Leslie, I hate to hear that you or anyone would be intimidated to post here. I know that the resident champions of the heritage breeds are passionate about their/our birds and want to promote and expand the populations of our favorites, but that is not going to happen if interested people, like yourself, are afraid to participate here.
I have heard several people talk about "breeder people" who are "anti-hatchery" and who are intolerant of people who do not raise pure bred chickens. I have seen posts here that lend validity to those statements. What I understand, though, is that the majority of our new generation of "heritage breeders" will come from people who are either new to chickens, or people who (like myself) started with hatchery quality and are considering keeping "better" quality in the future. If you are afraid to ask questions, or if the breeders make you feel like a nusiance, why would you want to become one?
I loved the way Bob would always tread lightly with anyone asking questions so as not to insult or discourage them, even if they were off base. He had a gift for gently guiding newbies in the right direction even when they were stubborn about how to get there. I wish (there I go again) that I had his talent for that. He wanted the new people to succeed.
With that said, the spirit of this particular thread is that serious breeders have a place to have serious discussions about their breeds, but I think we would be making a serious mistake by alienating anyone who is here seeking information on how "the other half" approachs this fulfilling hobby.
Welcome, please feel free to read and learn, and if there is something we can help you to understand, by all means, ask.
