"Producing Prime Poultry" DVD by Bill Roberts. WideScreen. 2 hours and 5 minutes. 22 chapters.
Here is an outline of what is explained and shown in each chapter:
DISC 1
Introduction:
-- Bill introduces himself, and briefly mentions his goals for the DVD.
Chapter 1: Yard Considerations
-- Some important things to consider while planning.
-- A few simple actions that could prevent lots of trouble in the future.
-- How to prepare the ground, before building anything, etc.
Chapter 2: Fence and Trees
-- Why a good fence is so important, and some specific recommendations.
-- Why trees are so important. A simple tree watering system. Choosing tree type and number.
Chapter 3: Pipe, Faucets and Hoses
-- All needed materials are shown and described, along with lessons Bill learned installing several such systems over the years.
-- A pipe installation design that will mostly equalize water pressure to each faucet.
-- A simple way to protect riser pipes (to which the faucets attach).
-- How to save a lot of time and effort during installation, while ending up with a more effective and durable water delivery system.
((The next 4 chapters contain lessons Bill learned from his different yards over the years, having built more than 1,000 pens total. You will see and learn all about his brood pens, holding pens, and fly-pens.))
Chapter 4: Pen Frames and Walls
-- Types of wood, metal, and wire used.
-- The type of paint/stain Bill prefers for treating the wood for durability.
-- Explains why and shows how the upper and lower parts of pen walls are different (and shows the materials).
-- An important precaution regarding the bottoms of the walls, which will help protect the birds.
-- Why it matters to build pens facing a certain direction.
Chapter 5: Pen Roofs
-- Importance of a good roof, and type and size of material used.
-- Enough framing support for the roofs (without wasting materials) for different types of pens.
-- Positioning and attaching a roof.
-- Types of nails and screws for better securing (vs. wind), and how many are enough (how far apart).
Chapter 6: Connected Pens
-- Benefits of building connected pens (saves space/land, less work to build, and saves MUCH money on materials).
-- However, connected pens require "blinders" (explains why, and shows examples).
-- Bill shows his type of fly-pens, and explains the benefits.
Chapter 7: Pen Roosts and Doors
-- Bill's roost preferences: different wood options, and thickness.
-- Considerations for height, length, and positioning.
-- Type of pesticide Bill uses (and what liquid used to dilute it) to brush on roost wood to help fight external parasites.
-- Pen doors: Bill shows a simple design (he thought of many years ago) which will save you lots of time and money to build, and will be very effective and durable.
Chapter 8: String-Walks
-- Components of "tie-cords" or "strings".
-- Examples of structures: tee-pees, barrels.
-- Advantages of string-walks, compared to pens.
-- Disadvantages of string-walks, compared to pens.
Chapter 9: Avoiding "Coop Stale"
-- Things to do to help penned birds stay more active and content.
Chapter 10: Maintaining Pen Ground
-- Explains reasons why it is so important for our birds.
-- Bill shows how he occasionally removes the hard top layer of ground inside pens (don't just break it up).
-- His preferences for some "scratch material" options (and some seasonal considerations).
Chapter 11: Watering
-- A way to minimize dirt and debris from getting in water containers.
-- How to save lots of time each day watering.
-- For chicks: containers and adjustments (precautions, etc.).
-- For rest of flock: various types and sizes of containers that could be used (and maintenance).
-- How to save lots of money using alternative containers (shows various examples).
-- Seasonal considerations.
Chapter 12: Acquiring Brood Fowl
-- Describes the importance of brood fowl quality.
-- Specific strategies on how to get high-quality individuals for your breeding program.
Chapter 13: Basics of Breeding (the longest chapter of the DVD)
-- Bill briefly discusses "flock breeding", and the reason he does not recommend it.
-- Discusses "single mating", how to do it, and why single-mating is so important.
-- When to remove the cock from the pen (and further options with him during the rest of that breeding season).
-- Considerations: importance of fine individuals in your breeding program, volume of offspring, etc.
-- Some often-overlooked advice about brood hens.
-- Discusses "line breeding", which is a form of inbreeding. Precautions to take if deciding to include this method.
