In this conversation, Michele Burns shares her experience and passion for raising chickens and other animals. She started her business, MSB Poultry, three years ago and has since expanded to include cows and goats. Michele emphasizes the importance of focusing on specific breeds and improving their quality rather than having a large quantity of birds. She also discusses the challenges and joys of breeding chickens, including the need for attention to detail and the importance of finding mentors and resources for poultry showing. Michele encourages others to pursue their passion for raising animals and shares her knowledge and experiences to help others in the community. In this conversation, Michele and Heide discuss various topics related to chicken farming and breeding. They talk about the importance of deworming chickens and the different methods that can be used. She emphasizes the need for individualized care for each flock and the importance of understanding breed and environmental factors. Michele also discusses the breeding of different chicken varieties and the importance of quality genetics and care. She touches on the topic of project birds and the difference between true breeders and backyard mix breeds. The conversation also covers the significance of poultry shows and the etiquette that should be followed. Lastly, Heide and Michele address the issue of egg theft at shows and the importance of respecting other breeders' property.

Takeaways

• Focus on specific breeds and work on improving their quality rather than having a large quantity of birds.


• Finding mentors and resources is crucial for learning about poultry showing and breeding.


• Attention to detail and dedication are necessary for successful breeding.


• Passion and enthusiasm for raising animals can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Deworming chickens is important and different methods can be used, but it's essential to tailor the approach to the specific needs of each flock.


• Breeding chickens requires attention to breed and environmental factors, as well as the quality of genetics and care.


• Project birds can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, but it takes time and dedication to develop a true breed.


• Poultry shows are significant events that showcase the best of each breed, and proper etiquette should be followed to respect other breeders' property and efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:27 Starting a Chicken Business

03:13 Focusing on Specific Chicken Breeds

04:12 Discovering Rare Chicken Breeds

05:11 The History of Rare Chicken Breeds

06:08 Becoming Involved in Chicken Shows

07:56 Finding Mentors in the Chicken Community

09:44 The Challenges of Breeding and Showing Chickens

10:41 The Emotional Attachment to Favorite Chickens

12:05 The Importance of Attention to Detail in Breeding

13:30 Quality over Quantity in Chicken Breeding

15:39 Using Social Media to Share Chicken Breeding Journey

18:57 The Lack of Information on Non-Meat Poultry Breeds

20:26 The Importance of PT Testing for Poultry Shows

22:21 Breeding Chickens and the Challenges of Genetics

23:16 Choosing Specific Colors and Traits in Breeding

25:05 Artificial Insemination in Chicken Breeding

26:59 The Humorous Side of Chicken Breeding

29:12 The Behavior of Turkeys in Shows

30:12 De-worming chickens and the importance of variety

32:02 The importance of individuality in chicken care

33:22 The energy and effort put into chicken care

36:08 Breeding and the importance of commitment

38:22 Differentiating between chicken breeds

40:15 The importance of genetics and care in breeding

42:01 Project birds and the dedication required

43:25 The distinction between rare breeds and mutts

45:20 Understanding Easter Eggers and barnyard mixes

49:38 The significance of poultry shows

52:49 The controversy of egg theft at shows

58:46 The importance of respecting show etiquette