Ep253 - The Dark Side of Chicken Breeding: Essential Insights for New Breeders

Breeding isn’t just about producing beautiful birds—it’s a
long-term, science-driven commitment that demands grit,
knowledge, and emotional resilience. In Episode
253, host Kenny Troiano is joined by
Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley
to shine a light on the often-ignored realities of chicken and
gamefowl breeding.


This episode takes a no-nonsense look at the hard
truths every aspiring breeder must face—from the
misunderstood role of inbreeding to the burden
of culling. The hosts explore the
science behind genetics, the dangers of
misinformation, and the critical importance of selection,
testing, and long-term planning.


You’ll learn:


Why inbreeding, when done right, is a cornerstone of building
true strains

How excessive crossbreeding and hybrid vigor
myths derail your program

The importance of understanding monogenic vs.
polygenic traits

Why culling isn’t cruelty, but a breeder’s
responsibility

How overusing medications and supplements
can weaken your bloodline

The hidden influence of mitochondrial DNA
and prepotency

How to spot and manage conformation and structural
defects



Plus, the team tackles false authorities,
"miracle solutions," and other pitfalls that prey on newcomers.


Whether you're just starting or refining your line, this episode
is your wake-up call to the real work behind
successful breeding. Forget shortcuts—this is about discipline,
science, and dedication.


Key Takeaways:


Breeding is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those
committed to lifelong learning.

Misconceptions and poor practices are rampant;
science and mentorship are your best allies.


Consistency, not chaos, builds legacy strains.



“Inbreeding doesn’t ruin birds—ignorance does.” – Kenny Troiano


#ChickenBreeding #BreedersAcademy #GeneticsInBreeding
#SelectiveBreeding #Gamefowl #PoultryScience #FowlHealth
#CullingTruths


Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and
Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want
to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by
master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and
co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder
Frank Bradley, this show talks about the
principles of genetics, strain development, health management,
and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality
chickens and gamefowl.


Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live
Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of
hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders
Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to
Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and
tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding
programs.


New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune
into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is
all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own
strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.


Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on
YouTubeJoin 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