Bred to Perfection

Kenny Troiano

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.

  1. What Can Go Wrong, Does Go Wrong

    6D AGO

    What Can Go Wrong, Does Go Wrong

    Cutting 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 with a series of audio and setup mishaps that quickly turn into a lively, unscripted Friday night Q&A. Shifting gears, Kenny shares exciting announcements, including upcoming guests, like Mike Sayers of M&M Exhibition Poultry Podcast and the President of the American Bantam Association, and a special live appearance from his longtime mentor Tony Saville, who will join to debate hot topics, like breed standards, inbreeding, and controversial traits, such as white in wings and tails. Additional guests on the horizon include, Douglas Bruce, Jeff Duguay, and Jane Cowan of The Chuck Journal Podcast. Kenny also reveals he's now writing for the new magazine "Gamefowl Times." In the Q&A, Kenny tackles some of the most misunderstood topics in gamefowl and poultry breeding. He emphasizes that while proper nutrition supports overall health, it does not change a bird's genetics, pushing back on the overuse of supplements and most layer feeds, and recommending practical feeding strategies like Nutrena All Flock, while using bird condition as the ultimate guide. The discussion goes into genetics, including sex-linked traits, inheritance of leg color, and how to correct traits through selective breeding. Kenny explains factors influencing broodiness, from genetics to environmental stress, and why it should be bred intentionally rather than managed reactively. He also addresses complex color genetics, warning about the risks associated with dominant, recessive, and progressive white, particularly their potential link to weakened birds and reduced reproductive performance. The episode closes with an insightful look at the challenges of preserving true Silver Duckwing coloration, and why proper hen selection is critical to maintaining strain integrity. Packed with candid moments, strong opinions, and practical advice, this episode blends humor, hard-earned experience, and deep genetic insight, setting the stage for an upcoming live debate you won't want to miss. #PoultryGenetics #SelectiveBreeding #Gamefowl #ChickenBreeding #BreedStandards #BackyardPoultry #PoultryPodcast #FlockManagement #ChickenHealth #BreedingStrategies #AvianGenetics #PoultryWisdom Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 19m
  2. The Crucial Role of Selection in Breeding Success

    APR 27

    The Crucial Role of Selection in Breeding Success

    In this episode, we talk about one of the most misunderstood—but absolutely essential elements of successful breeding: SELECTION. While health, structure, and well-planned breeding programs are important, without strategic selection, long-term success is impossible. We explore why selection is the driving force behind strain improvement, how it supports the development of new lines, and why so many breeders fall short by misapplying, or completely misunderstanding this critical process. You'll learn: Why selection is more than just choosing the best-looking bird The difference between monogenic and polygenic traits, and why it matters How phenotype, genotype, epigenetics, and mitochondrial DNA all play a role in genetic progress Why culling is just as important as selecting We break down the Six Key Factors of Selection every breeder must master and offer practical quiz-style prompts to test your knowledge along the way. Whether you're a novice or experienced breeder, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the selection process and help you build a stronger, more consistent strain. It's not optional, it's foundational. Tune in and transform your breeding strategy through the power of selection. #BreedingSuccess #SelectiveBreeding #GeneticSelection #StrainImprovement #BreedingStrategy #PhenotypeVsGenotype #Epigenetics #PolygenicTraits #MonogenicTraits #SmartBreeding #CullingMatters #BreederEducation Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 1m
  3. Unlocking the Secrets of Chicken Breeding with Brian Reeder

    APR 20

    Unlocking the Secrets of Chicken Breeding with Brian Reeder

    Inbreeding, 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 of avian genetics and dedication to the craft of creating true strains, Brian recently hosted a live session diving deep into some of the most misunderstood, and often controversial, aspects of chicken breeding. From polygenic traits and disease resistance to feeding practices rooted in history, the discussion offered a masterclass in breeding with purpose. Genetics & Breeding Philosophy You often emphasize the importance of inbreeding in creating a true strain. For those wary of it, how do you define the difference between smart inbreeding and harmful inbreeding? When starting a new strain, what timeline or number of generations do you typically expect before you start seeing true consistency? Can you walk us through what "locking in genes" really means in a practical, observable way? What common mistakes do people make when they attempt to outcross, and how can they avoid "blowing up" their strain? Tune in to learn how to create and improve your strain for future generations! #PoultryBreeding #ChickenGenetics #InbreedingDoneRight #AvianGenetics #SelectiveBreeding #TrueStrain #BackyardBreeders #LivestockGenetics #SustainableBreeding #BreedingForTheFuture #HeritagePoultry #GeneticSelection Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 49m
  4. The Ugly Truth About Outcrossing: The Double-Edged Sword of Breeding

    APR 13

    The Ugly Truth About Outcrossing: The Double-Edged Sword of Breeding

    In 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? From hybrid vigor and genetic diversity to the loss of breed identity and the dangers of scatter breeding, we break down the pros and cons of outcrossing in clear, practical terms. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just getting started, this episode offers a no-nonsense look at what outcrossing really does to your birds, and your breeding program. We explore: Why breeders turn to outcrossing (and when it works) The hidden risks that can undo decades of selection How to outcross responsibly, if at all Why line-breeding and selection still reign supreme Outcrossing isn't a magic bullet. It's a high-stakes strategy that demands precision, planning, and purpose. If you're serious about building a consistent, high-quality strain, not just chasing quick fixes, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Tune in and learn why the best breeders don't just breed birds… they build legacies. #OutcrossingDebate #BreedingStrategy #GeneticDiversity #HybridVigor #LineBreeding #SelectiveBreeding #BreederMindset #PoultryBreeding #GeneticsInBreeding #BreedingProgram #BloodlineManagement #BuildYourStrain Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 4m
  5. Misinformation vs. Education - Building Better Bloodlines Through Truth and Accurate Knowledge

