Are the hatcheries that sell show quality chicks
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Are the hatcheries that sell show quality chicks
But you have a higher chance at show quality chickens if they come from show quality stock.
Yes that is true. Private breeders will probably have way better standards than hatcheries. I do have a few beautiful birds I just don't want to inbreed them you know what I mean? I'm trying to get stock from at least three different places that way I can keep changing them out and not inbreed them I think it makes for an inferior chicken.
Actually, some of the best birds in the country are line bred, father to granddaughter, etc. But, one must know how to do it well and when and if new blood is needed. I have been doing a form of line breeding myself here in my Stukel line of Barred Plymouth Rocks, though I do have plans to cross some of those with one line I acquired this past year from another breeder. My young breeding male from that line is an example. His father is also his half brother, his mother is his grandmother. He is fabulous and an improvement on his father in several areas. Actually, I think that Marvin Stukel, who produces what I feel are the very best Barred Rocks in the country, line breeds, but don't quote me on that. The term "50 year pure line" is tossed around in reference to his birds. That sounds like line breeding to me.
As far as hatcheries go, I've had chickens from three hatcheries. Not one was what I'd call "quality". Not to mention, almost all the hens died of reproductive malfunctions. In wanting to avoid that, I quit buying hatchery stock, period. Now, I have 8-10 year old hens, some of those who still lay. Only one or two hens that came from good quality breeder stock ever died from a reproductive malfunction compared to 15 or so hatchery hens. If you want to show, forget hatcheries. If you want hens to live a long, long life, forget hatcheries (yes, some hens are exceptions, but overall, hatcheries are not where you want to get birds for longevity). If you just want layers, hatcheries are fine. Even birds who are not to standard can be nice to look at.
Thank you very much! You're so knowledgeable!