- Jan 15, 2014
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I'm not sure could the chicks be sexed at that age
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Do you know where to get quality Dutch on the east coast? I would even be happy with eggs.. These guys were going to be my daughter 4H project, but since I am not sure on the breed we changed that plan and now she has RIR that she will show this year..However I would LOVE to get a few true Dutch chicks or eggs so that she could have a few to show next year..What ever she shows has to be available for sale, so we would have to have at least a trio for show and preferably at least one breeding pair to get next years show birds---2 hens and a roo would be even better..I bred and showed horses for years..I know that is not the same as shickens, but once I take something on, I like to do it well..lol..Oh I am in WV in case that doesnt show in my profile infoBantam breeds are rarely "sexed", as they are too small and not only easily harmed by vent sexing, as large fowl are, but could never be guaranteed successful. That is why Hatcheries do not offer them, and the bantams they sell as dutch, are rarely from their own breeding. They purchase hatching eggs, from breeders who want to make a little "feed" income. And they do not really know what is in those eggs--and cannot tell when they hatch--MUST mail them out ar hatch or they have to destroy them. So I would never want hatchery "dutch". And most dedicated breeders do not sell eggs (for the same reason--you do not know how they will grow up.) Nor do they sell chicks, Ch X Ch parents do not produce "show quality" chicks reliably. They are selected as Show Quality, at 4-5 months of age, and then cannot be guaranteed to be SHOW WINNERS, just lovely birds that you would be pleased to show.
A "dutch-cross" is not a DUTCH. White ear lobes and blue legs do not make a DUTCH. Other breeds also have them. However, saying all that, even the dutch that are "backyard banties" in type and color are lovely pets!!!!!. Breeding potential Show DUTCH is the only way to pay for the feed, and the best young birds are only sold to those who will seriously keep records, so great birds pedigrees are not LOST. There have been few true DUTCH imported from Holland, bloodlines of the best are limited, and it is sad to lose many of the best DUTCH to folks who are not willing to keep and learn about them. (I know, it sounds haughty.). Other breeds that have MANY breeders, such as OEGB, Cochins, Belgian d'Uccles and d'Anvers are available in larger numbers and closer to the Standard type that is required for Show birds. Dutch are not a rare breed, but neither are they available in large numbers and not at all in some varieties advertised (but NOT DUTCH) True Dutch varieties are limited.
Because I can not easily get to Shows any longer, I have not been able to take my birds to Shows very often. That does not keep me from breeding the best that I can--for others to raise and show--and thus my birds have been valuable. (No, none available, )and will be hatching a few==to order, as I cannot keep large numbers, nor do I want to, as I like to hen-hatch, handle the chicks so that they are tame and gentle. and love to meet the folks who come to get them when ready to go. (7 breeding birds, 3 varieties, go this week.) I will miss them, but will hatch a few more later. WINTER was not a nice one, and green grass, as it dries, is inviting to get the birds into some outside pens!
I like to see 4Hers have GOOD birds, as they learn to take good care of them, prepare them well for show. Several went (at low cost, to 4H brother and sister--with bantam showing experience) and if they are in best plumage, should do well at the State Fair in August. Last several years, Dutch of 4Hers have been BEST BANTAM in show and also BEST IN SHOW. That is reward for me, as a breeder of DUTCH.
Yeah those are my "Black Backyard Banties"...lol.. I showed their pics to a breeder when they were much younger and found out that they were not Dutch--I still love them, they have great personalities, are very small and are well mannered lil birds--unfortunately the hen bonded with the red mutt roo in the background of her pics, but I am going to break both of their hearts here shortly and pen her with one of the black roos in order to get a few of their eggs for the bator--I have a few of hers and the red roos in the bator now(today is day 21) --Im sure that the chicks will be cute but I want more of the solid blacks..There are a number of breeders of Dutch Bantams all up and down the East Coast. The Dutch Bantam Society Eastern District Director, may be able to recommend someone who has Dutch that would be suitable. Sending a Private message, if I can, with name and phone. He is in PA.
(Are those your Black Bantams--they are not Dutch!)