    APR 6

    Misinformation vs. Education - Building Better Bloodlines Through Truth and Accurate Knowledge

    Breaking 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 sits down with Douglas Bruce for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on breeding, education, and the growing problem of misinformation in the gamefowl community. Together, they explore how they first connected through their shared commitment to accurate inbreeding practices and discuss their journeys as writers, educators, and mentors. From publishing articles and building educational platforms to managing overwhelming mentorship requests, they pull back the curtain on what it really means to teach in a space flooded with constant noise. The discussion takes a critical turn as they address the biggest threats facing breeders today—especially the rise of social media "experts," the spread of bad information, plagiarism, scams, and the dangerous culture of illegal exposure. They challenge common but flawed practices like chasing bloodline names and percentages, constantly adding new blood, breeding unproven stags, and trying to manage too many lines at once. Instead, Kenny and Douglas emphasize the fundamentals: disciplined selection, maintaining true families, proper conditioning and nutrition, and the importance of record-keeping. They also break down the myth of "refreshing blood," explaining how genetic recombination actually changes a family rather than restoring it. This episode is a must-listen for breeders who want to move beyond hype and shortcuts, and focus on building high-quality strains through proven principles, collaboration, and education that truly serves the community. #Gamefowl #GamefowlBreeding #PoultryBreeding #BreedingExcellence #SelectiveBreeding #GeneticsMatters #BreedingTruth #BloodlineMyths #BreedersLife #FarmLife #AnimalBreeding #EducationMatters Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 5m
  6. When Good Strains Go Bad: How to Fix Hidden Flaws in Your Bloodline

    MAR 30

    When Good Strains Go Bad: How to Fix Hidden Flaws in Your Bloodline

    Unwanted 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 in a line you've spent years refining. Is it a throwback? Bad luck? A hidden recessive? Or a deeper genetic issue waiting to surface? In this episode, we break down why good strains sometimes reveal bad traits, and more importantly, how to correct those problems without losing the heart of your bloodline. You'll learn how recessive genes operate, why purity creates predictability, and how disciplined selection can transform setbacks into improvements. We'll discuss how to identify monogenic vs. polygenic traits, why adding outside blood almost always makes things worse, and how to rebuild your strain from one c**k and one hen, your Adam and Eve. Whether you're breeding chickens or gamefowl, for show, performance, or utility, this episode teaches you how to think like a geneticist and breed like a master. Good strains don't fall apart, they reveal what's been hidden all along. Your job is to read the clues, make smart decisions, and refine your line for generations to come. #PoultryBreeding, #GamefowlBreeding, #ChickenGenetics, #StrainBuilding, #RecessiveGenes, #Line-breeding, #SelectiveBreeding, #BackyardBreeders, #HeritagePoultry, #BreedersMindset, #GeneticPurity Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"   We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    1h 16m
  7. Breeding Terms Explained

    MAR 23

    Breeding Terms Explained

    This 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 unpacks critical terms, like gene recombination, selective breeding strategies, polygenic traits, and hybrid vigor, helping you expand your breeding knowledge and improve your vocabulary. Perfect for anyone looking to refine their understanding of genetics and inheritance, this podcast offers clear explanations and expert insights to enhance your breeding practices and genetic literacy. Tune in and start mastering the language of breeding today! Show Highlights: Learn the science behind selective breeding, meiosis, and inheritance patterns Understand complex terms like crossover, gene linkage, and genetic drift Explore breeding strategies like line breeding, crossbreeding, and hybridization Master advanced topics such as epigenetics, mitochondrial DNA, and disease resistance Improve your breeding vocabulary and apply it to your practices Perfect for breeders, or anyone passionate about the science of inheritance and what it takes to create a true strain! #BreedingScience #GeneticsExplained #SelectiveBreeding #BreederEducation #GeneticInheritance #BreedingStrategies #HybridVigor #GeneticsPodcast #PolygenicTraits #AdvancedBreeding #Epigenetics #TrueStrain Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

    58 min
  8. The War on Common Sense Breeding: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

    MAR 16

    The War on Common Sense Breeding: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

    In 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 the rejection of inbreeding, breeders are abandoning common sense in favor of fads, trends, and flawed advice, and it's costing them the health and future of their birds. Breeding is not guesswork—it requires a balanced approach that combines traditional knowledge with modern genetics. While crossbreeding can introduce desirable traits, it must be done with a solid understanding of genetics to avoid unintended defects and the loss of breed integrity. Likewise, prioritizing performance over conformation is a critical mistake, because strong, healthy birds with correct structure will always outperform in the long run. We break down the most common and dangerous misconceptions, including: The fear of inbreeding, and why it's essential for stabilizing traits and creating true strains The truth about the "refreshing the blood" myth Why over-medication and poor worming practices are weakening our birds The risks of feeding myths, supplements-as-fixes, and relying on trends over sound breeding programs The cultural resistance to science, book learning, and genetic literacy We also explore how breeders can shift from shortcuts and speculation to science-based methods, focusing on nutrition, disease prevention, and ethical selection—not temporary fixes. This episode is a call to action for every serious breeder: if we want to protect and improve our breeds, we must debunk the myths, embrace genetic principles, and build a culture grounded in education, health, and integrity. Whether you're new to breeding or have years of experience, this conversation will challenge your thinking, sharpen your practices, and inspire you to breed with purpose. Tune in to learn how to create and improve your strain for future generations! Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"   We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com #GamefowlBreeding #ChickenBreeding #PoultryGenetics #BreedingGamefowl #BackyardPoultry #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryBreeders #BreedingMyths #InbreedingTruth #GamefowlCommunity #SustainableBreeding #BreedingWithPurpose

    1h 6m
4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

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.

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