California Greys???

[Michael Apple]

I am so encouraged to hear that. Please order some from Privett. If anything happens to their flock, Horrace Dryden's introduction to the poultry world is lost. His father's work still affects many but Horrace gave us the Cal Grey more than anyone else.

I have two groups of CA Gray from different hatch dates. I banded them as to not mix them up. They are all from Privett. I selected the best cockerel out of the 6 I had, and have some hens that I selected as very good too ( nice white ears, good body structure, and eggs every day). I don't have any incubation tools and never sought them out since I've always bought chicks. I'd like to find more literature from the Dryden's. One of my favorites is Morley A. Jull. one of the pioneers of poultry science for the 20th century.

 

[Michael Apple]

Their lines are the same as what I have. A cross of the Welp and Colonial strain. I once had a true Colonial flock and wish I would have left it so, just so it would have been the only such flock left. I found the Colonial birds to have better more true coloring and also were a little bit heavier. The Welp coloring is sometimes a bit wild or weird with a pure white feather or something. I am working to breed that out, though it has nothing to do with how well they lay.

The cockerels develop mostly white sickle feathers. Here is one I kept:

He was young and still developing his tail. I need more updated photos.

 

[farmhand]

I would be interested in some California Gray hatching eggs from Privett stock this spring if someone is interested. I live near Fresno, CA. I'm not ready yet. Doing a test hatch soon on a rebuilt bator. Tks

 

[tommysgirl]

farmhand Privett doesn't have hatching eggs for sale on their website but here is the chick link. http://www.privetthatchery.com/Home/prdDetails.aspx?id=CGS

 

[farmhand]

farmhand Privett doesn't have hatching eggs for sale on their website but here is the chick link. http://www.privetthatchery.com/Home/prdDetails.aspx?id=CGS

Thank you @tommysgirl

That is why I am prospecting for eggs thinking I may be able to pick up 6-12 somewhere since 24 chicks would overwhelm my coop in short order.

 

[Michael Apple]

If one of your local feed stores order from Privett, you could place an order with them if you don't want to order 25 chicks.

 

[tommysgirl]

What I did last year when I ordered from them was to find other people to share with. They picked their chicks up within a few days then I had just a few extra that I was able to easily sell as 6 week olds.

Another idea is to check with local feed stores etc and see if they get their chicks from Privett. Around here they will special order a small number of chicks for you to go along with their chick orders. Privett services a lot of feed and farm stores. I also found the Privett customer service to be excellent and they may be able to tell you who gets chicks from them in your area.

Good Luck!

 

[farmhand]

If one of your local feed stores order from Privett, you could place an order with them if you don't want to order 25 chicks.

That's a good idea. Although all the stores I know order from Belt in Fresno. I'll try contacting Privett and asking who they sell to in my area.

 

[tommysgirl]

Pics of my pullet Blanche









@Michael Apple I hope broody feer hits my coops in a big way this spring and summer. Will you have hatching eggs for sale?

 

[Michael Apple]

Pics of my pullet Blanche









@Michael Apple I hope broody feer hits my coops in a big way this spring and summer. Will you have hatching eggs for sale?

If you don't mind driving, I'd give you some. I have my eye on a few pullets with good structure, posture, feathering, and white ears. I'd have to take them and pen them with my cockerel for awhile to ensure fertile eggs. I'm happy with my choice of cockerels out of the 6 I had. It is hard to believe almost a year has passed.