How can you tell if a bird is SQ or not?

[muddyhorse]

many hatcheries sub contract out to breeders for their eggs. I know cackle does, they wanted my daughters 4-h leader to supply delawares and sex links. then it is up to the individual breeder how they cull for quality. It would be very hard for the big hatcheries, mcmurry, cackle ect to keep that many varieties of birds on their grounds.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Whyever would you say that? You are not from the same area as the OP, so how do you know there is not a quality breeder close to his/her location? I know we have several here in Arizona and I know of one in either Oklahoma or Texas (which is near the OP).

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Right,
Cackle has about 60 thousand breeder stock on 80 farms all within the area of there hatchery....

Chris

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
The question about show quality was asked about a specific bird, and background information was given. And the OP SPECIFICALLY ASKED opinions of his/her bird.

Hatchery birds are for one set of purposes; breeder-bred birds for another. The only "genetic perversion" breeding I am aware of is cornish crosses, which are pretty much exclusive to hatcheries, and once again, they serve a specific purpose. Most breeders spend far more $$ on raising their birds than does the backyard breeder--they look for the best quality feed, not the most inexpensive feed. They are particular on which birds they pair together. Chances are that we know far more about the specific genetics of chickens, particularly of the breeds we raise, and are very interested and concerned about any health issues.

There are many folks on BYC who are breeders and exhibitors; there are many who are not. This is not a case of elitism; it is a case of different interests and intents. Much of this particular forum (Breeds, Genetics & Showing) is devoted to breeder and exhibition interests, and many of the regular participants are breeders and exhibitors. If you are not interested in this kind of discussion, may I suggest that you find the forums and threads that do interest you rather than bashing those of us who have a different focus.

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Whyever would you say that? You are not from the same area as the OP, so how do you know there is not a quality breeder close to his/her location? I know we have several here in Arizona and I know of one in either Oklahoma or Texas (which is near the OP).

Okay let me rephrase - They are very hard to find.

My main point is that there's a LOT of people who will breed Australorps from hatchery stock and call themselves quality breeders. Now of course I can believe there are plenty in Oklahoma and Texas though, as there are a LOT of chicken owners down there.

 

[MaggieRae]

Thanks for the clean-up, adoptedbyachicken!

Here are some fresher pictures from this morning. I was messing around with my manual settings, so the colors/sharpness of the picture might be a tad off.

 

[Elite Silkies]

I'm not too sure what the standard is, I do not show my Aussies. They were purchased from a breeder in Texas. I still think you have a very nice Roo.


Here's mine, and he is also no where near the standard, but he is a non hatchery bird.

 

[DoubleTake]

I don't know anything about show quality but I have to say He is beautiful!! Looks like he is in wonderful condition too! If I was close I'd take him!!

 

[MaggieRae]

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Lovely bird you got there. Much thicker than mine. All my birds seem pretty small compared to the chickens I first knew out at the ranch.

 

[Elite Silkies]

Thanks Maggie,

I am taking him to POOPS. I am trading him out with a Lavender Roo from Hinkjc's flock.