About this podcast
Bred to Perfection is a podcast that will help you to master the art of selective breeding, and become a master breeder of chickens and gamefowl. The podcast is hosted by Kenny and Nancy Troiano. Kenny Troiano has more than 40 years of experience, and has authored two books on the subject of breeding. If you are interested in creating, maintaining, and improve your strain, this is the place for you.
Episodes
The newest 50 of 329 episodes
- Ep311 - Is Breeding a Lost Art? The State of the American Games and its Breeders · 1 h 1 min · Episode 311In this episode, we take an honest look at the state of American Gamefowl breeding and the challenges facing breeders today. From the importance of education and mentorship to…
- Ep310 - Breeding a Better Laying Hen with Don Schrider · 2 h 6 min · Episode 310In this episode, we welcome back poultry expert Don Schrider to explore one of the most important topics for breeders and backyard chicken keepers alike: how to breed a better…
- Ep309 - Beyond the Ribbon: A Conversation with Mike Sayre and Matt Lhamon · 2 h 22 min · Episode 309Breeding Smarter, Preserving Type, and Shaping the Future of Exhibition Poultry In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sayre, co-host of the Talking Chickens with M&M Exhibition…
- Ep308 - Preserving the Legacy of American Games with Greg Landwehr · 56 min · Episode 308In this episode, we sit down with Greg Landwehr, "The Chicken Guy," Editor and Publisher of Gamefowl Times Magazine, for an in-depth conversation about his journey into the world…
- Ep307 - Defects of the Fowl - The Road-blocks of Perfection · 1 h 33 min · Episode 307Bred to Perfection with Kenny Troiano and Nancy Troiano What stands between you and a truly exceptional strain of fowl? Sometimes, it's the defects hiding right in front of you…
- Ep306 - Breeding Methods Explained: What separates a successful breeding program from simply breeding birds? · 1 h 20 min · Episode 306Understanding why, when, and how to use the right breeding method. In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano and Nancy take an in-depth look at the major breeding…
- Ep305 - Unlocking Genetic Potential Through the Power of Vitamins with Peter Brown · 1 h 5 min · Episode 304What does it take to turn a lifetime of breeding experience into a library of respected reference books? Unlocking fertility, hatchability, immunity, and Making of Great…
- Ep304 - Isolation and the Consequences of Gene Flow · 1 h 5 min · Episode 305The Essential Factor in Creating and Improving a True Strain How controlling Gene Flow preserves traits, accelerates selective breeding, and reveals the same evolutionary forces…
- Ep303 – Writing the Champion Row Series: Jeff Duguay on Books, Breeding, and Legacy · 1 h 2 min · Episode 303What does it take to turn a lifetime of breeding experience into a library of respected reference books? In this episode, we sit down with poultry breeder, author, and publisher…
- Ep302 – The Mindset of a True Breeder: How Open-Mindedness Builds Better Bloodlines · 48 min · Episode 302Why great breeding starts in the mind, not in the pen. Experience alone doesn't make a master breeder, mindset does. In this episode, we explore how pride, misinformation, and…
- Ep301 - Building Stronger Bloodlines from the Inside Out · 1 h 20 min · Episode 301The Critical Role of Gut Health in Poultry Breeding In this episode, we talk about one of the most powerful yet often overlooked factors in breeding high-performance chickens and…
- Ep300 - The 3 Laws of Selective Breeding · 38 min · Episode 300Beyond Best of the Best - The Science of Breeding Excellence What does it really take to build, improve, and preserve a successful breeding strain? It's much more than simply…
- Surviving the Summer Heat: Essential Tips for Chicken Care with Peter Brown · 50 minSummer heat can take a serious toll on breeding flocks, affecting everything from egg production and fertility to the overall health and survival of your birds. In this episode…
- Proper Care During the Molting Season · 1 h 12 minWhy Our Birds Need Extra Attention at this Time of Year When do our birds require the utmost care and consideration? The answer is during the molt. This crucial period is marked…
- Managing the Molt - The Costly Mistake of Cutting Protein and Weight · 1 h 13 minFor 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…
- Ep299 - Tony Saville and the Future of American Games · 1 h 27 min · Episode 299For the first time ever, we welcome Anthony "Tony" Saville, a man whose influence on the American Gamefowl world runs deep. You've heard his voice in past episodes, but now…
