Since you specifically mentioned wanting to breed the birds to the standard so they look the way you want, I would visit shows. Talk to people who are showing the breeds you're interested in. Join breed-specific Facebook groups (ones associated with breed clubs would have more sound advice on...
Before you drop a large sum of money on starting a breeding program, you need to think of what you want to accomplish. If you want to breed to the standard and compete in shows, study the standard and visit some poultry shows first. Speak to judges and breeders to see what traits you should be...
My cheap countertop incubator crapped out this year and resulted in the loss of many of my chicks. We upgraded to a cabinet incubator and currently awaiting the first batch of eggs to come out.
These two babies are the only chicks so far from this spring's hatch:
They are in a really ugly...
I decided to start a new thread now that I've had Jersey Giants for a couple of years and refined my flock. Previous Giant thread was here if you're curious.
We decided to focus solely on our white Giants at this time and 2024 has been a big year for them. I am currently hatching my second...
They look like typical Jersey Giant chicks. :) You mention that they seem small and also they were kept in poor condition before you got them. Keep food in front of them and hopefully it will counter their rough start. Jersey Giants grow very slowly and eat a ton. I try not to evaluate mine too...
Quality of the bird and your location can influence prices quite a bit. For show or elevated breeding quality chickens, I've seen asking prices upward of $100 per bird. I also look at it as: how much do you want the silkies in question? If you really like the looks of them and want these...
A lot would really depend on your goals.
Are you interested in showing? If so, I would start with birds from an experienced breeder in a breed you are interested in.
If you just want to breed dual purpose chickens, I would want:
* good laying (4+ eggs per week)
* good foraging ability and/or...
For a fast growing breed, you definitely do not want Jersey Giants. They get huge, but not quickly. 8-10 months is the earliest I'd want to butcher mine and in that time they have eaten a LOT. Slow cooking is best at that age. As Amer stated, you'd be better off with another breed if fast-grown...
There is a lady in Georgia who has Faverolles. Her program is called Snobby Silkies.
I have personally had eggs shipped (of a different breed) from Caitlin of Keep On TruckinHomeNStead in New York. I believe she still has some Faverolles or could recommend someone to you if she no longer keeps...
No DQs LOL. The highlight of the day was my homebred cockerel getting Reserve American! I had the only Jersey Giants, but there was a decent American class.
In my opinion, they don't have a DQ, but I'm still nervous I'm overlooking something.
Also, white birds are surprisingly hard to keep clean. I posted in the club FB group hoping for some magic tip the experts know. Nope, just bathe and hope for the best.
They are susceptible to frostbite. In addition, they do not grow quickly. If you are set on buying from a hatchery, their Jersey Giants will disappoint in the size department.
Hold out for the breed you want. :)
It can definitely change with time. Twice I have marked a few of my Jersey Giants as culls too early. Mainly because they looked too small and thin at the time and I was inexperienced. Waited for them to grow to go in the freezer. I went out one day and they were completely different. Better...
I'm not familiar with any of the breeds you're interested in so I can't help you with specifics. I would encourage you to buy a SOP. Some breed clubs will post the breed standard on their website, some do not. When I joined the National Jersey Giant Club, I was sent copies of drawings...