In this episode of ‘Bred to Perfection,’ Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, and his wife Nancy discuss various aspects of breeding and management. The episode emphasizes the maintenance of brood pens, the significance of preventing water from entering the pens, and effective predator management strategies. Kenny advises on the selection and improvement of breeding stock through the Founders Program, stressing the importance of culling defective birds and maintaining genetic purity. The episode also includes a discussion on the complications of breeding blue-colored birds and offers practical advice for reducing the broody behavior of hens. There’s an interactive Q&A session with listeners covering topics like the ideal hen-to-cock ratio, pigeon racing genetics, and specific concerns about Americana chickens.
Ep278 – Inside the Mind of a Dedicated Breeder: Passion, Purity & the Path to Perfection
In this episode of ‘Bred to Perfection,’ host Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeder’s Academy, and his wife, Nancy, interview special guest Sue Dobson. They discuss various topics related to chicken breeding, particularly focusing on Sue’s dedication to maintaining and improving the Rhode Island Reds and the rare Crèvecœur breeds. Sue shares her strategy for maintaining breed purity, and her collaboration with mentors. The conversation includes discussing genetic traits, selective breeding techniques, and the importance of not introducing outside blood to preserve breed integrity. Sue talks about her achievements in poultry shows, the specific challenges faced with each breed, and her views on breeding practices. The episode concludes with Sue and the hosts emphasize the value of mentorship and proper breeding techniques in maintaining pure and healthy chicken breeds.
Ep277 – The Hidden Enemy – Understanding and Managing Stress in Our Fowl
In this episode of Bred Perfection, Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, along with his wife Nancy and co-host Frank Bradley, discuss the significant impact of stress on chickens and gamefowl. They explore topics including the unpredictability of weather affecting bird health, managing breeding programs, and dealing with genetic traits. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips on maintaining optimal nutrition, proper housing, and appropriate handling to reduce stress. They emphasize the importance of observing bird behavior for signs of stress and adjusting environments accordingly. The episode also includes a Q&A session with members, covering dietary concerns and strategies for maintaining bird health through nutritional adjustments. The discussion underscores the need for continuous observation and selective breeding to improve flock resilience.
Ep276 – The Journey of a Master Breeder: Lessons Learned from Experience, Failure, and Mentorship
In this episode of the ‘Bred to Perfection’ podcast, hosts Kenny and Nancy Troiano discuss their experiences and insights into improving breeding practices for gamefowl and poultry. They emphasize the importance of rejecting myths, debunking old wives’ tales, and avoiding poor breeding practices. The episode covers various topics including the misuse of antibiotics, the detriments of breeding birds with defects, the significance of mitochondrial DNA for vigor and vitality, and understanding polygenic traits. Kenny shares personal anecdotes about his early mistakes and valuable lessons learned from various mentors. The show underscores the mission of the podcast and the importance of selective breeding for creating strong, healthy strains. The hosts also touch upon the hidden consequences of crossbreeding and the role of evolutionary biology in understanding genetics.
Ep275 – The Role of Nutrition in Unlocking Genetic Potential
This episode of ‘Bred to Perfection,’ hosted by Kenny Troiano and Frank Bradley from the Breeders Academy, delves into the critical role of proper nutrition in breeding chickens. They discuss the importance of a balanced diet for ensuring healthy growth, disease resistance, and optimal performance in poultry. The conversation spans topics like the nutritional needs for egg production, common issues arising from improper feeds, and the benefits of using specific oils and supplements. Additionally, they address the pitfalls of using other animal feeds for chickens and emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out feeding strategy for both breeding and maintaining chickens. The discussion also touches on the impact of epigenetics and the necessity of examining various aspects such as amino acids, protein levels, and essential vitamins to achieve successful breeding outcomes.




