BYC members in Massachusetts?

[Merrymouse]

You could try the poultry show at the big E 14th and 15th. It is free and they have a sales area. Try to go Sat as they close early on Sunday around noon.

Are you kidding? I'm definitely going. I go there all the time for dog shows its like my second home. What perfect timing and I had no idea about it so thanks for letting me know.

 

[Merrymouse]

In spring I will have eggs and chicks, for Blue Black Splash Ameraucanas and Copper Marans, Wheaten Ameraucanas, Legbars and White Sport Legbars along with some easter egger and olive egger crosses and Welsh Harlequin ducks. I am near the CT/ MA border in the North Granby CT Southwick MA area. I usually list on Craigslist so that is a good place to look for someone close to you.

Thank you, I will certainly keep this in mind. Not really the breeds I was looking for but who knows, Im still in the research stage. Im not far from you either probably about 30 minutes.

 

[Merrymouse]

Hi MerryMouse... Welcome to BYC's! You will find SO much information here and SO many great people willing to answer any questions that come up!

Last May I found a local place which sold "day-old" chicks with a minimum quantity of 4, and we could mix with any breeds they had listed on the form! We only purchased 5.

Depending on where in MA you are, you may be surprised to find a local feed store that will do the same. We used Devine Feed: http://devinefeedandpet.com/new-page-68/ They start taking orders in February! They are a sister store of Hanson Feed, here is a link to their 2016 order list of breeds available: http://assets.newmediaretailer.com/tasks/25199/updated-chick-2016.pdf They had a breed description pdf as well: http://assets.newmediaretailer.com/259000/259562/hanson-chicken-back-page-hg.pdf

They state on the form that they use a farm that has a 90% F sexing rate. Of the 5, one was a male. Our friend who got 8 at the same time, had one male out of 8.

Call around, maybe even be willing to travel a bit..... you will need a local place to get all the "chicken essentials" anyway!

Good luck in this new adventure, keep us posted on what you find in youe area and how things are going!

Wow, this sounds fantastic and I will definitely be checking that option. The breeds Im thinking about are fairly common, I think and none of the are "have to have it" Just figuring it all out. Im sure I'll like whatever I get. Going to go look at the links you gave now, Thanks!

 

[Merrymouse]

Hi MerryMouse... Welcome to BYC's! You will find SO much information here and SO many great people willing to answer any questions that come up!

Last May I found a local place which sold "day-old" chicks with a minimum quantity of 4, and we could mix with any breeds they had listed on the form! We only purchased 5.



They state on the form that they use a farm that has a 90% F sexing rate. Of the 5, one was a male. Our friend who got 8 at the same time, had one male out of 8.

Call around, maybe even be willing to travel a bit..... you will need a local place to get all the "chicken essentials" anyway!

Good luck in this new adventure, keep us posted on what you find in youe area and how things are going!

So I tried to respond to you but the post got bumped to the moderator because you posted links and I cant post links yet so if you get this twice sorry. Anyway, Thanks for this info, that sounds like a great option. None of the birds on my list are "have to have it" Im sure I will like whatever breeds I do end up with. Going to check out the links you supplied now Thanks.

 

[windyridgefarm]

Are you kidding? I'm definitely going. I go there all the time for dog shows its like my second home. What perfect timing and I had no idea about it so thanks for letting me know.

Your welcome, I have always wanted to go to one of the dog shows there. My mom breeds wire fox terriers and loves to watch the shows on TV.
I cant tell you how many times I missed the poultry show thinking it was later in the season. Give yourself a few hours to see it all. There is poultry of every type from the mini call ducks to pigeons. I only wish it lasted longer.

 

[keesmom]

Are you kidding? I'm definitely going. I go there all the time for dog shows its like my second home. What perfect timing and I had no idea about it so thanks for letting me know.

It's the Poultry Congress. Also open Fri from 3-8.

http://www.poultrycongress.com/

Mention you are there for the poultry show and you won't have to pay for parking.

 

[Merrymouse]

It's the Poultry Congress. Also open Fri from 3-8.

http://www.poultrycongress.com/

Mention you are there for the poultry show and you won't have to pay for parking.

Good tip about the parking, that place takes enough of my money

Going to check out the link now, Thanks!

 

[Marygerl]

If anyone is interested, the Agway in Waltham has chicks!! They also have older pullets available (golden comets).

 

[keesmom]

This is a new one. Anyone else ever have chickens attacked by vultures? A pair of black vultures attacked my daughter's favorite cockerel. I thought it was odd when a raven started making a racket out back. The cockerel managed to dive under the coop. He has a bloody head, but he's lucky it wasn't a hawk. Unfortunately one hen died. I assume from a heart attack. There wasn't a mark on her.

 

[Merrymouse]

Quote:
That is weird. I thought vultures only ate carrion. Sorry this happened.