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 and Facebook.

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

HenPals Network on all socials

✨🐔 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 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