-- If ordering a "trio", a VERY important request you should make to the breeder.
-- Strategies for breeding a pure-bred trio, now and in the future.
-- The benefits of starting with two pairs (instead of a trio) of a pure breed.
-- "Crossed" fowl (combining pure-bred families)... benefits, and precautions.
-- Bill's process of SELECTION: various traits and considerations, requiring visual inspection and handling. The key to selecting the finest individuals for your breeding program, then mating the right cock with the right hen for each of your brood pens, relies on careful selection. Bill describes and shows the specific traits and considerations he values. ((This might be the most valuable part of the DVD, especially for those interested in becoming effective breeders sooner, with much less trial-and-error. Nobody wants to get bad results, while wasting years of time and large amounts of money in the process.))
-- Some different considerations for brood hens.
-- Importance of gathering non-brood-fowl eggs so they do not end up hatching.
-- Importance of immediate culling of inferior individuals (Bill mentions examples of negative traits he watches out for).
-- A summary of why the methods described in this chapter, combined with evaluation (and of course, good daily care) are so important.
DISC 2
Chapter 14: Hatchability (Fertility, etc.)
-- Describes nutritional adjustments for brood hens during breeding season (regarding feed and supplements).
-- Bill shows how he checks brood fowl occasionally during the year to make sure they are not overweight (and why it's important).
-- Additional things to check for and do during the year, so brood fowl can be ready to produce healthy offspring.
-- An important age consideration.
Chapter 15: Hen Hatching
-- Explains advantages of a nest being on the ground.
-- Bill shows how he makes a regular nest (several important things).
-- When to remove the cock from the pen. Also, hatching timeline.
-- Optional: Why and how to use “substitute” setting hens to do some of the hatching.
-- Why and how you might need to use a "nest egg" with a certain hen if you often gather her eggs.
-- Advice about storing eggs gathered for hatching.
-- Egg Retriever which Bill invented many years ago (and has since improved). He shows how to make one, and how to use it.
-- Optional: How to use artificial lighting to shift your breeding season to start earlier than usual (Bill did this in some of the past years, but does not anymore).
Chapter 16: Why Incubator and Brooder
-- Bill prefers hen hatching, but describes three examples that an incubator can be useful.
-- He demonstrates candling: shows three eggs in different stages of development (and explains).
-- An innovative way to maintain correct identity of chicks (from different matings) hatching together in an incubator.
-- Then if placing those new chicks from different matings together in a brooder, Bill shows another effective way to temporarily maintain correct identity (until he will toe-punch them after they have grown somewhat).
Chapter 17: Chicks
-- Watering chicks: methods, precautions, and supplements.
-- Feeding chicks: type of chick feed Bill uses, description of the ingredients, and importance of it being medicated.
-- How old they should be before switching them to regular feed.
-- Vaccinating against Marek's Disease (Range Paralysis). Bill gives some important tips not included in the vaccine instructions (the type of needle & syringe he prefers, etc.) and shows a great way to vaccinate a clutch of new chicks.
-- Approximately how old the chicks should be before removing the mother hen from their pen (and some precautions).
Chapter 18: Identification and Records
-- The types of information Bill likes to write in his record book.
-- Toe-punching precautions and methods (and shows examples of different toe-punch markings Bill uses).
-- After they have grown substantially, some of them can be leg-banded too (gives a bird its own number for further identification). Bill demonstrates by applying a leg-band on a stag.
-- Bill's classification system (lists age ranges for: chick, stag, bull stag, cock, pullet, hen).
-- Writing an identification code on an egg (when necessary) and what Bill prefers to write with.
-- Making notes when in the yard, and transferring certain info to the main record book. Also, writing certain info directly on a pen.
-- General strategies for identification and record keeping.
Chapter 19: Watch and Act
-- The natural process of Pecking Order is defined.
-- An example of an injury problem that can result (Bill shows a simple yet effective way to treat it).
-- Some benefits of free-ranging some of the flock are mentioned, but Bill also describes some things to watch out for.
-- Importance of having enough housing prepared in advance.
