Show quality from a hatchery??

Hi! I am interested in buying nice Chickens (esp BLRW) but my hubby thinks the $25/chick that some breeders want is a lil steep, (especially for unsexed birds) so I am probably going to have to settle for hatchery chicks for now. I was just wondering if anyone has gotten show quality Chickens from a hatchery? And if so, what hatchery & what kind of Chickens did you get? I am interested in almost any Chicken that is "blue".
Thanks

$25 ea for chicks?!!? That person feeling alright? You can try breeders on these forums many people breed BLRW. If you do get them from a hatchery chances are most likely there going to be small and horrible lacing.

It's not likely you will find show quality from a hatchery. Also, if you order any variety of blue bird, from a breeder or a hatchery, be aware you could get blue, black or splash chicks.

It is possible, but highly unlikely, to get show quality birds from a hatchery. Hatcheries do not breed to conform as closely to breed standards as possible. They operate on too large a scale for that, and they sell for cheap so they would not make a profit if they put that much thought and work into it.

Reading this thread, I was wondering where would be the best place to buy show quality chicks from?

Gingersnap722 said:

Reading this thread, I was wondering where would be the best place to buy show quality chicks from?

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The concept that one can buy "show quality" chicks is a bit of a misnomer. We breed some of the very best birds in a couple of breeds we enjoy, but I can assure you that even if I put my very best cockbird over my very best pullet or hen, the resultant chicks might or might not be "show quality". I can just about assure you, however, that the resultant chicks would be very, very good and provide someone with a group of birds that they could then work on to achieve their own breeding goals. Does that make sense?

There are many excellent breeders of certain breeds here on BYC while with other breeds, the best breeders don't even have an internet presence whatsoever. You have to first decide what breed you desire. Through patience and through speaking to lots and lots of contacts, you'll eventually locate a breeder that will work with you. Some sell live birds, others sell chicks and a few will ship eggs.

Some sell 99% of their sale birds at poultry shows and will meet you there to make the exchange.

So, what breed are you seeking? Maybe we can help point you in the right direction.

Thanks! Right now I'm just starting to get information, so not ready to venture into a certain breed. I appreciate the info and it makes a lot of sense.

Yeah, even if you find good stock chicks from show lines it doesn't mean all the chicks are going to look like there show parents but most should. Much better chance of keeping birds from a show stock then a hatchery though.

A lot of people scream "cull" if there might be some defaults at a young age, but I give them a chance, if they don't meet the standard as they're older then they are killed for meat or going to the livestock auction.

My 4-H members were told that if they buy hatchery birds or birds from a feed store that they need to show them in a commercial or crossbred class because they won't be up to standard of the show quality. The judges have to have a base for judging and that is the standard of perfection. Even in the 4-H world they are asking kids to buy from breeders rather than hatchery. Best of luck finding what you want! I have a bunch of 4-H members looking for birds and we are having a hard time finding them.

rk7800 said:

My 4-H members were told that if they buy hatchery birds or birds from a feed store that they need to show them in a commercial or crossbred class because they won't be up to standard of the show quality. The judges have to have a base for judging and that is the standard of perfection. Even in the 4-H world they are asking kids to buy from breeders rather than hatchery. Best of luck finding what you want! I have a bunch of 4-H members looking for birds and we are having a hard time finding them.

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Try posting on the Heritage thread and ask for help. Some of them will sale birds at a discount price for 4-H members.