Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[kattabelly]

It all has to do with how large the distances are over here. It takes me two days just to get out of my province (and I drive like a mad thing - shhhh!), I am looking at driving to Performance poultry which is a good 4 hrs +, it’s a whole days driving to get there get chicks and come home. They do ship via air freight across the country but it’s extremely expensive so it’s not very common here to get shipped chicks.

I would say it’s a similar deal in the US, those close to the hatcheries likely do pick them up, but if one wants chicks and live too far away, then getting them shipped is the only option, economically speaking.

Freys Hatchery delivers chicks to the feed stores here in central and southern Ontario, they have drivers who make the rounds to the stores so the chicks aren’t shipped via Canada Post or some other shipper. I could drive 4 hrs to St Jacobs for their chicks but they have a limited option of special breeds, Freys caters more to production breeds.

Past few years I was able to get chicks at a local feed/hardware store; they had the chicks flown up from the US from Hoover Hatchery. I was able to get the Orpingtons through them plus a bunch of the other young pullets I have right now. Unfortunately Peavey Mart went bankrupt, so no more chicks up from the US.

This leaves me again with limited options for chicks and limited varieties. Performance has a good variety of uncommon chooks that people like, so I might be making a drive to Carrying Place next month

Just need to find another person who wants to share in getting chicks.

Aye I'm aware of distance being a factor and like I say, I do try not to judge too much.

We don't have really big hatcheries over here. I just checked the places I can think of that would be most similar and they're mostly collection only. Some will offer delivery by specialist livestock courier but usually only for larger orders.

The best "local" option I know of for lots of different breeds is up in Shetland. It's about a 27 hour round trip and more than half of that is on a boat.

 

[Ponypoor]

Yeah, she’s eating and drinking. I’ve talked her out of the crate a few times and “forced” her to eat and drink.

I don’t think keeping the splint on will hurt…

Agreed - the less fussing with it the better.

I would leave her in the crate, the less she moves around for the next 3 weeks at least, the better. You will need to carry her everywhere and prevent her from walking in that leg. Now it’s a waiting game, patience is required in these things. Take one day at a time.

 

[swampfox440]

good morning all it's time for me to go out and break the ice in the chicken house. You all have a wonderful day.

 

[Ponypoor]

Maybe he would like having a broody raise chicks for him???? One batch a year?? Then he doesn't have to worry about the whole brooder set up and heat plate, etc.????

He doesn’t want the trouble of cockerels. And I know they don’t eat their chickens (he was dead set against that when I first mentioned raising chicks).

He wants 5 replacement pullets for his old hens. There is a 10 chick minimum for the hatcheries here, otherwise pay a fee for small order.

 

[Ponypoor]

Aye I'm aware of distance being a factor and like I say, I do try not to judge too much.

We don't have really big hatcheries over here. I just checked the places I can think of that would be most similar and they're mostly collection only. Some will offer delivery by specialist livestock courier but usually only for larger orders.

The best "local" option I know of for lots of different breeds is up in Shetland. It's about a 27 hour round trip and more than half of that is on a boat.

We have local breeders that sell a variety of breeds but after the fun I had with Petra and her poor sister I refuse to get anything from a breeder again.

I put an email out to Performance asking if they vax for Mareks or IB etc. waiting to hear back from them. Also asked about the hardiness of Fayoumi for RC.

 

[SimpleJenn]

In spring we will be adding polish eggies from Marble's owner...I need his genetics in my flock. He was the absolute best rooster I have ever met and he trained Riddick to be such a nice young man.

I will also be getting barred rocks and buff/lavender orpingtons for the free rangers. And some new guineas. I will hatch some zombies and probably other mixes in spring. With free ranging it's easier to raise up eating birds now.

This morning Louis hopped out of his pen for a few pets when I opened the coop up. He and Vuitton are super friendly, even if Spotty and the marshmallows are not. I opened their coop back up to the rest of the flock so they can go stretch their wings and legs if they want. Riddick and his ladies aren't acting aggressive due to the snow thank goodness.

 

[Ponypoor]

In spring we will be adding polish eggies from Marble's owner...I need his genetics in my flock. He was the absolute best rooster I have ever met and he trained Riddick to be such a nice young man. View attachment 4275905

I will also be getting barred rocks and buff/lavender orpingtons for the free rangers. And some new guineas. I will hatch some zombies and probably other mixes in spring. With free ranging it's easier to raise up eating birds now.

This morning Louis hopped out of his pen for a few pets when I opened the coop up. He and Vuitton are super friendly, even if Spotty and the marshmallows are not. I opened their coop back up to the rest of the flock so they can go stretch their wings and legs if they want. Riddick and his ladies aren't acting aggressive due to the snow thank goodness.

Those polish chickies should be adorable!

Soon it will be Spring!

 

[featherhead007]

I feel bad for my chooks. I’m not as fast going out to love on them as I was before hospital. But I’m spending more time outside with them lately.
My yard teams, have been doing what they can to keep customers happy. Grass isn’t growing (seasonal)
And there’s just not enough work for everyone to do. I have to concentrate on ME for a while.
May God Bless You and Keep You All!

 

[Ponypoor]

In spring we will be adding polish eggies from Marble's owner...I need his genetics in my flock. He was the absolute best rooster I have ever met and he trained Riddick to be such a nice young man. View attachment 4275905

I will also be getting barred rocks and buff/lavender orpingtons for the free rangers. And some new guineas. I will hatch some zombies and probably other mixes in spring. With free ranging it's easier to raise up eating birds now.

This morning Louis hopped out of his pen for a few pets when I opened the coop up. He and Vuitton are super friendly, even if Spotty and the marshmallows are not. I opened their coop back up to the rest of the flock so they can go stretch their wings and legs if they want. Riddick and his ladies aren't acting aggressive due to the snow thank goodness.

Do you know how many eggs you will get? Will you go pick them up? Or mail them to you?

 

[Ponypoor]

Aye I'm aware of distance being a factor and like I say, I do try not to judge too much.

We don't have really big hatcheries over here. I just checked the places I can think of that would be most similar and they're mostly collection only. Some will offer delivery by specialist livestock courier but usually only for larger orders.

The best "local" option I know of for lots of different breeds is up in Shetland. It's about a 27 hour round trip and more than half of that is on a boat.

Do you have shipped eggs? That is also popular over here. Some have good luck doing this.