Haven't followed the Dutch topics very often==just not enough time. There are Dutch Bantam sites where I keep up. and sorting out all the breeds just takes more time than I can spare. DUTCH Bantams are my specialty, and I can assure you these are not Dutch Bantams. The earlobes are not the white texture, and not shaped like Dutch lobes, legs are long, not short, plumage type is not Dutch. Shape is not Dutch, either pullet or cockerel==(white earlobes and blue legs do not make or identify, a Dutch Bantam.
Do not like to frown on hatcheries, as they provide such a needed service, providing production chickens at a price we can afford. (And I will purchase large fowl chicks for eggs or meatr) But special breeds--especially the less common ones--a disaster-- If they raise their own birds for eggs- have seen pictures of their mixed flocks that can not produce what they picture. They cross breeds and varieties that should never be crossed (for the preservation of any breed, as it is distinctly different from other breeds). And hatcheries often buy the eggs they hatch--cannot be at all sure what is going to hatch. Many varieties cannot be distinguished at hatch--and they MUST be sent out day of hatch, to arrive safely. That is why some hatcheries offer only mixed varieties. So, they may have no real idea of what the chicks will grow up to be!! Several hatcheries asked to purchase eggs from me--no way would I let them be mixed with other unknown eggs--I eat the extras--give to my neighbors. They are not wasted. I do not sell eggs or chicks, but only, for the good of the Dutch Breed, see how they are growing and if worth selling to others to who want to raise the best Dutch they can.
Never feel badly about having mixed bantams--lovely pets, may be good layers and a pleasure to keep! However, if you want to raise nice specimens of a breed (not necessarily Show birds or if you fancy Showing down the road in time), do some research and learn about the breed before obtaining dear birds that you would wish were an easily identified breed. You can truly love them all!
Do not like to frown on hatcheries, as they provide such a needed service, providing production chickens at a price we can afford. (And I will purchase large fowl chicks for eggs or meatr) But special breeds--especially the less common ones--a disaster-- If they raise their own birds for eggs- have seen pictures of their mixed flocks that can not produce what they picture. They cross breeds and varieties that should never be crossed (for the preservation of any breed, as it is distinctly different from other breeds). And hatcheries often buy the eggs they hatch--cannot be at all sure what is going to hatch. Many varieties cannot be distinguished at hatch--and they MUST be sent out day of hatch, to arrive safely. That is why some hatcheries offer only mixed varieties. So, they may have no real idea of what the chicks will grow up to be!! Several hatcheries asked to purchase eggs from me--no way would I let them be mixed with other unknown eggs--I eat the extras--give to my neighbors. They are not wasted. I do not sell eggs or chicks, but only, for the good of the Dutch Breed, see how they are growing and if worth selling to others to who want to raise the best Dutch they can.
Never feel badly about having mixed bantams--lovely pets, may be good layers and a pleasure to keep! However, if you want to raise nice specimens of a breed (not necessarily Show birds or if you fancy Showing down the road in time), do some research and learn about the breed before obtaining dear birds that you would wish were an easily identified breed. You can truly love them all!
