So yesterday I was driving around to local feed and hay spots looking for chicks. They only had BO, RIR and other ones that I always see. I wanted some Marans or something that I don't already have. Harder task than it sounds like. I was angry at Aden Hay Sales because I stopped, saw they had Marans and came back just before closing to pick mine up. I go to pay and tell the guy I want 3 Marans and he says we don't have Marans. I say well there's a sign out on te brooder that says you do and another couple were buying them before me as Marans. His girl counterpart says " YEH I just havent switched the sign yet" I turned and walked off. Customer Service is almost gone completely. Feed stores are on their way out.
So I came home and started looking on CL for chicks. Found some out here in QC but when I inquired about the breeds I was shocked by the price.
Buff Leghorns $15
Lavender Orps $20
Blue Frizzle Orp $15
is this normal? I asked why so high (because I had sticker shock) and was told because they're rare pure bred chickens. Wanted to check and see if this is normal?
This is what is happening and it is sad. There are so-called breeders out there who are only out to make a buck. They get crazy colors that aren't in the SOP and try to charge a lot of money. They are not really interested in bettering a breed that is already in the Standard, and there are a lot of breeds that are in the APA SOP that need help, need work from dedicated breeders to make a comeback. But no, these people are not interested in that, they want the newest fanciest color and try to sell for lots of money then they are off and on to something else. Yes the Buff Leghorn is in the SOP but those 2 colors of Orpingtons are not. I think I know the person who posted those on CL because she has been posting a lot on one of the FB poultry groups, Lav. Orp. chicks for $20. Advertising a lot, pushing those chicks. I have heard about people paying a lot more for exotic colored chicks of various breeds that aren't in the SOP. But you know what they say about a fool and his money
but here is a pic of her and her mottled "sister"
.
e I also loved in Oahu for 3.5 years in the early 90's! 
I just won't rest easy until I catch it, but if it is a fox, may not go for the trap. Oh, and one of my Blue Ameraucana pullets must have hurt herself that night of the attack, because now she can't walk, her leg is sprawled out. She was in a pen adjacent to the birds that were killed and was having problems that next morning. She is in isolation now but not sure if she will recover. Mentally, I still haven't recovered 
Who would have thought fads would hit the poultry world, but they have.
.....this is why I bought 4 ( 2 Black copper Marans & 2 BR) from desertmarcy yesterday when I was an hour from Tucson. 
