Valley Hatchery Podcast

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

In this special episode, Cortney sits down with Connie, one of Valley Hatchery's longest-serving and most requested customer support representatives, to share what years of helping backyard flock owners have taught her. Instead of our usual educational topic, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of customer support and explores the questions, concerns, and memorable mome...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Summer heat can quickly become dangerous for backyard flocks if early warning signs are missed. In this episode of the Chicken Insights Podcast, Tina and Nikki discuss how to recognize heat stress, avoid common heat-wave mistakes, and make simple changes that improve airflow, ventilation, shade, and water access. They also share practical tips on coop setup, feeding schedules, an...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Thinking about adding guinea keets, ducklings, or goslings to your flock? In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast, Cortney and Matt discuss common misconceptions first-time specialty poultry owners have and what to know before ordering. The conversation covers brooder setup, feeding, water management, space requirements, noise levels, and seasonal availability.

Check out our a...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Summer flock management is about a lot more than just surviving hot weather. In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast, Tina and Connie break down how backyard flock owners can prepare their birds, coops, and routines for the realities of summer before the first major heat wave arrives. From recognizing early signs of heat stress to improving ventilation and managing clean wate...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Choosing chicken breeds is about a lot more than appearance. In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast, Matt and Nikki break down how backyard flock owners can choose breeds that actually fit their goals, climate, space, and daily lifestyle. From egg layer production and dual-purpose breeds to temperament, free ranging ability, and beginner-friendly flock planning, this episode...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Most customers do not realize this, but one of the biggest rookie mistakes on shipment day is waiting too long to communicate concerns after opening the box. In this episode of Chicken Insights Support Podcast, Cortney and Tina explain why fast communication during live poultry deliveries can directly affect chick recovery, customer support outcomes, and guarantee protection duri...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Bringing home mail-order chicks starts long before the box arrives at your door. In this episode of Chicken Insights Support Podcast, Tina and Nikki break down what your brooder setup actually needs before chicks arrive, and why preparation during those first few hours matters so much for long-term flock success.

From brooder temperature and bedding choices to warm water and prope...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Moving chicks out from the brooder is not dependent on age alone. It is also about recognizing when they’re truly ready. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Connie break down the key signs that tell you your chicks can safely transition, helping you avoid common mistakes that lead to stress, setbacks, or losses.

Instead of relying on timelines alone, thi...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Planning egg production starts with understanding your needs, not just choosing popular breeds. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Nikki and Matt walk through how to approach egg production with a clear plan, helping you avoid common mistakes that lead to too few eggs or more than you can realistically use.

Instead of guessing or relying on breed reputation alone, this c...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Bringing home chicks in the spring feels straightforward, but small mistakes in those first few days can quickly lead to bigger problems. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Connie and Tina break down five common mistakes that often lead to early chick losses, especially for beginners.

Before your chicks even arrive, have you fully prepared your brooder, temperature, and ...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Ordering chicks sounds simple, but choosing between straight run, pullets, or assortments can shape your entire flock. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Matt break down what each option actually means and how it impacts your setup.

To go even deeper, pair this episode with the guide “Straight Run vs Pullets vs Assortment: What Hatchery Buyers Should Kn...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Bringing chicks home is exciting, but it can also leave new flock owners second-guessing every detail in the brooder. In this episode, Nikki and Tina explain how chick behavior often reveals more than any thermometer, helping you recognize signs of comfort, stress, or imbalance through patterns like clustering, chirping, activity level, and spacing. Learning what normal behavior ...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Summer stress doesn’t start in summer. It shows up later, but the causes usually begin weeks earlier. In this episode of Chicken Insights Podcast, Cortney and Tina walk through what early heat stress actually looks like in a backyard flock, from increased panting and water intake to drops in egg production and overcrowding in shaded areas.

If a stretch of high heat started t...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Spring is the most common time for new chicks to arrive, but it’s also when many beginners run into avoidable brooder problems. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Connie and Nikki walk through three of the most common spring brooding mistakes: overheating, overcrowding, and excess moisture in the brooder. These issues may seem small at first, but they can quickly ...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Chickens can do more than provide eggs. When used intentionally, they can also support a healthier and more productive garden system. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Cortney and Nikki talk through how backyard chickens can help improve soil health, manage pests, and assist with seasonal garden cleanup.

Instead of treating chickens and gardens as separate parts of the ...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Starting a backyard flock often begins with popular breeds or eye-catching birds, but experienced keepers take a different approach. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Tina and Matt discuss why choosing chicken breeds based on purpose leads to a stronger, more manageable flock.

Instead of chasing trends, the conversation focuses on planning birds around real goals such a...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to order. Shipping itself does not slow down or speed up with the season, but demand and breed availability absolutely shift as spring approaches. In this conversation, Cortney and Tina break down what really changes during this transition and how to think about your order more intentionally.

Transit time stays the same, 1 to 3 days. Availabil...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

Starting chicks in February can feel exciting until something seems slightly off in the brooder. Maybe they’re louder than expected. Maybe bedding feels damp. Maybe you’re second guessing your heat setup. In this episode, Connie and Matt walk through what early season brooder troubleshooting really looks like and why small, steady adjustments matter more than quick re...

Have a poultry question? Send it for the next episode

If you’re expecting chicks to arrive this month, those first moments can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. In this episode, Tina and Matt walk through what chick arrival actually looks like, helping you understand what to do first and what can wait. The focus is on staying calm, prepared, and confident as you welcome new chicks into your care.

When you think back t...