Hatchery/farm store vs breeder

[Justso]

Hey Xero, it's just different kinds of candy!
I will say though, if you're looking for a particular type, you'll be better off with a private breeder.

 

[Xerocles]

Hey Xero, it's just different kinds of candy!
I will say though, if you're looking for a particular type, you'll be better off with a private breeder.

Yes, Justso. You're right. I don't even KNOW what I'm looking for. I'm retired, living alone on a small farm, and didn't have any burning desire to have chickens. I kinda backed into them, but thought, what the heck, free eggs (what a laugh! FREE???). They are interesting critters and I find myself really enjoying them. But I am a kinda "Shallow Hal" personality. Thats why I started this thread. Before I get any deeper into this.... I want to be sure I end up with something thats going to fulfill my psyche. So I am trying to glean all the info I need.
Before I started the thread I figured the "breeder people" were just a little fanatical (and they probably are) because a chicken is a chicken. But now I find myself about to become one (fanatical that is). After all, there isn't THAT much difference in price (no, I don't want a "show" chicken...if they are anything like show dogs they are probably overbred and stupid) but I do want something that has a particularly pleasing look to my eye. Told you I was shallow.
Thing is, I have 6 pullets. And I like that number. BUT. I think I want six different breeds, each a prime example (so, no breeding for me. I'll leave that headache to someone else). Also, I am fascinated with the egg color range, so ideally 6 breeds with 6 different egg colors. NOT ASKING FOR MUCH AM I? LOL.
Now to decide the breeds, and beat my head against the wall of finding a breeder who will sell me only one or two great examples knowing that they will not be going on to continue the lineage. Well, otherwise it wouldn't be a challenge and where's the fun in that!

 

[Kiki]

Yes, Justso. You're right. I don't even KNOW what I'm looking for. I'm retired, living alone on a small farm, and didn't have any burning desire to have chickens. I kinda backed into them, but thought, what the heck, free eggs (what a laugh! FREE???). They are interesting critters and I find myself really enjoying them. But I am a kinda "Shallow Hal" personality. Thats why I started this thread. Before I get any deeper into this.... I want to be sure I end up with something thats going to fulfill my psyche. So I am trying to glean all the info I need.
Before I started the thread I figured the "breeder people" were just a little fanatical (and they probably are) because a chicken is a chicken. But now I find myself about to become one (fanatical that is). After all, there isn't THAT much difference in price (no, I don't want a "show" chicken...if they are anything like show dogs they are probably overbred and stupid) but I do want something that has a particularly pleasing look to my eye. Told you I was shallow.
Thing is, I have 6 pullets. And I like that number. BUT. I think I want six different breeds, each a prime example (so, no breeding for me. I'll leave that headache to someone else). Also, I am fascinated with the egg color range, so ideally 6 breeds with 6 different egg colors. NOT ASKING FOR MUCH AM I? LOL.
Now to decide the breeds, and beat my head against the wall of finding a breeder who will sell me only one or two great examples knowing that they will not be going on to continue the lineage. Well, otherwise it wouldn't be a challenge and where's the fun in that!

I highly recommend Ideal Poultry.
Here are some of the colors in my basket from them.
View media item 7892669

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Find local poultry swaps near you, search out breeders in your state via a state thread here or facebook bird fanciers group. https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/swap-meet-dates.html

or

Go to a APA poultry show. They will have sales area. You must arrive early, birds sell fast. As in many are sold before they even open the doors to the public. Shows usually run Friday night to Sunday. Plan on getting a hotel room to visit the show Friday to get familiar with birds and where the sales area is. Some breeders won't arrive and cage birds until very early Saturday. You may purchase some Friday, they'll hold them to Saturday for you if you spend the night.

This is the only way I can think of to get a few of multiple breeds of good quality. They will be the breeders culls for sale or pre arranged sales for those that contacted them prior to show to pick up a trio or what not.

https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/poultry-show-dates.html Search for show dates in your state or near you.

To give you an idea of how fast birds go- I contacted a breeder, he said he was bringing 16 birds for sale to "see if anybody wants them" and I should show up early Saturday as he wasn't getting to hotel until very late Friday night. I arrived when the doors opened to public 9am Saturday morning to find he had 4 birds left. He smiled and told me "I told you to get here early." The heads up here is to arrive before doors officially open and go to sales area. Other breeders will purchase birds too so if a rare breed or coveted breeder the sales are over before the public even gets a chance.

