, immune strength, and conditioning foundation

Whether you're aiming to maintain show-quality birds or prepare top-performing gamefowl for next season, understanding how to feed, condition, and support your flock during molt is non-negotiable. This isn't just a feeding issue, it's a breeding strategy.

Key Takeaway: Don't starve your birds to "reset" them, support them to rebuild stronger. Feed smart. Condition wisely. Breed for resilience. Let the molt reveal the strength of your line, not the weaknesses of your management.

#Gamefowl #GamefowlBreeding #PoultryKeeping #MoltManagement #PoultryNutrition #ProteinNutrition #FeatherHealth #HealthyFlock #ConditioningMatters #BreedingStrategy #PoultryEducation #BreedForResilience

For the first time ever, we welcome Anthony "Tony" Saville, a man whose influence on the American Gamefowl world runs deep. You've heard his voice in past episodes, but now you'll experience him in real time as he shares decades of knowledge, insight, and hard-earned wisdom. This isn't just another interview, it's a masterclass.

Tony Saville is a renowned authority on Old English and American Gamefowl, founder of the American Gamefowl Society, author of American Game Fowl Standards, and a respected judge with the Oxford Old English Gamefowl Club of South Africa. More than that, he's been a mentor, teacher, and close friend for nearly 40 years, someone who helped shape the way many of us understand breeding, selection, and preservation.

In this live event, we go far beyond the basics. Tony breaks down the true form and structure of the American Game, the importance of maintaining a functional standard, and why so many breeders today are unknowingly moving the breed in the wrong direction. We explore the history of the gamecock, how the breed nearly disappeared, and what must be done to ensure its survival moving forward.

We also tackle some of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in the community today:

• Are modern judges truly qualified, and how are poor judging practices affecting the breed?
• The dangers of overusing a single judge and allowing shows to shape breeding decisions
• Crossbreeding, "refreshing blood," and why it often does more harm than good
• The growing influence of misinformation from online voices and influencers
• The push to get American Games into the APA Standard—and what went wrong

Tony doesn't hold back as we dig into the proposed changes to the Standard, including debates over type, conformation, naming, and controversial traits like pea combs and white in the tail. We examine the genetic dangers of "progressive white," why certain traits should never be bred for, and how misunderstanding genetics is putting the breed at risk.

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting out, this conversation will challenge the way you think, and give you the tools to improve your birds the right way.

This is more than an episode, it's a turning point. Trust us—you're going to want a pen and paper for this one.

#AmericanGamefowl #GamefowlBreeding #PoultryGenetics #BackyardBreeders #ChickenBreeding #HeritageBreeds #GamefowlCommunity #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryPodcast #BreedStandards #FowlPreservation #AvianGenetics

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Today, we're sharing a prerecorded conversation I had with Brian Reeder about Progressive White, a deleterious trait that is affecting many poultry breeds and varieties, particularly American Games.

Unfortunately, many breeders either don't believe Progressive White is a problem or are intentionally breeding to perpetuate the trait within their bloodlines. Even more concerning, there is a movement to have American Games accepted into the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection with Progressive White encouraged within the standard. In our opinion, this would only accelerate the deterioration of the breed rather than preserve it.

Following my discussion with Brian, you'll also hear a conversation I had with Tony Saville. I wanted Tony's reaction to Brian's insights and his perspective on the issue. I believe Tony's experience and opinions provide valuable insight that every serious breeder should consider.

Ever since Brian Reeder and I introduced the concept of Progressive White, it has sparked considerable discussion throughout the poultry and gamefowl communities. The response has been both encouraging and controversial. Many breeders have embraced the information and are working to eliminate Progressive White from their breeding programs, while others continue to deny its existence or defend its presence. Regardless of which side they take, the conversation has certainly created ripples throughout the industry.

My hope is that this episode encourages breeders to take a closer look at Progressive White and reconsider how they select and breed their fowl. This is only the beginning of a much larger educational effort.

I am currently developing an article and educational program devoted entirely to Progressive White. Brian Reeder has been an invaluable resource throughout this process, helping ensure that every conclusion is scientifically sound and accurately presented.

At the same time, I have been carefully studying the opposing viewpoints. I want to understand every argument made in favor of retaining Progressive White or minimizing its impact so I can fairly evaluate those claims against the available scientific evidence. So far, I have yet to encounter an argument that withstands careful scrutiny.

Once I complete the Breeders Academy course on Progressive White, I'll adapt that material into magazine articles, social media content, a Master's Class presentation, and future podcast episodes. My goal is to make this information accessible to breeders at every level.

Ultimately, our mission is simple: to provide breeders with the knowledge and tools they need to eliminate this harmful trait from their breeding programs and help preserve these remarkable breeds for future generations.

Thank you for joining us.

Now, sit back, enjoy the conversation, and judge the evidence for yourself.