- Ep298 - The Progressive White Debate: Science vs. Tradition · 53 min · Episode 298Today, we're sharing a prerecorded conversation I had with Brian Reeder about Progressive White, a deleterious trait that is affecting many poultry breeds and varieties…
- Fan Favorite Episode - Wry Tails, Squirrel Tails and Broken Feathers · 1 h 35 minJoin Kenny Troiano and his co-hosts, Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley – as they talk about the Art of Selective Breeding, and what it takes to create a strain. We address issues…
- Ep297 – Building a True Strain: The Long Game of Creating a Consistent and Lasting Line · 59 min · Episode 297What does it really take to build a bloodline that lasts generations? In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny and Nancy Troiano uncover the long-term strategies behind…
- Ep296 - Bloodlines Under Threat: What Every Breeder Needs to Know About Avian Leukosis · 58 min · Episode 296In this eye-opening episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny and Nancy Troiano sit down with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, veterinary pathologist and avian disease expert, to uncover…
- Ep295 - Progressive White - The Silent Threat to Breeding American Games · 1 h 8 min · Episode 295A discussion that addresses the Challenges, Standards, and Solutions Bred to Perfection: The Progressive White Problem, Standards Debate & Breeding Q&A In this episode, Kenny…
- Ep225 - Building Better Bloodlines: An Inside Look at the Breeders Academy · 1 h 49 min · Episode 225Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a member of the Breeders Academy? In this special episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny Troiano and Nancy Troiano, take…
- Ep294 - Breeding Bulletproof Bloodlines - The Science of Disease-Resistance · 1 h 30 min · Episode 294How selective breeding, natural immunity, and smart management create healthier, stronger, long-lasting strains. In this episode, we will talk about one of the most important…
- Ep293 - Purity and Show Go Hand-in-Hand: Why the Best Birds Are Always One Bird · 1 h 16 min · Episode 293In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the breeding of chickens and gamefowl: the supposed divide between pure birds, show birds, and performance…
- Ep292 - How to Select the Proper Brood Fowl: A Five Stage Process · 54 min · Episode 292A Guide for Chicken and Gamefowl Breeders Are you ready to take your breeding program to the next level? In this episode, host Kenny Troiano and co-host Frank Bradley talk about…
- Ep291 - Define Your Selection Points: The Blueprint for Building a True Strain · 1 h 1 min · Episode 291What separates a flock from a true strain? In this episode, we discuss the uncompromising world of selective breeding. From disease resistance to maternal instinct, we break down…
- Ep290 - The Power of Selection - Transforming Mongrels into Masterpieces · 1 h 1 min · Episode 290For every serious chicken and gamefowl breeder, the ultimate goal is to build a true strain, a consistent, high-performing, and reliable family of birds that reflects your vision…
- Ep289 - Evolutionary Factors that can Change the Direction of Your Strain - Part 2 · 1 h 4 min · Episode 289Have you ever wondered how we ended up with chickens that lay 300 eggs a year or grow to market weight in just a few weeks? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the science…
- Ep288 - What Can Go Wrong, Does Go Wrong · 1 h 19 min · Episode 288Cutting through feed myths and faulty practices to focus on the genetics, selection, and standards that shape better chickens. Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy kick things off…
- Ep287 - The Crucial Role of Selection in Breeding Success · 1 h 0 min · Episode 287In this episode, we talk about one of the most misunderstood—but absolutely essential elements of successful breeding: SELECTION. While health, structure, and well-planned…
- Ep286 - Unlocking the Secrets of Chicken Breeding with Brian Reeder · 1 h 49 min · Episode 286Inbreeding, Genetics & Feeding for the Future In the world of poultry breeding, few names stir thoughtful conversation quite like Brian Reeder. Known for his deep understanding…
- Ep285 - The Ugly Truth About Outcrossing: The Double-Edged Sword of Breeding · 1 h 4 min · Episode 285In this episode, we talk about one of the most polarizing topics for many breeders: outcrossing. Is it a powerful tool to refresh a bloodline, or a fast track to genetic chaos?…
- Ep284 - Misinformation vs. Education - Building Better Bloodlines Through Truth and Accurate Knowledge · 1 h 4 min · Episode 284Breaking Down the Biggest Breeding Myths Breeders Face and how finding a way to Move Forward In this episode of Bred to Perfection podcast, hosts Kenny Troiano and Frank Bradley…
