CAHEN: Biosecurity and Avian Influenza

CAHEN: Biosecurity and Avian Influenza

This week on Flocktail Hour, we’re joined by the incredible team from the California Avian Health Education Network...better known as CAHEN...for a must-hear conversation every poultry owner needs right now. From backyard flocks to large poultry operations, biosecurity has never been more important, and this episode breaks it all down in a way that’s practical, affordable, and easy to understand. We dive into the essential do’s and don’ts of protecting your birds, common mistakes flock owners make without realizing it, and realistic biosecurity solutions that won’t break the bank. The CAHEN team also helps us unpack two of the biggest threats facing poultry today: Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza (H5N1). Learn how these diseases spread, what warning signs to watch for, and the steps every flock owner should take to help keep their birds safe and healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper, a first-time backyard flock owner, or simply passionate about poultry health and education, this episode is packed with valuable information, expert insight, and actionable advice you can start using immediately. Grab your favorite cocktail, settle into the coop, and join us for an informative and eye-opening episode of Flocktail Hour you won’t want to miss! Drinks: Hen (with alcohol) * 3 oz white wine * 1 oz blueberry simple syrup * 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) * 1-2 oz club soda or sparkling water * Ice cubes * Garnish: Fresh blueberries and a lemon slice Instructions 1. Mix the base: Fill a glass with ice. Add the chilled white wine, lemon juice, and blueberry syrup. 2. Add the fizz: Top with sparkling water or club soda. 3. Stir & Garnish: Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a slice of lemon. Pullet (no alcohol) * 1 oz blueberry simple syrup * 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) * 1-2 oz club soda or sparkling water (chilled) * Ice cubes * Garnish: Fresh blueberries and a lemon slice Instructions 1. Mix the base: Fill a glass with ice. Add the chilled lemon juice, and blueberry syrup. 2. Add the fizz: Top with sparkling water or club soda. 3. Stir & Garnish: Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a slice of lemon. Snack: Cheddar and whole wheat crackers Follow CAHEN on instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cahensocal/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CahenSoCal/].

HenPals Network

Each year, millions of laying hens in the U.S. reach the end of their commercial laying cycle, typically around 18 months of age. We organize rehoming days that connect these hens with adoptive homes, while building a community of informed and compassionate hen keepers. Founded in late 2025 by Abby Johnson, we are proud to be the first international affiliate of the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), a UK charity that has rehomed over one million hens since 2005. We’re working closely with the BHWT and our French sister organization, Champs Libres Aux Poules, to bring this proven rehoming model to the U.S. and adapt it for local conditions. Little Red Hen Drink: equal parts orange juice and grapefruit juice, elderflower liquor, sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco Little Red Pullet Drink: equal parts orange juice and grapefruit juice, elderflower syrup, sparkling grape juice Snack: trinkets and gouda cheese website: http://www.henpals.org [https://www.henpals.org] HenPals Network on all socials

All About Mareks

✨🐔 New Episode Drop! 🍹⚡ This week on Flocktail Hour, we’re diving into one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in backyard chicken keeping: Marek’s disease. We’re joined by the incredibly knowledgeable Chris Schoedel , an admin from the Mareks and Leukosis Virus Information and Support Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18LxYXpBn1/] from Facebook, who breaks down what every flock owner needs to know… without the fearmongering. Expect real talk, practical tips, a few surprising revelations, and of course… a cocktail (or two). Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just chicken-curious, this episode is PACKED with info you won’t want to miss. Grab your favorite drink and tune in—your flock will thank you. 🐓💛🍸 Drinks: Hen: Dark and Stormy with alcohol Rum (spiced) * Apple cider * Ginger Beer (we used sparking Ginger soda with probiotics) * Cut with sprite or ginger ale for taste Pullet: * Apple Cider (alcohol free) * Ginger Beer * Cut with sprite or ginger ale for taste Snack: Fried Ravioli 🎧 Listen now on Flocktail Hour! Because learning is better with a Dark & Stormy. 😉 #BackyardChickens #ChickenHealth #PoultryCare #ChickenKeepers #PodcastRecommendation

Chicken Dateline

In August, our host Rai witnessed something unforgettable and unacceptable. Three roosters were abandoned in a remote area of Missouri as a triple-digit heatwave loomed. No food. No water. No shelter. Just baby roosters left to fend for themselves. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. This episode tells the story of a miraculous rescue and the unexpected coming together of four strangers; people who had never met, lived across the country from one another, and were united by one urgent goal: saving lives. It’s a powerful reminder of how compassion can bridge distance, spark action, and turn outrage into hope. 🎧 Watch or listen to hear how it all unfolded and why speaking up matters. Red Rooster Drink: cranberry juice, orange juice, seven up, vodka Non-alcoholic version: cranberry juice, orange juice, and seven up On a hot day freeze for a slushie Snacks: Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, green onion, Boursin cheese, and cream cheese Stuff them, coat in a mixture of Panco and Parmesan cheese and bake #AnimalRescue #AnimalCrueltyAwareness #RoosterRescue #SaveAnimals #SpeakUpForAnimals #AnimalAdvocacy #CompassionInAction #RescueStory #PodcastEpisode #YouTubePodcast #Heatwave #AbandonedAnimals #JusticeForAnimals #KindnessMatters #flocktailhour

Hen-etic Testing 101 with ChickCheck.US

🧬🐔 This week on Flocktail Hour, we’re cracking open the science behind your flock! We’re talking to the amazing folks at @ChickCheck.Us [http://ChickCheck.Us] — the creators of DNA kits just for chickens! 🧪💡 Ever wonder if your “hen” is actually a rooster? Curious about breed backgrounds or egg-laying potential? ChickCheck’s got the answers — no lab coat required. 🍹Grab your favorite flocktail and join us for a cluckin’ good convo about poultry parentage, backyard science, and the future of feathered genetics. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app! Drinks-Espresso Martini Absolute Cocktails Espresso Mix Veil Vanilla Vodka Cold Foam Snacks- Espresso Chocolate Covered Strawberries www.chickcheck.us [http://www.chickcheck.us] promo code: FLOCKTAILHOUR #FlocktailHour #BackyardChickens #ChickenDNA #PoultryPodcast #ChickCheck #HomesteadLife #ChickenPeople #UrbanFarming #KnowYourFlock #CluckYeah #ChickenScience #EggsAndGenes