The Chicken Man Talks Breeds, Eggs, Meat & Homesteading

Raising chickens is one of the foundations of a productive, self-sufficient homestead. Join us at a small-scale, family-owned chicken hatchery for an in-depth conversation about raising healthy chickens, chicken breeds, egg production, meat birds, sustainable homesteading, regenerative agriculture, and building a productive backyard flock. In this episode of Mays Homestead Chronicles, we sit down with the “Chicken Man” to discuss everything from choosing the best chicken breeds for eggs and meat—including Barred Rocks, ISA Browns, Rhode Island Reds, and White Leghorns—to managing heat, predator protection, pasture-raised chickens, feeding, foraging, fertile eggs, incubation, and developing locally adapted landrace-style chickens. We also talk about the benefits of raising chickens as part of a self-sufficient homestead, why chickens can be an ideal livestock choice for beginners, common chicken-keeping mistakes, and what it takes to start a successful small-scale hatchery or chicken business. Whether you're raising backyard chickens, building a regenerative homestead, growing an organic garden, or simply planning your first flock, this interview is packed with practical chicken-keeping tips and real-world homesteading knowledge you can put to work today. We also explore how the Texas Star chicken was developed from diverse genetics and why locally adapted birds can thrive in their climate. If you're interested in sustainable living, regenerative homesteading, heritage chicken breeds, organic gardening, self-sufficiency, poultry farming, or producing your own eggs and meat, this episode is for you. 🐔 Feeds I Use & Recommend 🛒 Shop at Azure Standard (support the channel): 👉 https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/lists/i5qahfdwpn Using my link helps support the channel — I earn a small commission on orders over $100, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! 🐓 Chicken-Keeping Essentials I Use: From feeders and fermenting supplies to coop gear — all my daily esse