The Coop with Meyer Hatchery

In this episode, we talk with backyard chicken expert and author Lisa Steele about her 10th Anniversary Edition of Gardening with Chickens and how chickens and gardens can work together in a practical, sustainable way.
Lisa shares her journey from growing up near a chicken farm in New England to becoming a leading voice in backyard poultry and homesteading. She breaks down how to use chickens in the garden for natural pest control, soil aeration, and fertilization, plus how timing their access can make or break your planting success. We also cover chicken manure composting, the deep litter method, and “chicken poop tea” as a natural fertilizer.
We also dive into keeping chickens out of garden beds, protecting seedlings, choosing more garden-friendly breeds, and which plants to avoid feeding your flock. Lisa explains how to turn garden surplus, herbs, and kitchen scraps into enrichment for chickens while reducing waste and improving egg quality.
Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Whether 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 [email protected].
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).

Are day-old chicks or started pullets the better fit for your flock? 🐣
In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we break down the pros and cons of starting with day-old chicks versus started pullets so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your homestead. 
We cover everything from cost and breed availability to brooder setup, bonding, vaccinations, and how quickly you can expect eggs. Plus, we talk through the biggest differences in care, commitment, and what to expect whether you're raising chicks from day one or bringing home point-of-lay pullets. Keep in mind that pricing mentioned in this episode is subject to change and may vary depending on breed and availability. 
Whether you're looking for the full chick-raising experience or want a faster path to fresh eggs, this episode will help you choose the right start for your flock. 
Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Whether 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 [email protected].
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).

Are you thinking about raising turkeys but don’t know where to start? 🦃
In this special guest episode of The Coop Podcast, we sit down with author Stacey Benjamin to talk all things turkey keeping, from getting started with poults to raising a happy, healthy flock.
We cover the key differences between heritage and broad-breasted turkeys, brooder temperature and high-protein feeding, housing setups, and how turkey behavior compares to chickens (spoiler: they’ve got BIG personalities). Plus, we dive into breeding, brooding, common mistakes to avoid, and what new turkey keepers should know before bringing birds home.
Whether you're adding turkeys to your flock for the first time or just curious about these charismatic birds, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get started.
Link to Stacy's Book:
An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Turkeys: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/an-absolute-beginners-guide-to-raising-backyard-turkeys
Whether 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 [email protected].
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).

Are you ready to hatch your own chicks or grow your flock the easy way? In this episode of The Coop Podcast, we compare incubating eggs with raising day‑old chicks so you can choose what’s best for you.
We’ll walk through selecting quality hatching eggs, setting up your incubator, managing temperature, humidity, turning, and the 21-day timeline—including what happens during lockdown and hatch day. You’ll also get brooder setup tips, chick feeding basics, and common mistakes to avoid when bringing chicks home.
Incubation Supplies: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/incubation-supplies
Gro Gel: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/gro-2-max-probiotic
Weak Chick Info: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023972551-How-To-Revive-A-Weak-Chick
Help Desk: https://meyerhatchery.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Whether 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 [email protected].
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).

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=UFLNWyTY6bYXCwOe
Meyer Hatchery Assortments: https://meyerhatchery.com/products/assortments
Pet Nail Care Dremel: https://amzn.to/4anp39l
Whether 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 [email protected].
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).