 

[Xerocles]

Go to a APA poultry show.

https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/poultry-show-dates.ht

Thanks egghead. All great suggestions and I will try them all. The S.C. thread here is a ghost town. There are only three shows in S.C. One is for pigeons, one is for bantams. The third is the State Fair, which will be next month. Only an hour drive AND I WILL BE THERE. Looks like quite a few shows in N.C. and in GA. that might be doable.
My major concern is like being asked to judge a beauty contest. I might not know much about talent but I know what I like. And that will probably be all of them. Well since I have no plans to breed so I'm not concerned with upholding the SOP, I guess thats all thats important anyhow.
Thanks for the suggestioons and help.

 

[cmom]

Yes, Justso. You're right. I don't even KNOW what I'm looking for. I'm retired, living alone on a small farm, and didn't have any burning desire to have chickens. I kinda backed into them, but thought, what the heck, free eggs (what a laugh! FREE???). They are interesting critters and I find myself really enjoying them. But I am a kinda "Shallow Hal" personality. Thats why I started this thread. Before I get any deeper into this.... I want to be sure I end up with something thats going to fulfill my psyche. So I am trying to glean all the info I need.
Before I started the thread I figured the "breeder people" were just a little fanatical (and they probably are) because a chicken is a chicken. But now I find myself about to become one (fanatical that is). After all, there isn't THAT much difference in price (no, I don't want a "show" chicken...if they are anything like show dogs they are probably overbred and stupid) but I do want something that has a particularly pleasing look to my eye. Told you I was shallow.
Thing is, I have 6 pullets. And I like that number. BUT. I think I want six different breeds, each a prime example (so, no breeding for me. I'll leave that headache to someone else). Also, I am fascinated with the egg color range, so ideally 6 breeds with 6 different egg colors. NOT ASKING FOR MUCH AM I? LOL.
Now to decide the breeds, and beat my head against the wall of finding a breeder who will sell me only one or two great examples knowing that they will not be going on to continue the lineage. Well, otherwise it wouldn't be a challenge and where's the fun in that!

If you get the chance, go to a poultry show and look at all of the different breeds and birds. I retired ten years ago. Originally I went to a show as an observer. I fell in love with some birds and looked on the exhibitors list to find out who owned the birds. I met a great fellow and we made arrangements for me to get some birds at another show. Often times the breeder/exhibitor will bring birds to sell and you can buy as few or as many as you want. You don't have to breed them. I know people who breed just for the love of it but don't show their birds. Many of the top breeders are BYC members. http://jimspetsandpoultry.weebly.com/

 

[cmom]

Thanks egghead. All great suggestions and I will try them all. The S.C. thread here is a ghost town. There are only three shows in S.C. One is for pigeons, one is for bantams. The third is the State Fair, which will be next month. Only an hour drive AND I WILL BE THERE. Looks like quite a few shows in N.C. and in GA. that might be doable.
My major concern is like being asked to judge a beauty contest. I might not know much about talent but I know what I like. And that will probably be all of them. Well since I have no plans to breed so I'm not concerned with upholding the SOP, I guess thats all thats important anyhow.
Thanks for the suggestioons and help.

If you are anywhere near enough to Georgia, this is the largest poultry show in the southeast. http://www.cvpa-newnan.org/

 

[pennyJo1960]

Understand I will never show and do not sell peeps at show prices leave that to the younger folks like my birds but not what I call pets have cats and dogs for that
I am strange that way but grew up do not name it if you will eat it

 

[Xerocles]

If you are anywhere near enough to Georgia, this is the largest poultry show in the southeast. http://www.cvpa-newnan.org/

Is that the one in February at the Coweta fairgrounds? That's a four hour drive...but I will probably make it. But if I find anything I like....what do you do about transporting chickens in mid winter? Oh, that was dumb. They live outside. If I can stand it I'm sure the chickens would be fine.

 

[pennyJo1960]

You may not be able to buy birds at the fair but make contacts large boxes
can be used to transport dog crates work best