Delawares... have a question, looking for chicks

[harleyjo]

I want to start a small flock of sustainable Delaware chicks so I can also use them for meat birds. I want both a male and female don't I? Also an Indian runner is not the same thing as a pure Delaware is it?

Good places to get them would be appreciated also.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
An Indian Runner is a duck. You mean an Indian River. Indian Rivers were the original name of the Delaware breed, but Cackle has crossed a Del and a NH and is calling them "Indian Rivers" now, I take it. That is not a pure Delaware, no.

To get a Delaware that is the proper body type for a good dual purpose meat bird, you'd have to stay away from most hatchery Dels. They pretty much ruined them by crossing in Columbian Rocks at some point. Paul Harter in MO has some really nice Dels for your purpose.

http://www.backtothefarmmo.com/ is his website link. Some folks here have birds from him. I believe kathyinmo does, but not sure who is actually selling chicks or hatching eggs in the summer.

 

[harleyjo]

Quote:
An Indian Runner is a duck. You mean an Indian River. Indian Rivers were the original name of the Delaware breed, but Cackle has crossed a Del and a NH and is calling them "Indian Rivers" now, I take it. That is not a pure Delaware, no.

To get a Delaware that is the proper body type for a good dual purpose meat bird, you'd have to stay away from most hatchery Dels. They pretty much ruined them by crossing in Columbian Rocks at some point. Paul Harter in MO has some really nice Dels for your purpose.

http://www.backtothefarmmo.com/ is his website link. Some folks here have birds from him. I believe kathyinmo does, but not sure who is actually selling chicks or hatching eggs in the summer.

Yes, that is it an Indian River... Thanks for the info. I would still appreciate people chiming in about where to find the pure Delawares. I will check out Paul Harter.

 

[speckledhen]

I have a trio, but unfortunately, one hen throws dwarfs (no plans to ever hatch from her again) and the other has a serious egg issue at the moment. The rooster is in the avatar. Nice, friendly birds, great layers.

 

[harleyjo]

Beautiful rooster Cynthia. I plan to get some. I just have to get it all put together first.

 

[LilyD]

Rebel Rooster raises Delawares. So does HighSpringChix. They have eggs for sale in the forum. I would also check out the Delaware Breeders Club
http://delawarepoultryclub.org/index.html they have a listing of many people who sell chicks and eggs.

Good Luck,
Lily