The Coop with Meyer Hatchery

Choosing the Right Poultry for Your Homestead

Are you ready to build your dream backyard flock? In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we dive deep into the top chicken breeds, meat birds, and waterfowl for your homestead. From Barred Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Easter Eggers to Cornish Cross, Rainbow Rangers, and Pioneer Broilers, we cover which birds are best for eggs, meat, or dual-purpose use.We also explore specialty breeds like Cochins, Brahmas, Polish, and colorful Easter Eggers, as well as waterfowl options like ducks, turkeys, geese, and guineas. Plus, get expert tips on mixing breeds safely, understanding temperament, planning housing and fencing, and sourcing healthy, biosecure birds.Links:How to Filter Search: https://youtu.be/Viqp2GaSoM4?si=UFLNWyTY6bYXCwOeMeyer Hatchery Assortments: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/assortmentsPet Nail Care Dremel: https://amzn.to/4anp39lWhether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to podcast@meyerhatchery.com.Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Chicken Coop Design 101

Backyard chicken keeping is booming, especially in suburban and urban areas. In this episode of The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, Phil and Lauren break down coop and run design from the ground up so you can build a safe, healthy, and functional setup for your flock.We cover the essentials of coop and run design: location, drainage, lighting, ventilation, predator proofing, nest boxes, roosts, and easy human access for cleaning and maintenance. You’ll learn why ventilation is non-negotiable, how to prevent ammonia buildup, and how to protect your flock from raccoons, hawks, owls, and other common predators.We also dig into enrichment, dust baths, rooster management, boredom busters, and how to design your space so your chickens stay healthy, productive, and stress-free. Along the way, we share real-life stories from our own flocks, including our Cluck Cluck What the Heck segment with chickens, pigs, roosters, and some truly chaotic farm moments.Ventilation Video: https://youtu.be/_721JHw7n0U?si=dxk0FgpISr5JS-FSBooks Page: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/books-and-puzzlesWhether you’re just getting started or expanding your flock, this episode is here to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and send your questions or stories to podcast@meyerhatchery.com.Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Zoning Laws and HOA Rules for Chickens

Raising backyard chickens is becoming more popular in suburban and urban areas, but before you bring home chicks, it is critical to understand the zoning laws and HOA rules that may apply to you.In this episode of The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, Phil and Lauren break down zoning regulations, homeowner association rules, and local ordinances that affect poultry keeping. We walk through where to start, how to research the rules in your area, and why checking before you buy chicks can save you a huge amount of stress and heartache later.You will learn how zoning laws work, how HOA restrictions differ from local ordinances, and what renters need to consider before starting a flock. We also explain why your county extension office should be your first stop, how to navigate complaints from neighbors, and how to stay compliant while still enjoying backyard chickens.Pest Control Supplies: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/pest-controlWhether you’re a beginner or expanding your flock, this podcast aims to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your poultry questions or stories at podcast at meyerhatchery.com.Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! 🐔 Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).

Why We Raise Chickens, Finding Your Why in Backyard Poultry

In this episode of The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, Phil and Lauren discuss the key question in backyard poultry keeping: your why. They explore reasons for raising chickens, such as fresh eggs, food security, pest control, family bonding, and teaching responsibility. Phil shares personal stories, while Lauren reflects on her upbringing with poultry and the lessons learned from caring for a flock.Insights from Meyer Hatchery’s customer service highlight common motivations for new chicken keepers. The hosts discuss practical aspects like meat birds versus laying hens, composting, and the benefits of backyard chickens. They also introduce a fun segment, Cluck Cluck What the Heck, featuring real-life chicken antics.Whether you’re a beginner or expanding your flock, this podcast aims to educate and inspire your poultry journey. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your poultry questions or stories at podcast at meyerhatchery.com.Don’t forget to place your Meyer Hatchery order! 🐔 Use code THECOOP at meyerhatchery.com for 10% off your order (one-time use per customer).

Welcome Back to The Coop Podcast, A Poultry Podcast for Backyard Chicken Keepers

Welcome back to The Coop Podcast with Meyer Hatchery, a poultry podcast for backyard chicken keepers and anyone starting their poultry journey.In this teaser episode, Phil and Lauren introduce the return of The Coop Podcast and share what listeners can expect in the season ahead. We talk about starting chickens the right way, from checking local rules and planning your chicken coop setup to choosing the right chicken breeds and caring for your flock with confidence.Whether you are a beginner chicken keeper, raising chicks for the first time, or expanding into ducks, quail, turkeys, or other backyard poultry, this podcast is here to make poultry keeping approachable, educational, and fun. We will cover chicken care tips, feed and nutrition, egg laying issues, flock management, and real life lessons from years in poultry.New episodes of this homesteading and backyard farming podcast drop every other week. Subscribe now and join us in the coop.Don’t forget to place your 2026 Meyer Hatchery order! 🐔 Use code MHYT at meyerhatchery.com for $5 off your order (one-time use per customer, $50 subtotal minimum).