#PoultryBreeding #Gamefowl #AmericanGame #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryGenetics #ProgressiveWhite #GamefowlBreeding #BreedersAcademy #ChickenBreeding #PreserveTheBreed #MastersClass #BredToPerfection

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

Join Kenny Troiano and his co-hosts, Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley – as they talk about the Art of Selective Breeding, and what it takes to create a strain. We address issues that affect breeders, just like you. In this episode of "Bred to Perfection Live," we are going to discuss questions that I have asked my followers and members on my Facebook Page to contemplate, and today we are here to answer those questions. This is a show you do not want to miss!

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/

What does it really take to build a bloodline that lasts generations?

In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny and Nancy Troiano uncover the long-term strategies behind creating a true breeding strain of chickens and gamefowl. If you're tired of unpredictable results and want to establish a flock that breeds uniform, consistent, and reliable offspring, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

• How to select your ideal foundation pair ("Adam & Eve")
• What makes a strain "true breeding" and how to know you've achieved it
• Why introducing new blood can destroy your progress
• The power of inbreeding, line-breeding, and clan mating (when done right)
• How the Founder's Program can help you reach your goals faster
• And why patience, selection, and biosecurity are non-negotiable

Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to refine your strain, this episode will give you the tools and mindset needed to breed with purpose, and leave a legacy in your poultry yard.

Don't just breed birds. Build a strain.

#BredToPerfection #PoultryBreeding #ChickenBreeding #GamefowlBreeding #TrueBreeding #BloodlineDevelopment #LineBreeding #SelectiveBreeding #BreedingStrains #HeritagePoultry #PoultryGenetics #BreedWithPurpose

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

In this eye-opening episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny and Nancy Troiano sit down with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, veterinary pathologist and avian disease expert, to uncover one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats in poultry breeding: Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV).

Whether you're building a high-performance gamefowl strain, preserving heritage bloodlines, or improving your backyard flock, ALV could be silently sabotaging your work. In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into:

• What Avian Leukosis Virus really is - and why it's not "just another disease"
• The difference between ALV and Marek's Disease (stop confusing the two!)
• How vertical transmission through the egg silently spreads ALV
• Why most infected birds look healthy - but can still ruin your strain
• The four classes of ALV infection- and which birds are safe to breed
• Real-world strategies to test, cull, and breed for resistance
• The critical role of biosecurity, quarantine, and record keeping
• How top breeders are eliminating ALV and future-proofing their flocks

Dr. Gallardo also shares insights from the Gamefowl Wellness Program in Southern California and explains why targeted health and breeding strategies are more important than ever for today's breeders.

If you care about your birds, your program, and your reputation as a breeder, this episode is essential listening.

Because breeding isn't just about what you can see - it's about eliminating the threats you can't.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Want to learn more? Join the Breeders Academy for exclusive content, mentorship, and disease-prevention tools.

#GamefowlBreeding #AvianLeukosis #PoultryHealth #BredToPerfection #Biosecurity #SelectiveBreeding #ChickenBreeding

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com

A discussion that addresses the Challenges, Standards, and Solutions

Bred to Perfection: The Progressive White Problem, Standards Debate & Breeding Q&A

In this episode, Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy return and provide updates and announce that Tony Saville will be back on June 12 for a multi-episode discussion tackling some of the most debated topics in the gamefowl world, including inbreeding and the American Gamefowl standard.

Kenny shares his frustration over a heated Facebook dispute involving a group to push a new American Gamefowl standard into the APA's Standard of Perfection. He breaks down his objections to their proposals, ranging from the light red/yellow leg variety and pea comb inclusion to allowing progressive white and renaming the breed "American Pit Game." Kenny explains why true standards must be built on uniformity, consistency, and repeatability, and why defects like progressive white should be bred out, not accepted.

The conversation expands into the importance of breeder mindset, the difference between "pure families" and performance-based selection, and the long-term consequences of ignoring genetic fundamentals. Kenny also outlines his plan to collaborate with Brian Reeder to produce educational material focused on understanding and eliminating progressive white.

The episode wraps up with a lively Q&A session covering practical breeding challenges, including:

• Feather picking in chicks
• Managing skittish behavior
• When and why to cull birds at any age
• Building strains from trios or crosses
• Color genetics, including spangled and blue varieties

Packed with strong opinions, real-world experience, and actionable advice, this episode sets the stage for next week's in-depth debates, while delivering valuable insights for breeders at every level.

#PoultryBreeding #Gamefowl #ChickenGenetics #BreedingPrograms #AmericanGamefowl #PoultryStandards #SelectiveBreeding #BackyardPoultry #ChickenBreeders #LivestockGenetics #HomesteadingLife #AvianGenetics

Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.

Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

See ya there!

Kenny Troiano

Founder of "The Breeders Academy"

We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.

We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com/https://www.breedersacademy.com