Them types of backyard breeders are everywhere.
We have one here in our county too. I actually somewhat get along with him but don't send anyone to him.
He pulled a shady thing on me a few yes ago. Bought hatching eggs from me as he seen how well I do with my breed I raise and sell. He hatched them out and just as they was at laying age for him a mink kill a lot of the hens off. So he had a large amount of roos for the small amount of hens. So he asked for more eggs. For some reason I declined. Now I'm glad I did.
Later I found out he was telling everyone who got some eggs and chicks from him at a quarter of what I'm asking was informing folks that his birds are nicer quality then mine.
His few he didn't loose was inbreeding badly as they was siblings and keeping daughters on top of daughters. He lost the rest to more predictors and cold this yr and I will never make that mistake again.
I love my lil birds and take a lot of pride in them. I may not have top show quality but all are pretty and healthy and spoiled as a chicken flock can get. I may sell their eggs and chicks at a good price but it comes nowhere close to what I have into them. But they are pets 1st and pocket change makers 2nd.
And unfortunately, it happens with any type of animal that is bred. Not just chickens. Mills happen to every animal.
A breeders #1 priority should be to improve upon the breed, cash should not be of much concern. If cash is the top priority then it is a mill!! Folks would do best by working for a living and raising quality animals for pure pleasure and to improve the breed. Money is the ultimate corrupter!! Good luck with your ventures in the future, just never lose sight of what's important... THE CRITTERS!!!
