Hey everyone, Cody here! I’ve talked a lot about my past experiences raising chickens and running Chickstagram, but today I want to dive into what’s going on in my life right now—my journey as a Poultry Science student at Texas A&M University.
Studying poultry at Texas A&M has been an incredible experience. Ever since I started raising chickens as a kid, I knew I wanted to dive deeper into the science behind poultry care and management. Now, I get to do that every day! I’m currently focused on a range of topics, from poultry nutrition to genetics, and even getting hands-on experience with research projects that aim to improve the industry.
One of the most exciting parts of my time here is working on my own research project. I’m currently studying keel bone fractures in laying hens, a significant issue in the poultry world. By using 3D renders of keel bones and applying finite element analysis (FEA), I’m able to simulate how different stressors affect bone integrity. It’s a deep dive into biomechanics, but it’s rewarding to think that this research could contribute to improving the welfare of laying hens in the future.
What I’ve learned so far is that poultry science is much more than just feeding and raising chickens. There’s a whole world of data, genetics, health management, and even engineering involved. My coursework and research have opened my eyes to how interconnected the poultry industry is with food systems, sustainability, and even technology. Every day, I’m learning something new that makes me even more passionate about this field.
Another big part of my experience at A&M has been the community. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for poultry that I do. Whether it’s professors who are experts in their field or fellow students who geek out over new advances in poultry tech, there’s always someone to learn from or share ideas with.
It’s wild to think that what started as a fun Instagram page has led me here, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey. I’m looking forward to seeing where this degree takes me—and of course, sharing everything I learn along the way with all of you.