Did you lose many in the hatches? That is what I am afraid of. Paying for the eggs, post office does a lousy job and then I lose most of the eggs before they hatch.I don't have lots of money either.
I love Cochin's. So since I can't afford adult birds... And no one lives near me that breeds them. I choose to ship eggs in. I was super scared too but fig I would try. So spent the money on eggs and took the risk. I make sure who I get eggs from is no Joe shmo...I buy from nice wonderful breeders who take lots of pride in their flocks. And appreciate to have the opportunity to buy their hard work.
And now I have lots of birds from diff bloodlines and breeders. I have all sorts of type, so.e poor to nice and lovely.
Its something ya might want to give a try. I'm sure glad I did and continue to do.