-- Which reference book Bill recommends to help you identify and treat poultry sicknesses and diseases.
-- Bill shows a specific type of spray he uses to help treat against external parasites, and demonstrates where on a bird to spray it.
-- Another (more technical) reference book Bill recommends (and how you can access it for free if you go directly to their website, saving you over $40).
-- Even though a person tries to prevent or minimize problems, of course some will still occur. Bill discusses being observant and how to be prepared to take the right actions.
Chapter 20: Regular Feed
-- Grain mixtures... often called "Scratch": Bill shows a common example of Scratch and identifies the three different types of grain that are mixed together. He explains why Scratch alone is not good enough (not enough protein, etc.)
-- Pellets: designed to be a well-rounded source of nutrition (grain products, protein products, extra vitamins and minerals, etc.).
-- The type of poultry pellet Bill prefers as his main regular feed.
-- The amount of daily feed Bill gives to a fully-grown bird (and adjustments that sometimes need to be made).
-- Bill's preference for best time of the day to feed (and why).
-- Optional: Adding a small amount of corn in the winter (and some interesting considerations).
-- Supplemental feeds: The importance of adding some fresh greens, such as mowed lawn grass, when available (especially for penned birds). Of course, there are other possible supplemental feeds (just don't overdo it). Bill mentions what time of day he prefers to give it. He adds supplemental feeds to their diet on some days, especially during times of the year when such foods are freely available.
-- Grit: Why it is needed, why you should examine your soil, and how you might need to provide grit on a semi-regular basis.
Chapter 21: Legs and Feet
-- This chapter deals mainly with foot care Bill does for fully-grown birds, occasionally, whenever needed.
-- First, he briefly mentions the importance of good roosts and maintaining good ground conditions in pens (as shown in earlier chapters). Among other benefits, these things help avoid foot problems.
-- Bill shows how he occasionally cleans the foot-toes-shank areas, then inspects for possible problems.
-- If there is excessive crustiness or buildup on the underside, he shows how he carefully treats it.
-- Some birds (more likely a mature bird in a pen) might have extra long toenails. Bill shows an innovative way to shorten them.
-- Spurs naturally grow to a sharp point, and can become long and problematic. Even after shortening them, spurs will re-grow. Bill shows a safe, fast and effective way to shorten spurs.
-- Bill mentions the benefits of Scarlet Oil, shows how and where he applies it, and tells how to save money when buying it.
-- Although Bill does not have lots of problems with Scaly Leg Mites on his farm, he describes that type of external parasite, as well as his preferred treatment method, including the product he uses (or two other products that some people also find effective).
Chapter 22: Feathers (Molt, etc.)
-- The natural molt process is defined.
-- During the molt: Regarding diet and a supplement, and separation considerations.
-- Things that can lead to (or at least contribute to) feather picking. Then two anti-pick products are shown, and Bill demonstrates how to apply one of them. He also discusses what to do if such a problem got more serious before you noticed it.
-- Briefly mentions a few things from earlier chapters related to feathers (for example, maintaining good ground conditions in pens so they can dust-bathe, which is important).
-- Feather damage can be easily caused by rough handling. If needing to handle a bird in a situation that is not urgent, Bill recommends waiting until after dark. He demonstrates (calmly enters pen and shows how he picks up a bird from the roost).
-- But if the need can't wait until the evening, or especially if you must catch a bird running loose on the yard, a fishing net is very useful. Bill shows the type and size of fishing net he prefers to buy, and the materials he uses to extend the length of the handle.
-- He mentions (and shows) how important it is to carefully remove a bird from a net head-first, so feather damage is less likely to happen.
Conclusion:
-- A few summary thoughts and words of encouragement, regarding the wonderful process of breeding, raising and maintaining fine chickens.
Here is an outline of what is explained and shown in each chapter:
DISC 1
Introduction:
-- Bill introduces himself, and briefly mentions his goals for the DVD.
Chapter 1: Yard Considerations
-- Some important things to consider while planning.
-- A few simple actions that could prevent lots of trouble in the future.
-- How to prepare the ground, before building anything, etc.
