Ep245 - Embrace the Journey – The Benefits and Challenges of Becoming a True Breeder
Release Date: 05/05/2025
Bred to Perfection
In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we dive into one of the biggest challenges breeders face—controlling and eliminating rats and mice. These pesky rodents can wreak havoc on your farm by contaminating feed, damaging infrastructure, and even threatening the health of your birds. Join us as we discuss the different types of rats—Norway rats and Roof rats—and how they behave around your farm. Learn about the diseases they can spread, the damage they can cause, and most importantly, effective strategies for controlling and preventing infestations. From rodent-proofing your farm to using...
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In this episode, we talk about line-breeding—one of the most effective and powerful methods used by breeders to create superior bloodlines and stabilize favorable traits over generations. Whether you’re breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl or dogs, understanding line-breeding is key to creating a consistent, high-performing strain. But, like any breeding method, it's not without its problems and misconceptions. We'll start by breaking down the crucial difference between breeding methods (like line-breeding) and breeding programs, and explain how line-breeding fits into a broader strategy....
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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,...
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Many breeders operate under the assumption that they’re making informed decisions, yet often they are unaware of the crucial knowledge gaps that can lead to the downfall of their strains. It's essential to recognize that sometimes, the greatest risks come from what we don’t know we should be doing—or avoiding—in our breeding practices. The journey of improving an established strain is rarely straightforward; it involves navigating a maze of complexities. While some choices may seem innocuous, they can have devastating effects on the integrity of a strain. Poor breeding decisions,...
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In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we reveal The 10 Commandments of Breeding—the foundational principles every serious breeder must follow to create a true, lasting strain. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned breeder looking to refine your program, these commandments will guide you toward building a strain that is healthy, uniform and consistent, and repeatable for generations to come. Join Kenny and the team as they break down the core philosophies and time-tested strategies that separate great breeders from the rest. From prioritizing health and selecting for...
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Breeding Terms Simplified is your go-to resource for demystifying the complex world of breeding terminology. This episode delves into key glossary terms, scientific principles, and advanced concepts related to breeding—whether you're a novice or a seasoned breeder. This episode also unpacks critical terms, like gene recombination, selective breeding strategies, polygenic traits, and hybrid vigor, helping you expand your breeding knowledge and improve your vocabulary. Perfect for anyone looking to refine their understanding of genetics and inheritance, this podcast offers clear...
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In this continuation of our series The 12 Key Challenges in Breeding and Creating a Strain, Episode 150 dives deep into the complexities of establishing a true, purebred strain—examining the connection and similarities between evolutionary biology and selective breeding practices. Breeders striving for perfection face a wide range of challenges, from genetic issues to environmental influences, and this episode uncovers the scientific foundations and practical strategies for overcoming them. We'll explore the 4 Mechanisms of Evolution identified by Charles Darwin—variation, inheritance,...
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In Episode 255 of the Bred to Perfection Podcast, host Kenny Troiano of the Breeders Academy—joined by co-host Frank Bradley and Nancy Troiano—talk about the most common and critical challenges breeders face when developing a pure strain of chickens or gamefowl. Whether you're starting with hybrid stock or looking to refine an existing bloodline, this episode offers practical advice, expert insights, and proven breeding strategies to help you take your program to the next level. Learn why controlled inbreeding, eliminating genetic defects, preserving type and conformation, and selecting...
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Mastering Breeding: Genetics, Selection, and the Path to Purity Welcome to Episode 254 of Bred to Perfection, brought to you by the Maximus Troy Publications Broadcasting Network! Join host Kenny Troiano, founder of The Breeders Academy, alongside Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley, for a deep dive into the science and strategy of breeding. Whether you're building a new strain from scratch or working to improve an existing line, this episode delivers everything you need to elevate your breeding program. We explore essential topics including: The truth about recessive genes and homozygosity The...
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Breeding isn’t just about producing beautiful birds—it’s a long-term, science-driven commitment that demands grit, knowledge, and emotional resilience. In Episode 253, host Kenny Troiano is joined by Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley to shine a light on the often-ignored realities of chicken and gamefowl breeding. This episode takes a no-nonsense look at the hard truths every aspiring breeder must face—from the misunderstood role of inbreeding to the burden of culling. The hosts explore the science behind genetics, the dangers of misinformation, and the critical importance of selection,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny Troiano, Nancy Troiano, and Frank Bradley talk about what it truly means to become a true breeder—someone who takes full control of their breeding program, develops their own strain, and builds a lasting legacy.
Whether you're tired of buying subpar birds from other breeders or you're ready to take your breeding skills to the next level, this episode will guide you through the real benefits and challenges of the breeder’s path. From understanding genetics and maintaining proper conformation, to the discipline of selective breeding and culling, this episode offers both inspiration and practical advice.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why creating your own strain gives you a major advantage
- The long-term value of knowledge, execution, and patience
- How to avoid the pitfalls of relying on other breeders’ stock
- The creative and rewarding side of breeding your own birds
- The importance of conformation, performance, and genetic health
- Why being a true breeder means building a legacy—not just raising birds
Becoming a breeder isn’t easy—it takes time, effort, and a commitment most are unwilling to make. But for those who accept the challenge, the rewards are life-changing. If you're ready to build something truly your own, this episode will show you how to start that journey.
Join the Breeders Academy to gain exclusive access to expert resources, coaching, and a community dedicated to helping you succeed.
Listen now and take the first step toward becoming the breeder your birds deserve.
#BreedersAcademy #GamefowlBreeding #ChickenBreeding #PoultryPodcast #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryHealth #BredToPerfection #LivestockBreeding
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
In this episode of 'Bred to Perfection,' Kenny Troiano, along with co-hosts Nancy and Frank Bradley, discuss the science and art of breeding, focusing on the challenges and benefits of becoming a dedicated breeder. They emphasize the importance of learning proper breeding methods, the necessity of understanding genetics, and the intricacies involved in maintaining strain purity. The discussion covers personal anecdotes, member questions, and the significance of avoiding breeder myths and misinformation. Additionally, they touch upon their experiences with the American Poultry Association's standards and the challenges of standardizing American Gamefowl. The episode also offers insights into the tools and support available through the Breeders Academy.
#breedinggamefowl #breedingchickens #gamefowlbreeding #chickenbreeding, #gamefowlnation, #selectivebreeding, #poultryhealth #backyardbreeders #breedersacademy #bredtoperfection #gamefowl #Epigenetics #dogbreeding #gamefowlnation #poultryhealth #backyardbreeders #bredtoperfection #PoultryBreeding #KennyTroiano #BackyardChickens #ChickenBreeding #SelectiveBreeding #Linebreeding #PoultryGenetics #HeritageBreeds #ChickenStrains #LivestockBreeding #SustainableFarming #HomesteadingLife #PurebredPoultry #FlockManagement #PoultryPodcast