Duane Urch does operate a hatchery in the state of MN. What constitutes a hatchery though?
In the state of MN if I want to legally sell hatching eggs or chicks I now have to be a licensed hatchery which also means I might as well be a NPIP member, because my stock would need to have been flock tested for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid etc. in order to sell anything. This is now required even at swap meets and in order to show birds in MN. They must have health records. I myself raise large fowl and bantams of one breed of chickens and will soon be operating a hatchery in the state of MN.
Now back to the subject of Duane Urch. I have had the great pleasure and privilege of knowing Duane for close to 20 years. He is a walking encyclopedia of poultry knowledge. Duane is a fine human being who eats sleeps and drinks poultry. Poultry is his source of income. A lot of his birds win at the local and even state level of fairs and shows.
He currently has about 100 varieties of chickens, geese, turkeys and Muscovy ducks. He is the closest thing to a private breeder you will find operating a hatchery. He shows what he sells. His birds are bred to the APA standard. You can obtain very good foundation stock from him. Note key word foundation. Some of his birds are excellent right out of the egg, while others will need a few years of work to get up to really competitive show quality.
Truth of the matter is, no one can raise 100 varieties of national show quality birds. No one. If that is what you need to get started contact the best show winner of the breed you want plop down 300.00 or more for a trio and figure how you will get them from his farm to yours. Remember what Mr. Sturgeon said Start where you are and with what you have. Pick a breed and start with the best you can afford from a reliable and forthcoming breeder you trust.
18 years ago I bought two trios of show quality bantams from a nationally known breeder that were drop dead gorgeous show birds. Showed them and won at several shows. Then came breeding season the hens laid like crazy and the cock birds were both sterile. Paid 500.00 US dollars for 6 birds. I was so happy I gave them to a kid because he liked them and I knew he would take good care of them.
I live about 45 miles from Duane. He currently does not have a website. Perhaps in the near future. You can PM me and I will try to get a few pics on my next visit of what you folks would like to see. Hoping this doesnt turn into a couple hundred pics. I will also get a current list to post for the 2011 season.
Charlie
The pics are coming Bob.
In the state of MN if I want to legally sell hatching eggs or chicks I now have to be a licensed hatchery which also means I might as well be a NPIP member, because my stock would need to have been flock tested for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid etc. in order to sell anything. This is now required even at swap meets and in order to show birds in MN. They must have health records. I myself raise large fowl and bantams of one breed of chickens and will soon be operating a hatchery in the state of MN.
Now back to the subject of Duane Urch. I have had the great pleasure and privilege of knowing Duane for close to 20 years. He is a walking encyclopedia of poultry knowledge. Duane is a fine human being who eats sleeps and drinks poultry. Poultry is his source of income. A lot of his birds win at the local and even state level of fairs and shows.
He currently has about 100 varieties of chickens, geese, turkeys and Muscovy ducks. He is the closest thing to a private breeder you will find operating a hatchery. He shows what he sells. His birds are bred to the APA standard. You can obtain very good foundation stock from him. Note key word foundation. Some of his birds are excellent right out of the egg, while others will need a few years of work to get up to really competitive show quality.
Truth of the matter is, no one can raise 100 varieties of national show quality birds. No one. If that is what you need to get started contact the best show winner of the breed you want plop down 300.00 or more for a trio and figure how you will get them from his farm to yours. Remember what Mr. Sturgeon said Start where you are and with what you have. Pick a breed and start with the best you can afford from a reliable and forthcoming breeder you trust.
18 years ago I bought two trios of show quality bantams from a nationally known breeder that were drop dead gorgeous show birds. Showed them and won at several shows. Then came breeding season the hens laid like crazy and the cock birds were both sterile. Paid 500.00 US dollars for 6 birds. I was so happy I gave them to a kid because he liked them and I knew he would take good care of them.
I live about 45 miles from Duane. He currently does not have a website. Perhaps in the near future. You can PM me and I will try to get a few pics on my next visit of what you folks would like to see. Hoping this doesnt turn into a couple hundred pics. I will also get a current list to post for the 2011 season.
Charlie
The pics are coming Bob.