Chapter 2: Fence and Trees
-- Why a good fence is so important, and some specific recommendations.
-- Why trees are so important. A simple tree watering system. Choosing tree type and number.
Chapter 3: Pipe, Faucets and Hoses
-- All needed materials are shown and described, along with lessons Bill learned installing several such systems over the years.
-- A pipe installation design that will mostly equalize water pressure to each faucet.
-- A simple way to protect riser pipes (to which the faucets attach).
-- How to save a lot of time and effort during installation, while ending up with a more effective and durable water delivery system.
((The next 4 chapters contain lessons Bill learned from his different yards over the years, having built more than 1,000 pens total. You will see and learn all about his brood pens, holding pens, and fly-pens.))
Chapter 4: Pen Frames and Walls
-- Types of wood, metal, and wire used.
-- The type of paint/stain Bill prefers for treating the wood for durability.
-- Explains why and shows how the upper and lower parts of pen walls are different (and shows the materials).
-- An important precaution regarding the bottoms of the walls, which will help protect the birds.
-- Why it matters to build pens facing a certain direction.
Chapter 5: Pen Roofs
-- Importance of a good roof, and type and size of material used.
-- Enough framing support for the roofs (without wasting materials) for different types of pens.
-- Positioning and attaching a roof.
-- Types of nails and screws for better securing (vs. wind), and how many are enough (how far apart).
Chapter 6: Connected Pens
-- Benefits of building connected pens (saves space/land, less work to build, and saves MUCH money on materials).
-- However, connected pens require "blinders" (explains why, and shows examples).
-- Bill shows his type of fly-pens, and explains the benefits.
Chapter 7: Pen Roosts and Doors
-- Bill's roost preferences: different wood options, and thickness.
-- Considerations for height, length, and positioning.
-- Type of pesticide Bill uses (and what liquid used to dilute it) to brush on roost wood to help fight external parasites.
-- Pen doors: Bill shows a simple design (he thought of many years ago) which will save you lots of time and money to build, and will be very effective and durable.
Chapter 8: String-Walks
-- Components of "tie-cords" or "strings".
-- Examples of structures: tee-pees, barrels.
-- Advantages of string-walks, compared to pens.
-- Disadvantages of string-walks, compared to pens.
Chapter 9: Avoiding "Coop Stale"
-- Things to do to help penned birds stay more active and content.
Chapter 10: Maintaining Pen Ground
-- Explains reasons why it is so important for our birds.
-- Bill shows how he occasionally removes the hard top layer of ground inside pens (don't just break it up).
-- His preferences for some "scratch material" options (and some seasonal considerations).
Chapter 11: Watering
-- A way to minimize dirt and debris from getting in water containers.
-- How to save lots of time each day watering.
-- For chicks: containers and adjustments (precautions, etc.).
-- For rest of flock: various types and sizes of containers that could be used (and maintenance).
-- How to save lots of money using alternative containers (shows various examples).
-- Seasonal considerations.
Chapter 12: Acquiring Brood Fowl
-- Describes the importance of brood fowl quality.
-- Specific strategies on how to get high-quality individuals for your breeding program.
Chapter 13: Basics of Breeding (the longest chapter of the DVD)
-- Bill briefly discusses "flock breeding", and the reason he does not recommend it.
-- Discusses "single mating", how to do it, and why single-mating is so important.
-- When to remove the cock from the pen (and further options with him during the rest of that breeding season).
-- Considerations: importance of fine individuals in your breeding program, volume of offspring, etc.
-- Some often-overlooked advice about brood hens.
-- Discusses "line breeding", which is a form of inbreeding. Precautions to take if deciding to include this method.
-- If ordering a "trio", a VERY important request you should make to the breeder.
-- Strategies for breeding a pure-bred trio, now and in the future.
-- The benefits of starting with two pairs (instead of a trio) of a pure breed.
-- "Crossed" fowl (combining pure-bred families)... benefits, and precautions.
