Chickens for 10-20 years or more? Pull up a rockin' chair and lay some wisdom on us!

[Beekissed]

I know....we have no breeders in these parts.

Heck, I'd just waste 'em anyway by just breeding for my own use and not developing the blood lines. That sort of undertaking is too rich for my blood...or pocketbook. I'm just an old country woman keeping these birds for the food.

Fred says he may throw me a bone to gnaw on this spring...and I'll definitely snatch it up and keep it if he does.

 

[kathyinmo]

I know....we have no breeders in these parts.

Heck, I'd just waste 'em anyway by just breeding for my own use and not developing the blood lines. That sort of undertaking is too rich for my blood...or pocketbook. I'm just an old country woman keeping these birds for the food.

Fred says he may throw me a bone to gnaw on this spring...and I'll definitely snatch it up and keep it if he does.

What do you think I do? My freezer is full up! Meat and eggs - that's my game!
Think Delawares....... yes, I think you should try out some Delawares. Not hatchery Dels, now...
Hmmm, I might know someone that could ship you some next spring. Just for an experiment, mind you. You experiment with them and see what you think.

Are you game?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Don't blink. Say yes!!!!!

 

[capayvalleychick]

You will like them!!!

 

[Beekissed]

What do you think I do? My freezer is full up! Meat and eggs - that's my game!
Think Delawares....... yes, I think you should try out some Delawares. Not hatchery Dels, now...
Hmmm, I might know someone that could ship you some next spring. Just for an experiment, mind you. You experiment with them and see what you think.

Are you game?

GAME???? I'm the whole playing field!!!

I really like Delawares...used to have a few in some far distant past and really liked the bird but never got back into having any. I'm not blinkin' and I'm not moving except to mouth the words, YES, I most certainly would love to have some Delawares from a certain bloodline and would treat them like the gold that they are!


Uh...was that too loud?

 

[Beekissed]

Sorry...got excited.

 

[kathyinmo]

OK, you got it! Come spring hatching time - you have agreed to accept some Delawares to experiment with! I think you will find these birds to be excellent foragers, fairly fast growers, and terrific layers. Not to mention, they are mighty tasty! I tried Cornish Cross, for quick meat.... ummm, they are simply not nearly as tasty as these heritage birds are. I think you will see and taste a difference.

 

[caj1985]

I have to say I got some Delaware hatching eggs from the University of Arkansas where one of the professors there tries to bring birds back to SOP and gives eggs away to whomever wants them with priority to kids in FFA or 4-H. These were the first pullet eggs so only had one hatch (I only got 6 as an experiment.) She is about 4 weeks now and in a brooder with Brahma, Houdan and Faverolles. She is double the size of the others and triple the size of my one measly Araucana. I have never seen anything grow the way this chick did. I will say the eggs were about the size of the double yoker that my BR throws occasionally.

I'm waiting to see how she develops and will go back and get more in the spring.

 

[Beekissed]

OK, you got it! Come spring hatching time - you have agreed to accept some Delawares to experiment with! I think you will find these birds to be excellent foragers, fairly fast growers, and terrific layers. Not to mention, they are mighty tasty! I tried Cornish Cross, for quick meat.... ummm, they are simply not nearly as tasty as these heritage birds are. I think you will see and taste a difference.

I am humbled and awed at your offer.

I am not worthy... but I don't think you will hear any argument from this side of the coop! Thank you a million times, Kathy! I'll be thinning out this flock of hatchery birds come spring and will have a nearly empty coop. I can't think more than two or three will make the cut, if that. They are very old. They've been good old birds and it's hard to part with them but every season brings new birds and the world goes 'round.

 

[NikkiMiChickie]

So given the study that declares a large red comb as a sign of fertility in hens, do I hatch eggs from my extra-large floppy combed leghorn hen? What Would Bee Do? Lol. I know it's ultimately my decision, but if there is a good reason NOT to breed her, I'd love to hear it.

Other news: my flock is now silkie-free. Jerk roo left tonight to go to his new home on 80 acres. I'm curious to see whether he survives the winter, but I didn't want to feed him just to see