grannys gone and done it

[Tumbling K]

The livestock conservancy? I noticed that. The breeders I'm talking with are around New Orleans.

I just went and peeked at the coop:

yes I looked at their breeder's list, narrowed it down by breed......

eta: oh you are about to start seeing some super fast progress now!!

 

[campingshaws]

camping, some of the big name hatcheries list them, as either chicks or fertile eggs....

Nope, I'd rather find quality stock. I'm not interested in hatchery birds.

Picky picky picky.

 

[Tumbling K]

serious question.

can you breed hatchery stock up to SOP?

the reason I ask, is that it would seem with the rare breeds, that the big name hatcheries would have to go to local, or semi local breeders to get their birds, or eggs.

 

[campingshaws]

serious question.

can you breed hatchery stock up to SOP?

the reason I ask, is that it would seem with the rare breeds, that the big name hatcheries would have to go to local, or semi local breeders to get their birds, or eggs.

I asked about that with the sussex, and it's possible but could take years upon years of breeding and heavy culling.

 

[rIrs roost]

The livestock conservancy? I noticed that. The breeders I'm talking with are around New Orleans.

I just went and peeked at the coop:

Looking good.

 

[campingshaws]

serious question.

can you breed hatchery stock up to SOP?

the reason I ask, is that it would seem with the rare breeds, that the big name hatcheries would have to go to local, or semi local breeders to get their birds, or eggs.

I asked about that with the sussex, and it's possible but could take years upon years of breeding and heavy culling.

I haven't been in chickens very long, but I had nearly a hundred at one point, so I know I've sold at least that many and more. And I've bought my fair share, all breeds and ages from auctions, feed stores, and breeders. For what I want, and what I like, I prefer to start with quality stock. I hate looking out in the yard and feeling disappointed. And I don't have the facilities for an elaborate breeding program.

Of course we should always work toward improvement, but if I realize my stock is poor quality then I don't feel right selling to someone. I always spelled out plainly that my SS had faults, but had overall nice form and color. That's why I sold them below market.

 

[enola]

serious question.

can you breed hatchery stock up to SOP?

the reason I ask, is that it would seem with the rare breeds, that the big name hatcheries would have to go to local, or semi local breeders to get their birds, or eggs.

I suppose you could, but it would be much cheaper to just buy a trio or quad of good quality chickens and go from there.

Breeders that breed show quality chickens and cull heavily. I believe it was Fred that told me he hatched a couple hundred chicks every spring so he could pick out 6 to keep and put in his breeding flock.

Even if you breed two chickens that are show quality, only a percentage of the chicks will be show quality. Most of them will probably be very close to the SOP for their breed, but not of high enough quality to put on the show circuit.

That's why I love my mutts! They only have to lay eggs to make me happy.

 

[enola]

Hatcheries just try to make sure their breeding stock actually looks somewhat like the breed they represent.

 

[campingshaws]

serious question.

can you breed hatchery stock up to SOP?

the reason I ask, is that it would seem with the rare breeds, that the big name hatcheries would have to go to local, or semi local breeders to get their birds, or eggs.

I suppose you could, but it would be much cheaper to just buy a trio or quad of good quality chickens and go from there.

Breeders that breed show quality chickens and cull heavily. I believe it was Fred that told me he hatched a couple hundred chicks every spring so he could pick out 6 to keep and put in his breeding flock.

Even if you breed two chickens that are show quality, only a percentage of the chicks will be show quality. Most of them will probably be very close to the SOP for their breed, but not of high enough quality to put on the show circuit.

That's why I love my mutts! They only have to lay eggs to make me happy.

x2. My layers are all pretty little mutts.

 

[WVduckchick]

I've been up and down on this issue. I love my lavenders, but they all look so much alike! I mean... that's a good thing, but I miss the variety with them.

And I hatched some of the cutest mutts! I still don't know what I will be thinking come springtime.