UCP Episode 052 – Spying on Hens with Terry Golson of Hencam.com

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Jen Pitino

Terry Golson of HenCam photo by Spencer Webb

What is really happening inside of your chicken coop? Who is the naughty feather pulling hen? Is there mischief occurring in your flock that you’re simply unaware of?

For the average chicken keeper, it is impossible to know the answers to these questions. Some secrets are simply unknowable in the lives of your flock. One chicken expert and enthusiast has challenged that limitation and the private lives of her hens have been exposed for the entire world to watch. Through an intricate surveillance camera system rigged up in her chicken coop, Terry Golson of Hencam.com is providing unlimited and unfettered access for any would-be chicken voyeurs to watch her birds as they unwittingly carry on their daily routines.

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UCP Episode 047 – Langshan Chickens: Matt Stillman Discusses this Ancient Chinese Secret?

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Jen Pitino

Bantam Black Langshan – photo courtesy of Matt Stillman

Question: How do you make the most strikingly beautiful, large, feather-legged, dark brown egg-laying chickens? Answer: Ancient Chinese Secret!

Langshan, Cochin and Brahma are the three breeds that comprise the entire Asiatic Class of chickens recognized by the American Poultry Association. All three of these originated in China and have been causing a stir in the western poultry world since the 1800s.

Matt Stillman

Today on the Urban Chicken Podcast, we are going to discuss at length the rarest of the Asiatic Class birds – the Langshan. Matt Stillman, a breeder of both standard and bantam Langshans and District One director of the American Langshan Club, joins me on the show to share the fascinating history and attributes of this marvelous Chinese chicken. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 044: Pending Arizona “Chicken Bill” (Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Chickens!)

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Jen Pitino

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and fights for chicken rights!

Currently, there is an important property rights bill being considered in Arizona, Senate Bill 1151, also known as the Homegrown Freedom Act. This piece of legislation, which some glibly call the “Chicken Bill,” will have significant ramifications for the chicken (and other fowl-keeping) community, if passed. The “Chicken Bill” protects the rights of individuals to keep backyard chickens (and other fowl) – regardless of municipal bans on the practice. That is huge! Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 040: Rare & Unusual Breeds – Chicken Importation with Greenfire Farms

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Jen Pitino

Ayam Cemani – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

Allegedly, it all began with the Coronation Sussex – a chicken variety developed to celebrate the coronation of King George. In 2007 Florida Attorney, Paul Bradshaw noticed a demand for Coronation Sussex Chickens in the United States. Though Coronation Sussex chickens have been in existence for approximately two centuries, this native English breed was essentially unavailable in North America at that time. Bradshaw recognized a rare opportunity and imported some hatching eggs of this rare breed from Australia. Bradshaw’s gamble paid off when he sold his first pair of Coronation Sussex in the U.S. through an on-line auction for $4,500! Ever since then, Bradshaw’s 12 acre Florida farm, called Greenfire Farms, has specialized in importing, raising and arguably saving rare and unusual birds. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 039: Listeners Q & A Session #2: Chickens & Extreme Cold, Sprouted Grains & Soldier Fly Larvae and a Chicken Education Tip

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Jen Pitino

Like most people, I love to receive mail (so long as it is not a bill or junk). Recently, I have gotten several messages from Urban Chicken Podcast listeners, who wrote to either pose a burning chicken question they have or to share a useful chicken tip. Today on the UCP, I am sharing three of these listener letters with the audience and answering questions such as “how cold is too cold for your chickens?” and “what do I think about feeding chickens sprouted grains and soldier flies?” and much more. I also talk about an email that provides me and the UCP listeners a great tip on a resource for quality poultry education classes and teachers. Continue reading →

photo by: n0rthw1nd

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UCP Episode 036: Talking Chicken with A.P.A. Hall of Fame Member – Tony Albritton

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Jen Pitino

American Poultry Association’s logo

What do Andre “the Hawk” Dawson, Phil Collins (with his band Genesis), and Tony Albritton all have in common? All three gentlemen were inducted into their respective industry’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Eight-time All-Star Player, Andre “The Hawk” Dawson earned his place in the American Baseball’s Hall of Fame for his excellence in his sport. Phil Collins and his former band Genesis was a natural pick to join the illustrious ranks of the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with three decades worth of hits in the music world. Tony Albritton became the 53rd member of the American Poultry Association’s Hall of Fame after demonstrating for more many years superior skills in chicken breeding, raising and showing. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 035: Chicks, Flocks & Tractors – Answering a Listener’s Questions

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Chicks in a Box – photo by Samdogs

It is always gratifying to get feedback and interaction from the Urban Chicken Podcast audience. Recently, Carla Allen of Georgia email me and posed a few questions that were interesting and applicable to all chicken keepers. Her questions are in the area of chicks, flocks, and tractors. This week’s episode is a questions and answers session. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 034: Pasture-Raised Poultry and the Art of Butchering with Scratch A-Lot Farm

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Pasture-Raised Chickens – photo courtesy of Lee Lynn Thompson

Lee Lynn Thompson, owner and operator of Scratch A-Lot Farm has a lifetime of experience in raising chickens. She and her husband have recently opened their farm which primarily raises, processes and sells heritage breeds of poultry in Washington State. Sabra Snow is a retiree with a passion for permaculture and desire to learn. She is an apprentice on Lee Lynn’s farm and has learned some surprising skills. Both Lee Lynn and Sabra join me on the Urban Chicken Podcast today to discuss pasture-raised poultry, eating heritage breed chickens, and the reasons to learn how to butcher chickens ourselves. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 033: The Kentucky Specks Chicken – The Rarest American Bantam

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Kentucky Specks Rooster – Photo by elmfarm87

The Kentucky Specks chicken is an American rare breed of chicken that is shrouded in much lore and mystery. These small white and black mottled chickens – splashed with red hackle feathers and blue, green and red saddle and tail feathers are unusual and handsome birds. Today on the Urban Chicken Podcast, we are joined by guest Denis Dooley who is an breeder and advocate of the Kentucky Specks chicken. Denis helps separate the facts from fiction surrounding this diminutive speckled fowl. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 032: Biosecurity – How to Keep Your Hens Safe From Disease

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Keeping you backyard flock of chickens healthy and safe requires more than just providing them clean water and food and secure housing. One of the most important considerations for the conscientious chicken keeper, that is unfortunately often overlooked, is the issue of bio-security. On this week’s episode of the Urban Chicken Podcast, we take an in depth look at the issue of protecting your birds for inadvertent exposure to illness, pests and deadly diseases. Continue reading →