Darby/Miner and Spencer Hackle Genetic hackle

[dustponds10]

I raise and sell true genetic hackle chickens. They are from proven stock originating from Darby/Miner and Spencer Hackle lines. They are line bred and i have not Introduced any bone genetic hackle birds to them. Rare opportunity to pick up some pretty rare and hard to find birds. They are pick up only and I am only interested in selling them in a group. 5-7 young roosters from this years stock and 10-15 hens asking price is $15,000. Not often are there true genetic hackle birds available. Get them while you can. The barred ginger pictured is 4-5 months old and the grizzly is a breeder bird. Grizzly is not for sale just an example of the quality of the birds I breed. Serious inqueries on buying a group only please. I do not have eggs at this time and I do not sell eggs at any time.

 

[aspenangler]

Beautiful birds!!

 

[dustponds10]

Beautiful birds!!

Thank you. I’d sell a smaller quantity for less if anyone is interested. I just don’t want to sell one here and another there. Groups of 7 I would sell on a cash and the buyer picks them up

 

[FishMtFarm]

So is this breed specifically bred for the long hackle feathers? Never heard of these. Very beautiful.

 

[dustponds10]

So is this breed specifically bred for the long hackle feathers? Never heard of these. Very beautiful.

Hello, yes. These birds have been selectively bred for over 60 years for long saddles and hackles. Those are the most apparent characteristics there are more qualities that they are bred for in the feathers themselves.

 

[roosterhavoc]

How long have you been breeding these birds? The vast majority of birds that are out there have serious stem twist.

 

[Melky]

Here is an article in growler regarding the breed and the sought after feathers. Just thought interesting info. for those not familiar with the breed and it’s history.
https://growlermag.com/raising-hackles-the-prized-chickens-at-the-center-of-fly-fishing/

Have you ever used the feathers in fly’s?
Or sold flys just curious?

 

[roosterhavoc]

I’ve been tying flies for over 20 years that’s why I’m wondering how long he’s been breeding them. Aside from the few major growers the quality has always been lacking. I’m not saying these are at all. I’ve raised some from what I could get from a few different people and they weren’t worth the time and money spent for the quality. There’s a lot more than pretty feathers to it. Color, stiffnes, consistent length of the barbules, soft and supple stems. Stem twist when wrapped around a hook shank (an absolute nightmare) when it happens.
Do you have pictures of the hens capes?

 

[dustponds10]

How long have you been breeding these birds? The vast majority of birds that are out there have serious stem twist.

I have raised genetic hackle for coming on ten years. You are correct in stem twists, these birds have been selectively bred for straight non twisting quills/stems.

 

[dustponds10]

Here is an article in growler regarding the breed and the sought after feathers. Just thought interesting info. for those not familiar with the breed and it’s history.
https://growlermag.com/raising-hackles-the-prized-chickens-at-the-center-of-fly-fishing/

Have you ever used the feathers in fly’s?
Or sold flys just curious?

I tie flies with my own feathers and I sell most of what i produce. Now I won’t say that they are top of the line Whiting quality, but the qualities I breed for are very strict. These birds come from renouned breeder lines. Spencer hackle, Darby and miner lines. If a person doesn’t buy direct lines they will likely find the twisting and unwanted characteristics from a regular chicken. Now they do throw some birds with twisting stems. You simply don’t breed with those birds. Selective breeding has around 20 qualities that I look for. With those qualities I seek to find the minute improvements and breed those birds. Don’t get these mixed up with fly tie birds. Most people haven’t had these because of the tight grips that Breeders keep on them.