Colorado

[Mtn Margie]

Hey Wendell, I think that is a great idea. Pumpkins and Breeder list both.

 

[suncatcher]

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...

Yep, is the wrong time of year for chicks for sure. I am looking at incubators this past week, so may try some eggs, kinda scary though........

 

[suncatcher]

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.

This is a wonderful idea! I think a thread with just breeder/Variety and contact info could benefit many. Maybe each state could do this? Or is there already such threads in existance? I'll be honest, I am only on page 16 of this thread..... and still reading! lol

 

[suncatcher]

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.

That is a great idea, have PM'd a few, but hate to have the chicks travel long distance, would much rather pick them up! Also, that way I can see their parents, if that makes sense.

 

[wsmith]

This is a wonderful idea! I think a thread with just breeder/Variety and contact info could benefit many. Maybe each state could do this? Or is there already such threads in existance? I'll be honest, I am only on page 16 of this thread..... and still reading! lol

A thread didicated to this already exists, though it isn't maintained or up to date.
Do you have chickens now?

Got an email back from the CO Vet who does NPIP. They were just in my area last weekend! Oh well, she said it could be a couple of months before they get back down this way. That's OK, I just wanted to get on the list/schedule.

 

[suncatcher]

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...

Thanks for that info. I have been looking at heritage breeds for sure, like the Marans, BR and Barnavelders (still not sure how to spell it!) But would consider any of the large heritage breeds.

 

[suncatcher]

A thread didicated to this already exists, though it isn't maintained or up to date.
Do you have chickens now?

Got an email back from the CO Vet who does NPIP. They were just in my area last weekend! Oh well, she said it could be a couple of months before they get back down this way. That's OK, I just wanted to get on the list/schedule.

I have five hatchery hens, picked them up from Big R. Added them to my lone Lakenvelder girl who is now three. Am just now learning that hatchery chicks are not the best quality, but they do lay nice brown eggs!

Will check out the Colorado breeders thread, somehow I missed it!

 

[wsmith]

the thread is a breeder listing. it covers everywhere. The problem is that someone started it up and got a spreadsheet going, and then didn't maintain it. I checked there this morning, and people are asking about it, and adding info to the thread, but its not getting into a searchable, meaningful format.

One thing to think about too, is that anyone with a rooster and a hen could be called a breeder. They could breed to a standard, they may not. They may just breed for what they like, and that is it. When looking for a breeder look for one who has similar goals as you for the breed or chicken type.Some people may just waht generic chickens that lay good eggs, and that's fine. Others may want to create a regional survivor chicken that may someday become a breed.

Big R gets their chicks from Privett hatchery out of NM.

 

[suncatcher]

the thread is a breeder listing. it covers everywhere. The problem is that someone started it up and got a spreadsheet going, and then didn't maintain it. I checked there this morning, and people are asking about it, and adding info to the thread, but its not getting into a searchable, meaningful format.

One thing to think about too, is that anyone with a rooster and a hen could be called a breeder. They could breed to a standard, they may not. They may just breed for what they like, and that is it. When looking for a breeder look for one who has similar goals as you for the breed or chicken type.Some people may just waht generic chickens that lay good eggs, and that's fine. Others may want to create a regional survivor chicken that may someday become a breed.

Big R gets their chicks from Privett hatchery out of NM.

OK, good to know! These are not bad hens from Big R, I think they look ok, but what do I know! If you decide to put Colorado Breeder info on this thread, can you put the page number on the Title?? Would be easier for people to find (imo).

Yep, I had been to the breeder listing page, did not find much. I am looking to do a nice flock of Heritage chickens, no rooster for now, but would like to add one in the spring maybe, when I can pen him up with hens to keep them pure, not sure if that is the right word to use. Don't want a bunch of mixed chickens is what I am trying to say.

How big to the Dominiqes get? I have looked at them too.

 

[wsmith]

Dominique hens will get to about 5 lbs, while a full grown rooster will be about 7 lbs. They aren't the biggest birds, but they are VERY cost effective. They lay a medium to large size egg (when mature) up to 6 times a week on little feed. Of course, while they are growing they eat like PIGS! The roosters we processed two weeks ago averaged about 4 lbs dressed weight. Still a little smaller than what I want, but we will deal with that via breeding. I want chickens that look like they should (APA Standard), and lay good, and taste good. I can go on and on. and on and on I am a BIG fan of American Dominiques!

They were the first chicken breed identified as being developed in America. Not so much by design, but through what worked for the early colonists over many generations. Meat, eggs, feathers, efficiency, hardiness, etc.

(also, as a side note....did you know that the latin word "Dominicus" means "of the Lord"? I this could mean that Dominiques are God's chickens..just sayin.....)

Heritage breeds generally develop slower than the super-layer types you can order. They also lay for a longer time. When you put a hatchery chicken next to the same type from a breeder with good breeding lines, you can see a big difference in the two. I have some pullets from a show breeder line out of VA, also my rooster from the same line. I also have 10 pullets from Cackle hatchery. Big difference in the two. The hatchery pullets all started laying several weeks before the show breeder birds. In fact, my first hatchery pullet layed almost 5 weeks before my last show pullet. Hatcheries breed for fertility and quantity, not so much for breed standard.