-- Bill's process of SELECTION: various traits and considerations, requiring visual inspection and handling. The key to selecting the finest individuals for your breeding program, then mating the right cock with the right hen for each of your brood pens, relies on careful selection. Bill describes and shows the specific traits and considerations he values. ((This might be the most valuable part of the DVD, especially for those interested in becoming effective breeders sooner, with much less trial-and-error. Nobody wants to get bad results, while wasting years of time and large amounts of money in the process.))
-- Some different considerations for brood hens.
-- Importance of gathering non-brood-fowl eggs so they do not end up hatching.
-- Importance of immediate culling of inferior individuals (Bill mentions examples of negative traits he watches out for).
-- A summary of why the methods described in this chapter, combined with evaluation (and of course, good daily care) are so important.
DISC 2
Chapter 14: Hatchability (Fertility, etc.)
-- Describes nutritional adjustments for brood hens during breeding season (regarding feed and supplements).
-- Bill shows how he checks brood fowl occasionally during the year to make sure they are not overweight (and why it's important).
-- Additional things to check for and do during the year, so brood fowl can be ready to produce healthy offspring.
-- An important age consideration.
Chapter 15: Hen Hatching
-- Explains advantages of a nest being on the ground.
-- Bill shows how he makes a regular nest (several important things).
-- When to remove the cock from the pen. Also, hatching timeline.
-- Optional: Why and how to use “substitute” setting hens to do some of the hatching.
-- Why and how you might need to use a "nest egg" with a certain hen if you often gather her eggs.
-- Advice about storing eggs gathered for hatching.
-- Egg Retriever which Bill invented many years ago (and has since improved). He shows how to make one, and how to use it.
-- Optional: How to use artificial lighting to shift your breeding season to start earlier than usual (Bill did this in some of the past years, but does not anymore).
Chapter 16: Why Incubator and Brooder
-- Bill prefers hen hatching, but describes three examples that an incubator can be useful.
-- He demonstrates candling: shows three eggs in different stages of development (and explains).
-- An innovative way to maintain correct identity of chicks (from different matings) hatching together in an incubator.
-- Then if placing those new chicks from different matings together in a brooder, Bill shows another effective way to temporarily maintain correct identity (until he will toe-punch them after they have grown somewhat).
Chapter 17: Chicks
-- Watering chicks: methods, precautions, and supplements.
-- Feeding chicks: type of chick feed Bill uses, description of the ingredients, and importance of it being medicated.
-- How old they should be before switching them to regular feed.
-- Vaccinating against Marek's Disease (Range Paralysis). Bill gives some important tips not included in the vaccine instructions (the type of needle & syringe he prefers, etc.) and shows a great way to vaccinate a clutch of new chicks.
-- Approximately how old the chicks should be before removing the mother hen from their pen (and some precautions).
Chapter 18: Identification and Records
-- The types of information Bill likes to write in his record book.
-- Toe-punching precautions and methods (and shows examples of different toe-punch markings Bill uses).
-- After they have grown substantially, some of them can be leg-banded too (gives a bird its own number for further identification). Bill demonstrates by applying a leg-band on a stag.
-- Bill's classification system (lists age ranges for: chick, stag, bull stag, cock, pullet, hen).
-- Writing an identification code on an egg (when necessary) and what Bill prefers to write with.
-- Making notes when in the yard, and transferring certain info to the main record book. Also, writing certain info directly on a pen.
-- General strategies for identification and record keeping.
Chapter 19: Watch and Act
-- The natural process of Pecking Order is defined.
-- An example of an injury problem that can result (Bill shows a simple yet effective way to treat it).
-- Some benefits of free-ranging some of the flock are mentioned, but Bill also describes some things to watch out for.
-- Importance of having enough housing prepared in advance.
-- Which reference book Bill recommends to help you identify and treat poultry sicknesses and diseases.
-- Bill shows a specific type of spray he uses to help treat against external parasites, and demonstrates where on a bird to spray it.
-- Another (more technical) reference book Bill recommends (and how you can access it for free if you go directly to their website, saving you over $40).
-- Even though a person tries to prevent or minimize problems, of course some will still occur. Bill discusses being observant and how to be prepared to take the right actions.
