Colorado

[Minchi]

Hello! I am new to the forum, and just getting (seriously) into chickens. What hatcheries or breeders are there in the Colorado Springs area? Thanks in advance!

Welcome!!

 

[wsmith]

Marans or Barnevelders 9sp), actually any large heritage breed.

Welcome Suncatcher!

There are several of us here that do some breeding. I do Qmerican Dominiques. Not really big birds, but they are the Coolest!

 

[wsmith]

Fair enough! I will give them a call once I'm through month end closing and a pricing meeting tomorrow, or maybe I'll just wait until Friday.

It's been some kind of week. Had a burglary at the landfill my office is at last night, luckily no attempt to break into the office building, but some items from the shop, a trailer, and some fuel were taken, and inexplicably, a fuel nozzle was left on "drip" - luckily all within the containment, so no environmental contamination. Sherriff's deputy was on scene before 4 am and was still there when I arrived at 7. Great public servant. Reviewed video with me, and left to scour the neighborhood.

Coworker learned yesterday her mother has cancer, and the limited information she has now doesn't sound good. Her father has been ill the last five years, and it is likely her mother has ignored some symptoms she perhaps should have paid attention to in the interest of caring for her husband and working full time. Wendell, if there is anything in particular you think is useful information I might pass along to her, I would be most appreciative. And please take care of yourself.

Pozees,

I hope the mischief at WM stays south, and doesn’t come up near our place.

My condolences to your co-worker. These things can be hard, not only on the patient but on their families and close friends as well. One thing that Beth and I decided right from the first was to be honest with our kids about the whole thing. That didn’t meant that they got all the details, but we let them know what was going on. I don’t know what kind of cancer she has, but it sounds like things are quite serious. Some parents try to shield their kids, no matter what their age, from bad news and harm. Doctors also don’t always tell the patient or the family the complete story. I have had to do a lot of research on Beth’s particular type of Breast Cancer, and with that knowledge we were able to ask specific questions of the medical teams that got us good answers. I would encourage her to look into it and get to know the enemy. It can be a sober process, but she needs to remember that it may not all be bad, putting it all in perspective.

Here is an excerpt from a piece I wrote that was on our company website last month. Hopefully you and she can use it and perhaps benefit from it:

During Beth’s most recent hospital stay, which included the Emergency room, the Critical Care unit, the Cardio-vascular unit, and the Cancer Unit of Penrose-St Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Beth and I came up with and posted several helpful tips on Facebook for those who may come in contact with and associate with cancer patients and survivors. I would like to share some of them with you in hopes that others may find them useful:

1. Just because they haven’t lost their hair doesn’t mean that they aren’t receiving treatment.

Many treatments don’t make the patient’s hair fall out. When we assume that all is well, just because the outward appearance doesn’t scream CANCER, sometimes the patient can feel that no one cares. People who are going through treatments or living with this disease need care and understanding, even though it may not look like they are having problems.

1. Don’t be offended if they don’t always seem to be paying attention

Cancer patients are frequently on some pretty heavy drugs. These drugs can do many things to a person, from making them sick, giving them headaches, or affecting their memory or judgment. You may walk up to them and start talking and then realize that they may not even know you for a minute or two. Be patient with them and don’t be judgmental.

1. Don’t be offended if they seem grumpy

Again, you may not be aware of what they are going through. They may be experiencing pain or discomfort due to their treatment or the cancer itself, or may be dealing with an uncertain future. Worry and uncertainty are now part of their every-day existence. They are dealing with other things which in reality, may be of greater importance that what it others may be aware of.

1. Not all cancers are the same.

Each cancer is different, and each person can react differently to their specific type and to whatever treatment their doctors may prescribe. Some people may be willing to look in to non-traditional treatments, some may not. Do not force your opinion of treatment options. Usually, the patient has a competent doctor or caregiver that usually has a little more experience in this that we do. Just because something worked for your sister’s friend’s cousin doesn’t mean it will work in everybody. Treatments can vary greatly depending on the person and their situation.

