Cutting through feed myths and faulty practices to focus on the genetics, selection, and standards that shape better chickens.
Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy kick things off with a series of audio and setup mishaps that quickly turn into a lively, unscripted Friday night Q&A. Shifting gears, Kenny shares exciting announcements, including upcoming guests, like Mike Sayers of M&M Exhibition Poultry Podcast and the President of the American Bantam Association, and a special live appearance from his longtime mentor Tony Saville, who will join to debate hot topics, like breed standards, inbreeding, and controversial traits, such as white in wings and tails. Additional guests on the horizon include, Douglas Bruce, Jeff Duguay, and Jane Cowan of The Chuck Journal Podcast. Kenny also reveals he’s now writing for the new magazine “Gamefowl Times.”
In the Q&A, Kenny tackles some of the most misunderstood topics in gamefowl and poultry breeding. He emphasizes that while proper nutrition supports overall health, it does not change a bird’s genetics, pushing back on the overuse of supplements and most layer feeds, and recommending practical feeding strategies like Nutrena All Flock, while using bird condition as the ultimate guide.
The discussion goes into genetics, including sex-linked traits, inheritance of leg color, and how to correct traits through selective breeding. Kenny explains factors influencing broodiness, from genetics to environmental stress, and why it should be bred intentionally rather than managed reactively.
He also addresses complex color genetics, warning about the risks associated with dominant, recessive, and progressive white, particularly their potential link to weakened birds and reduced reproductive performance. The episode closes with an insightful look at the challenges of preserving true Silver Duckwing coloration, and why proper hen selection is critical to maintaining strain integrity.
Packed with candid moments, strong opinions, and practical advice, this episode blends humor, hard-earned experience, and deep genetic insight, setting the stage for an upcoming live debate you won’t want to miss.
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.
The Challenges of Poultry Breeding: A Candid Discussion with Kenny and Nancy Troiano
When we think about poultry farming, the initial image that may come to mind is a serene farm with rows of chickens pecking peacefully at the ground. However, as listeners of the “Bred to Perfection” podcast with Kenny and Nancy Troiano discovered, running a poultry operation is not without its hiccups and humorous moments.
Technical Troubles and Lighthearted Banter
In their latest episode titled “What Can Go Wrong, Does Go Wrong,” Kenny and Nancy kicked off with a rather familiar scenario for many podcasters, technical troubles. With Nancy checking if she was audible and Kenny engaging in a few unsuccessful microphone checks, they set a lighthearted tone for what promised to be a delightfully candid episode. Yet, amidst the banter about mishaps, they underscored the unpredictability of podcasting (and life) and embraced the imperfections with humor, a sentiment any podcast host can surely relate to.
Unscripted and Unfiltered
Finding the right balance between structure and spontaneity can be quite challenging in any production. Interestingly, Kenny and Nancy decided to transform their pre-planned episode into an unstructured Q&A session, dealing candidly with questions about poultry, genetics, and, most notably, poultry nutrition. They tackled concerns about the perceived overemphasis on dietary supplements, championing the idea of going back to basics with complete feeds.
Nutritional Myths and Poultry Care
Nutrition was a prominent theme throughout, sparking a conversation about the importance of a balanced diet for chickens, likened to human health. Kenny dissects the misconception that better nutrition can fundamentally alter the genetics of a bird, highlighting instead that nutrition supports the overall health and vitality of the flock. “Nutrition is good for good health,” he noted, cautioning against an over-reliance on supplements when a well-balanced feed would suffice.
Genetics and The Art of Breeding
Breeding talk wasn’t just confined to feeding practices. Kenny and Nancy opened the floor to detailed discussions about chicken genetics, tackling topics like sex linked traits, trait selection, and the challenges of specific breeds. They emphasized that genetic integrity should be the cornerstone of any breeding practice. Kenny passionately argued for the importance of having a goal with breeding: “I want to have an idea of where I’m going,” he identified, reminding breeders to remain focused on their long-term objectives.
Fostering Curiosity and Questions
One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of curiosity in any profession, including gamefowl and poultry breeding. Whether discussing the challenges of maintaining certain breed standards or interpreting crossbreeding results, their approach celebrates the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Conclusion: A Community of Breeders
Whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, questioning accepted norms, or promoting an understanding of nutrition and genetics, Kenny and Nancy Troiano’s podcast episode offers a unique window into the challenges and joys of gamefowl and poultry breeding. For seasoned breeders and novices alike, their lively discussions underscore the incredible complexity and satisfaction that come with breeding poultry and gamefowl well. Through it all, they encourage breeders to never stop asking questions and always strive for excellence in their work.
Join Kenny and Nancy on their continuing journey through the highs and lows of poultry breeding, nurturing both an online community and a healthy, genetically sound strain to inspire others in the field. Until next time, they encourage you to keep questioning, keep learning, and most importantly, keep them crowing.
