I'm not really promoting hatchery birds, if you look back to where I started my Brahma project you would understand why I'm trying to get the two feed stores to carry some additional types of birds. I would like nothing more than to have the kids start showing high quality, breeder bred chickens. Unfortunately, first I need to get them off of the showing fighting stock and try to make sure that there is an ample supply of birds for them to choose from.
The only breeder that I am aware of in this area is one that I wouldn't even consider buying from. When a breeder has signs all over the place telling everyone to stay out, kind of makes me think about puppy mills. After visiting her facility, I can understand why she doesn't want anyone coming onto her place. It is probably the only facility that I've ever been to that I took my shoes and soaked them in bleach after leaving.
There are some nice breeders in the northern part of the state, and my hopes are that eventually I can be one of those breeders as well. Right now, I just don't have the stock to let any eggs or chickens go next spring. In the meantime, the next best option for the kids is to encourage the feed stores to carry some "different" birds, not just the standard barred rock, sex links and rhode island reds. I suppose I could just let them show nothing at all, or even just keep the fighting stock for showing (and fighting, although it is illegal now). Sorry I started such a heated debate, didn't mean to.
No not at all! Check out APA's site, call your district director, go to local shows, that's just how connections are done. Don't expect to do everything from behind a computer desk. Shipping birds is relatively inexpensive if you have to go that route. Never give up. Contact breed clubs and find out who is in your area. I've said it before and I'll say it a million more times, most of the best breeders are NOT on-line. There's a few, and then even fewer of those that can be found on this site, but breed clubs and shows are your most valuble resources for finding actual real breeders, and not just propagators. Edit: We do have some great enablers on here too, I just don't know many people down in the SW otherwise I'd be able to recommend someone.
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