- Ep283 - When Good Strains Go Bad: How to Fix Hidden Flaws in Your Bloodline · 1 h 15 min · Episode 283Unwanted Traits, Recessive Surprises, and the Genetic Tools Every Serious Breeder Must Master Every breeder eventually faces it, that moment when a hidden flaw suddenly appears…
- Ep282 - Breeding Terms Explained · 58 min · Episode 282This episode talks about key glossary terms, scientific principles, and advanced concepts related to breeding, whether you're a novice or a seasoned breeder. This episode also…
- Ep281 - The War on Common Sense Breeding: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions · 1 h 6 min · Episode 281In this episode, we confront the growing crisis of misinformation and myth-driven practices in the chicken and gamefowl breeding community. From the misuse of crossbreeding to…
- Ep280 – Bred to Perfection – The Come Back Show & Q&A · 1 h 54 min · Episode 280Join us for a special live episode of Bred to Perfection this Monday, February 23rd at 6 PM as we return after a six-week break with "The Come Back Show." We've missed you, and…
- Ep279 - Starting Over: When Your Strain Isn't Worth Saving · 54 min · Episode 279Have you ever found yourself questioning whether it's time to walk away from a strain you've been working on? Are you not seeing the results you expected? Or perhaps it feels…
- Ep278 - Inside the Mind of a Dedicated Breeder: Passion, Purity & the Path to Perfection · 50 min · Episode 278In this roundtable, we go beyond feathers and form to explore the heart and heritage of true breeding. Join us for a powerful and candid conversation with three of the most…
- Ep277 - The Hidden Enemy - Understanding and Managing Stress in Our Fowl · 1 h 10 min · Episode 277In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we uncover one of the most underestimated factors affecting your birds' success: stress. While breeders often focus on bloodlines…
- All About Worms - How Much is Too Much? (Bonus Ep184) · 56 minJoin us as we discuss the misconceptions surrounding worms. We all know about worms, and how they can affect the health of our strains. However, many don't realize that they are…
- Preparing for the Breeding Season (Ep137) · 50 min · Episode 137In this episode, we will give you a number of useful tips, to get you ready for the upcoming breeding season. I had a great mentor who believed that preparation was the…
- Antibiotic Use and Misuse with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo (Ep135) · 1 h 30 min · Episode 135The Misuse and Abuse of Antibiotics, and their Consequences – The question I have for you, are you using Medications, Antibiotics and Vaccinations Properly? Our Special Guest is…
- Who Benefits from Crossbreeding? (Ep132) · 1 h 8 minCrossbreeding is a very common method of breeding, but many are using it for the wrong reasons. The truth is, there are some unintended consequences from using this method, many…
- What Are the Most Common Poultry Problems for Backyard Breeders? (Ep111) · 1 h 24 minIn this episode of the Bred to Perfection Podcast, we sit down with Peter Brown to discuss the most common health problems faced by backyard poultry breeders, and what you can do…
- Ep276 - The Journey of a Master Breeder: Lessons Learned from Experience, Failure, and Mentorship · 1 h 2 min · Episode 276In this episode, we talk about the fascinating and sometimes challenging world of breeding with a seasoned master breeder who shares their personal journey. Becoming a true…
- Ep275 - The Role of Nutrition in Unlocking Genetic Potential · 1 h 21 min · Episode 275In this episode, we explore the relationship between nutrition and genetic potential in gamefowl and chickens. While genetics play a foundational role in a bird's growth and…
- Ep273 - The Importance of Test Matings and Testing the Progeny · 57 min · Episode 273A Critical Tool for Creating a Successful Strain In this episode, we dive deep into the world of test matings, an essential practice for any breeder involved in chickens and…
- Ep272 - Improving Your Bloodline: Breeding and Health Care Q&A · 1 h 20 min · Episode 272Brood Fowl Selection, Breeding Strains, and Health Care. Just in Time for the Holidays Christmas is almost here, and with the holidays upon us, it's the perfect time to slow down…
- Ep271 - CLEANING UP THE GENE POOL - Essential Steps to Purify Your Bloodline and Create the Strain You Desire · 59 min · Episode 271In this episode, we tackle one of the most critical steps in breeding: cleaning up your gene pool. Many breeders aspire to create strong, healthy strains, but often find…







