Has Holdereads damaged his reputation?

[houndit]

Someone on here told me that he had. I ordered some Khaki Campbells from him. I am not really happy. To me they look like Hatchery birds. Some are runts. Some are extremely dark. There are few who even remotely look like the standard. I am going to show them to Matt John who is a great poultry breeder and see what he thinks. Has anyone else had problems with his birds? I ordered his special exhibition matings. I would hate to see what his normal birds look like.
Thanks.

 

[rainplace]

I bought 7 ducks from him this year and I am happy with all 7. They are exactly what I expected them to be.

Head over to the duck part of the forums and post pictures.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

My sebastopols, cayugas and silkie ducks all came from Dave...and all are gorgeous...maybe there was a mix up in your order? I'd email Dave & send him some photos....and tell him you're not happy....

 

[Hurst]

I got my runners from him and they are all Grand Champion. I am very happy with Holderread.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I'm sure it depends on what 'grade' you got. There are pet quality, which coming from him, should be better than hatchery but it's not guaranteed. If you ordered show quality and got birds that were below par you should contact him.

 

[rainplace]

Yes, call or email him. He or his wife Millie usually answer the phone M-Sat after 11am. I don't know who told you he has damaged his reputation, but I sure haven't heard anything like that in duck circles. Out of the 7 ducks I bought from him, 5 are show quality and 2 have a high likely hood of breeding SQ ducks. Email or post pictures of your ducks to him and explain your concern. He's very easy to talk with.

And from the Holderread's site:
"Remember, not every offspring from even the best stock develop into show specimens. A good rule of thumb is to raise 2 to 3 young for every show bird desired." It's possible you just got the bad odds. Odds are like that.

 

[chicktwit]

I got BEI's from them & the birds are great. The whole order process was great, Do you have pics? Can we see them? You should contact them if the birds are not up to the quality you purchased.

 

[frostymayfly]

I bought 5 Roman Tufted Geese from him in March and I'm more than happy with them. I lost the runt of the bunch to a raccoon last week but he was a little slow and It's just natures way although I miss the little critter. The other 4 look like they are going to be real decent show birds.

 

[josh44]

with all breeds or poultry, just because the parents are Quality, there are no guarentees that the offspring will be.

 

[NoseyChickens]

I got my runner ducks from them. they are beautiful. Did well in the first (and only so far) show I put them in. I could not be happier.