- Apr 4, 2013
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First of all, NONE of the stock from any of the hatcheries are likely to be SQ. They're not in the business of providing such stock. Some of their birds, yes, end up in county fairs, and since there are likely few competitors in the classes in SMALL county fairs, the judges will pick the birds closest to the standard that are presented, so those are considered SQ by their owners, because they won a blue ribbon. So, consider the size of the fair from which the blue ribbon came from... if it was a state fair, or regional competition, you're more likely to consider the value of that ribbon.I would definitely find a breeder either locally or from this site. I've been disappointed in the quality of my birds as soon as they got some feathers.
That's a "light brahma" on the right, doesn't exactly look like the picture of their nice catalog.
Black silkie
I'll take more pictures tomorrow, but there's a lot of little things. Like my New Hampshire reds have no black specks on their neck/shoulder, etc.. Idk, I did get a couple I like, but their nowhere near show quality IMO and I don't even show chickens.
McMurray Hatchery will pick their best looking birds (which actually are the stock of their individual providers... McMurray gets eggs in from all over their area breeders, who are in the business of supplying eggs to McMurray to hatch) for their catalogs. McMurray is nothing but an incubator/hatching/shipping service, the same for MOST hatcheries, especially the larger commercial ones like McMurray, Meyer, Cackle, etc. Even MyPetChicken.com does not provide chicks from their own stock, because they have none... they contract with breeders from all over the country, and the stock comes directly from the breeder... none of it comes from MPC... MPC is nothing but a broker, connecting buyers with breeders, as an intermediary.
Now, with that knowlege in hand, if you're looking for show quality stock, then search for breeders who work on improving the quality of their stock, and not in it for the money, but for the improvement of the breed. It takes time, dedication and effort, but it can be done. This site is a great place to start... check the BST threads, and open dialogues with the members who are interested in the same breeds as you are... network with them, and ask... who has good quality birds, and really cares about the breed?