Chapter 20: Regular Feed
-- Grain mixtures... often called "Scratch": Bill shows a common example of Scratch and identifies the three different types of grain that are mixed together. He explains why Scratch alone is not good enough (not enough protein, etc.)
-- Pellets: designed to be a well-rounded source of nutrition (grain products, protein products, extra vitamins and minerals, etc.).
-- The type of poultry pellet Bill prefers as his main regular feed.
-- The amount of daily feed Bill gives to a fully-grown bird (and adjustments that sometimes need to be made).
-- Bill's preference for best time of the day to feed (and why).
-- Optional: Adding a small amount of corn in the winter (and some interesting considerations).
-- Supplemental feeds: The importance of adding some fresh greens, such as mowed lawn grass, when available (especially for penned birds). Of course, there are other possible supplemental feeds (just don't overdo it). Bill mentions what time of day he prefers to give it. He adds supplemental feeds to their diet on some days, especially during times of the year when such foods are freely available.
-- Grit: Why it is needed, why you should examine your soil, and how you might need to provide grit on a semi-regular basis.
Chapter 21: Legs and Feet
-- This chapter deals mainly with foot care Bill does for fully-grown birds, occasionally, whenever needed.
-- First, he briefly mentions the importance of good roosts and maintaining good ground conditions in pens (as shown in earlier chapters). Among other benefits, these things help avoid foot problems.
-- Bill shows how he occasionally cleans the foot-toes-shank areas, then inspects for possible problems.
-- If there is excessive crustiness or buildup on the underside, he shows how he carefully treats it.
-- Some birds (more likely a mature bird in a pen) might have extra long toenails. Bill shows an innovative way to shorten them.
-- Spurs naturally grow to a sharp point, and can become long and problematic. Even after shortening them, spurs will re-grow. Bill shows a safe, fast and effective way to shorten spurs.
-- Bill mentions the benefits of Scarlet Oil, shows how and where he applies it, and tells how to save money when buying it.
-- Although Bill does not have lots of problems with Scaly Leg Mites on his farm, he describes that type of external parasite, as well as his preferred treatment method, including the product he uses (or two other products that some people also find effective).
Chapter 22: Feathers (Molt, etc.)
-- The natural molt process is defined.
-- During the molt: Regarding diet and a supplement, and separation considerations.
-- Things that can lead to (or at least contribute to) feather picking. Then two anti-pick products are shown, and Bill demonstrates how to apply one of them. He also discusses what to do if such a problem got more serious before you noticed it.
-- Briefly mentions a few things from earlier chapters related to feathers (for example, maintaining good ground conditions in pens so they can dust-bathe, which is important).
-- Feather damage can be easily caused by rough handling. If needing to handle a bird in a situation that is not urgent, Bill recommends waiting until after dark. He demonstrates (calmly enters pen and shows how he picks up a bird from the roost).
-- But if the need can't wait until the evening, or especially if you must catch a bird running loose on the yard, a fishing net is very useful. Bill shows the type and size of fishing net he prefers to buy, and the materials he uses to extend the length of the handle.
-- He mentions (and shows) how important it is to carefully remove a bird from a net head-first, so feather damage is less likely to happen.
Conclusion:
-- A few summary thoughts and words of encouragement, regarding the wonderful process of breeding, raising and maintaining fine chickens.
Last comments...
Bill decided this DVD would be his final instructional product, so he wanted to do it well. He knows it will be around longer than he will.
For each chapter, writing and planning was done before the scenes were filmed, so Bill covered what he thought was most important, in an orderly way. There are plenty of details, but not a bunch of unnecessary trivia.
So the useful information is continual, and you will probably often scan back to re-watch some of the parts, and pause often to take notes. And for future situations, you can quickly use the on-screen menu to go directly to a specific chapter to find the info you need at that time.
Included are many graphics (diagrams, lists, key words, etc.) most of which were added (layered on) during the editing process. Such graphics definitely help the viewer to understand better.
We appreciate your interest. If you would like to order the DVD, simply go back to the Video Clips page, or click here. Ordering instructions are near the bottom of that page.
We wish all the best for you and your flock!
Roberts family