BYC members in Massachusetts?

[scaryscorpion]

I bought my eggs here on BYC, great show quality Silkies. They just hatched last night and a few more are hatching today (So exciting!)

Here's a video of them hatching if anyone's interested.

 

[OtterD]

What breed(s) of bantams are you looking for? There are definitely breeders in northern MA and southern NH, but it depends on what your priorities are. If you want to show, you're better off getting birds at one of the shows. If you want egg production in a cute package but not necessarily show quality, Ideal's bantam specials are probably your best bet. If you want small numbers of decent purebreds or cute crossbreds/designers, and you want more personal support, then the swap-type breeders are great.

I have a bunch of bantams that I would characterize as tiny designer mixes - we did it on purpose because the health of Serama is so bad. The dads are purebred A and B Seramas and the moms are tiny Old English Games, Dutch, Japs, etc. They'll be around a pound and they should be vigorous layers in a ton of colors. I also have a pen that we put together based on shape - very round, soft, cute birds. Dads are a silkie and a barred cochin and moms are cochin mixes, silkie mixes, brahmas, wyandottes. That's what I'm personally likely to be selling this winter. People buy from me NOT because of show quality (obviously) but because my birds are so well cared for, we mix our own feed, we care a ton about health, and we offer lifetime support. I'm really happy with that, and don't want to get into the show world (I show my dogs and that's insane enough, trust me). So - define your goal and then find your breeder and you'll be happiest.

Thanks Joanna. I'm not particular about breeds right now, know I would like some silkies and cochins and I sort of lean towards the unusual. I'm not looking to show but my daughter would like them for 4H (so primarily pets). I just haven't seen many breeders listed around here. But with spring just around the corner, I think that might change.

 

[OtterD]

There is a breeder in Wrentham that has great Silkies (as far as health and fluffiness, I am not a judge of show quality so I can't comment on that) as well as Rocks, Reds, Polish, and probably others. I think they are done hatching until Spring, but I highly recommend them if you get a chance. I have bought two batches of chicks from them and they've been great. Plus, you get to see the parents, which is neat.

Not sure if BYC rules allows me to post their name and number on here- anyone know? You can also PM me for the info.

I've seen his listings on CL but wasn't sure of the quality, etc. I'm happy that you posted firsthand knowledge as I will look into his chicks when I see him post them.

 

[OtterD]

Also have gotten several of my chickens from swaps and shows. There is the NE Poultry Congress show at the Big E in Springfield on Jan 19 and 20 - I would bet there will be a large swap/sale section there.

Yes, I just found out about that so thanks for the heads up. I am going to try to make it to see what they have.

 

[littlecritters]

Hi, there is a thread for the Northeastern Poultry Congress to enablel folks to pre-arrange sales, swaps, meetups etc. Hope to see some of you there!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/731397/northeast-poultry-congress-2013

 

[NorthEastNick]

New member here in Berkley (SE MA) flock of about 30 mixed breeds. Just saying hello!

 

[Arielle]

Nick-- welcome!!!

 

[scaryscorpion]

Welcome Nick!

 

[Yashar]

New member here in Berkley (SE MA) flock of about 30 mixed breeds. Just saying hello!

Hi Nick,

I'm in Plymouth. Mixed flock here... (not mixed breeds), mostly South American heritage stock.

Yashar

 

[spotsplus]

New member here in Berkley (SE MA) flock of about 30 mixed breeds. Just saying hello!

Welcome Nick! I'm just north of you in Franklin

Tammie