Hatchery Delawares--What If?

[BeardedChick]

I had a bad set of hatchery Buffs - not friendly at all and kind of mean. I'd like to try breeder stock someday.

 

[coloradochick]

That's kind of funny, my Buff Orps from McMurray going on 1 year old in Feb are very dominant and pushy but my Delaware girl from Privett going on 9 months has always been one of the sweetest in the bunch. She's very curious and not shy. I guess it just all depends on the bird itself.

Looking at hatcheries lastnight, Cackle looks like they have nice birds and the price didn't look too bad either

eta because my mind was working faster than my fingers causing some bad spelling

 

[jensaisquoi]

I'm looking for some right now, too...Sandhill is sold out until AUGUST?!
Where else can I go? I'm not looking for birds to show, just some gentle, steady producers. My last ones were great; I inherited some extra pullets (and an accidental rooster who turned out to be an amazing little guy) from a woman here in Montana who I think got hers from Privett. they were perfect for me.

Any other recommendations? I would even be willing to try another hatch...as agonizing as that's been.

Best,
Jen

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
Good Luck!

A hen will set you back $7.00 min (they only sell straight run) assuming you get 50% hens.

Some people on this board reported they got very sex inbalanced shipment from them, much more roos than hens.

I gave up on Sandhill when they refused to answer my emails, also you never know when or (if) your order is going to be filled.

Anyway there are mixed reports on those people, some report "great birds" some "not so good birds".

In my personal opinion in the last few years they are going more toward plants, seeds etc. than birds.

This is not to put down Sandhill Preservation Center, just do your homework, evaluate your risks and go from there.

 

[shortcake1806]

I haven't tried any of these hatcheries birds so I can't answer your question about that but I wanted to say none of my Dels are agressive. Of all the birds I've raised I've only had one roo turn mean on me and he went in the pot asap. We just sold 16 roos last month and not one of them ever offered to attack.

That being said there are some really agressive lines of Delawares out there. Definately do some research before you buy.

 

[blueseal]

i got 2 delllies they came from meyer last year good calm birds .

 

[carousel]

I need to add that a friend and I each have a Delaware from Ideal,
they are sweet chickens! Mine talks A LOT but otherwise no problem. I may rehome her just because she is noisy LOL has to talk NONSTOP with her big voice if I'm outside.
my Delaware is the best "Friend" of my shyest chicken, it is the main reason I keep her!
My friend's Del went Broody at 9 months, and Mine Molted at about 8 months, both are now almost a year old and back to laying again.

 

[felidaet]

I see a couple of mentions the Privett Delwares are friendly. This is good to know. Has anyone had any problems with the Privett Delawares? A local feed store is going to have some Delaware pullet chicks in April that are coming from Privett. I was thinking of getting two of them. With these favorable comments, I am now pretty sure I will get them. Unfortunately this feed store does not take reservations. They will be sold first come, first served AND it is on a week day. I am going to have to take 1/2 day off work to get them. I will probably get to the store about an hour before they open in hopes of getting two.

 

[krullmm]

I have been raising Delawares for 3 years now. There definately is a problem finding birds from a hatchery that met the standard. Many hatcheries will cross there stock to Columbian Rocks to try to keep the size and markings up. Buying from a reputable breeder is also hard to do, as they are few and far between. I get the poultry press and have not seen many Delaware breeders listed.

Superior farms lists them, and I did order from them this year to see what they have. I have ordered from many hatcheries (Ideal, Meyer, Darkeggs.com, Sandhill) I have also gotten some eggs recently from a breeder from The Delaware Club. They chicks look nice, we will see.

The roo I hatched out from Ideal 3 years ago is a beautiful bird and my daughter won Champ Large Fowl in the Jr. show at Frankenmuth in 2006, so you can get good birds from hatchery, they are just few and far between.

I have never had a mean or aggressive Delaware. Most of them are like puppys and follow me around and if the back door does not shut quick enough they have followed me into the house to see what is for dinner.

If you are looking to go out and buy show quality Delawares, keep on looking. This breed has gone by the wayside and needs to be brought back.

My best advise is Breed the best you get and cull, cull, cull. For me, this is a project and I am enjoying it. Hopeful to get good quality Delawares out to show in the next 5-7 years.

If you want more info go to www.delawareclub.org

mmk

 

[BeardedChick]

Welcome to BYC mmk.

Superior farms lists them, and I did order from them this year to see what they have.

I am trying some from Superior Farms, too. When is your order arriving? Can't wait to see first hand what their stock is like.

I never could get them to send a photo... Darn it!​