My original Mahoganies came from Sandhill, and i didn't have any problems. I also have 2 lovely young pairs from eggs from BYCer, ChickenOnThe Hill, More & more folks are starting to raise and make them better, i think bantams too. There are a huge amount of different chickens out there. But not every type is good for each persons purposes. Some folks become dedicated to a breed or after having a few deciding that maybe certain ones just don't fit. Chickens are subject to fads too and hatchery's would have a hard time keeping up with whats salable from year to year if they didn't try to do just what seems to have a following on a more stable basis.
There have been breeds and colors that have faded and then been re-created. There has been a big surge in the color of the day which usually comes from adding another close breed with the desired color characteristics…... There is always a risk when that happens of losing some of what made that chicken special….Egg laying duration, ability, broodiness, cold hardy, meat qualities, temperment, just to add a color.
Regarding Sandhill, i think they are one of the few that does not kill their extra or unwanted chicks and most hatcheries do require a group to help keep them warm in the mail.
