There’s something special about early mornings on the farm. The sun rises over the coop, roosters greet the day, and families come together for chores—collecting eggs, feeding birds, and checking on new hatchlings.
For many families, these quiet moments aren’t just about farm work; they’re about passing down knowledge, building memories with children, and staying connected to the long tradition of poultry keeping.
Recently, during one of these early mornings, we came across an exciting new resource for poultry enthusiasts: a video series called Talking Chickens, produced by M&M Exhibition Poultry.
Talking Chickens: A Fresh Resource for Poultry Keepers
Talking Chickens is a YouTube and Facebook series dedicated to the world of exhibition poultry. Hosted by Matt and Mike, the show features meaningful conversations with ABA/APA judges, master breeders, and passionate poultry advocates.
Each episode covers topics ranging from breeding to the American Poultry Association (APA) and American Bantam Association (ABA) standards, preparing birds for shows, preserving heritage breeds, and inspiring new generations of poultry keepers.
Recent episodes include:
- Nate Rynish – Raising Waterfowl
Summary: Episode 3 ofTalking Chickens features special guest Nate Rynish, an APA/ABA licensed judge and APA Grand Master Exhibitor of Tufted Roman Geese, as well as an IWBA Master Breeder of Khaki Campbell Ducks. This episode is a great resource for anyone interested in selecting better waterfowl.
Watch the full episode here - Dustin Wilson – Hatching Call Ducks
Summary: Episode 12 of Talking Chickens is a must-watch for Call Duck breeders. Master breeder Dustin Wilson shares valuable tips on hatching and raising Call Ducks, making this an informative and practical discussion
Watch the full episode here - Jonathan Patterson – Breeding for Type and Temperament
Summary: Episode 8 of Talking Chickens features an interview with Master Breeder and ABA/APA Judge Jonathan Patterson. He explains the importance of selecting birds that meet the Standard of Perfection and how background knowledge influences successful breeding decisions.
Watch the full episode here - Craig Hansen – Exploring Cochin Bantams
Summary: Episode 19 of Talking Chickens highlights Master Breeder Craig Hansen as he explores Cochin Bantams. Craig shares his experiences preparing these birds for the show table, discusses rare colors and their characteristics, and offers insights into the hobby in general.
Watch the full episode here - Don Schrider – Brown Leghorns and Heritage Breed Conservation
Summary: Episode 13 ofTalking Chickens features Don Schrider discussing Brown Leghorns, heritage breed conservation, and poultry history. He shares stories and insights about the significance of preserving these breeds for future generations.
Watch the full episode here
These episodes an hour long, informative, and family-friendly—perfect to listen to during morning chores or while driving to a poultry show.
Why Shows Like Talking Chickens Matter
The poultry hobby is at a critical point. Many heritage poultry breeds are endangered—not just because of predators or disease, but because experienced breeders are aging, and fewer young people are stepping in to continue their work.
Shows like Talking Chickens are vital because they:
- Preserve generational knowledge by interviewing judges and master breeders.
- Inspire new exhibitors, including youth and families.
- Promote breeding to standard, which protects the unique characteristics of each breed.
- Encourage participation in clubs and shows, strengthening the entire poultry community.
By focusing on education and mentorship, the hobby can thrive and continue to celebrate the beauty, history, and diversity of exhibition poultry.
The Role of the APA, ABA, and Breed Clubs
The Role of the APA, ABA, and Breed Clubs
Two key organizations support the exhibition poultry community:
- American Poultry Association (APA) – Founded in 1873, the APA oversees the Standard of Perfection, certifies judges, and sanctions poultry shows nationwide.
- American Bantam Association (ABA) – Focused on bantam breeds, the ABA provides education, breeder resources, and support for exhibitors.
In addition, breed-specific clubs play a crucial role by:
- Providing detailed resources on genetics, color standards, and proper selection.
- Connecting breeders who are passionate about a specific breed, such as:
Joining a club not only improves your breeding program but also connects you with mentors, shows, and a community of like-minded poultry keepers.
Why Breeding to Standard is Essential
When breeders raise birds to meet the APA or ABA standard, they do more than just produce beautiful show birds—they preserve living history.
Every well-bred chicken represents decades, even centuries, of careful selection. Without a focus on standards, a breed’s defining characteristics can be lost in just a few generations.
By working with breed clubs, attending sanctioned shows, and learning from master breeders, poultry keepers ensure that heritage breeds don’t fade into history.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to strengthen the poultry hobby and keep it thriving:
- Listen to Talking Chickens on YouTube or Facebook.
- Join the APA or ABA to access valuable resources and participate in sanctioned shows.
- Connect with a breed club to focus on the genetics and history of your favorite poultry breed.
- Attend poultry shows, where you can meet breeders, see top-quality birds, and learn from judges.
- Mentor youth to keep the tradition alive for the next generation.
Conclusion
The future of exhibition poultry depends on education, connection, and community involvement. Shows like Talking Chickens, along with the support of the APA, ABA, and breed clubs, play a crucial role in protecting our poultry heritage.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been showing for decades, there’s always more to learn—and a new generation ready to carry the torch forward.