1. Don’t ignore it or them: Know your enemy - Cancer

People frequently misunderstand cancer and what is does to the person and their families. Sometimes people choose to ignore the situation, and sometimes in an effort to deal with it they ignore the person and avoid them. Each cancer patient and survivor is different, but in our experience it makes a difference when people understand the situation. Know your enemy. The enemy is cancer. You don’t have to avoid the topic unless the patient wants it that way, but when we talk about it with them, without trivializing the issue, it become more real and then becomes something we can all face, and hopefully someday beat. Do some reading from good sources; take the time to get to know a little of what the person is dealing with.

1. Don’t just ask how things are….

We have a very good support system, both from church, our friends, and our small community. Many of these people are well meaning, but sometimes come up to the patient, in this case my wife Beth, and say something to the effect of, “How are you?” Mind you, Beth will sometimes look like death warmed over when this occurs. Once she answered, “Really? I have cancer and I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck! Isn’t it obvious?” It had been a bad day J. Sometimes it’s better to take a couple of seconds and be observant. Don’t always ask how the person is. Ask them how their day is going, or how they are feeling right now. Use some good judgment and empathy.

1. Give help sincerely and wisely

We are frequently asked if there is anything someone can do for us. Generally, they will be thanked, and told all is good. However, sometimes it may be better if you ask the person if you can do something specific for them. Don’t make the patient or the patient’s family comes up with a good deed for you to do, you may not like what they ask of you. Don’t ask or offer to give help or assistance unless you really mean it. We know that the vast majority of people we come in contact with are just trying to do the right thing, and mean well, but at times these offers can seem insincere. In the last month we have had friends just show up at the door with Beth’s favorite treat, or ready to come and read to her or just spend time with her. This shows that the person really cares.

I’m sure I forgot some of the tips, but you get the idea. Be supportive and positive. Don’t be condescending. Get to know the person or persons involved and show you care.
Cancer isn’t always a pleasant journey, but depending on your outlook, it can be an opportunity for personal growth, and a means to benefit and inspire others.

 

[Ashdoes]

Marans or Barnevelders 9sp), actually any large heritage breed. 

Sometimes the easiest way to find breeders is to go to the breed specific forum. From there you can meet the people that breed them, and a lot of them ship. Or you'll get lucky and there will be someone here in Colorado and you can just go pick them up. In the forum you'll also be able to figure out if the breed you're interested in is suitable for our weather here. You could also just order from a hatchery. We got our first 5 from My Pet Chicken, and our Cochins from a breeder here in Falcon.

 

[wsmith]

Just sent off an email to get NPIP certification!

 

[wsmith]

I love Facebook! I posted this morning that I would take jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins from local friends instead of them throwing them away...... 4 hours later I am lined up for 17........
My chickens will be SO happy! Especially about the 6 pumpkins that were just painted (which I will scrape off) that still have all the seeds inside!

 

[wsmith]

If anybody is interested, I can be the keeper of a Colorado Chicken breeder list that we can put together. I went to the BYC breeder directory, and it looks like it hasnt been maintained for quite a while. If anyone is interested, let me know. I could post it once a month or so to this thread. Thoughts?

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Hello!  I am new to the forum, and just getting (seriously) into chickens.  What hatcheries or breeders are there in the Colorado Springs area?  Thanks in advance! 

There are probably a few breeders around but most seem to be more northward. What breeds are you looking for? It's kinda the off season for chicks. Shycreations had some banty Cochins for sale a few weeks ago, not sure what she still has...

 

[wsmith]

How about this for a format? I used my info as an example only.

Colorado BYC Poultry Breeders Directory
Breed/variety Info/Comments Breeder Name Farm Name Address City Zip Phone Email NPIP# www.
American Dominique / LF Fertile hatching eggs, chicks, grown birds as available. Contact for specific information Wendell & Beth Smith Windy Ridge Dominiques 6759 Ocatillo View Fountain 80817 719-510-4428 [email protected] Visit us on Facebook: Windy Ridge Dominiques

 

[wsmith]

Hmmm. Can't see all the info. I could attach the file as an attachment.

Here is what I included:

• Breed/Variety
• Info/Comments
• Name
• Farm name
• address
• City
• Zip
• Phone
• Email
• NPIP# as applicable
• www.