How do I find a breeder in my area?

[Pequena Bandada]

I'd like to move away from the hatchery stock I have, and raise heritage chickens and true-to-type chickens from breeder stock. However, I can't seem to find breeders in my area. I've checked Craigslist, read through the auctions here just in case there's anyone from NM selling eggs, looked in the local newspaper, etc. I don't think we have any poultry auctions nearby. Where else should I be looking?

I'm in Santa Fe, NM.

Thanks!

 

[SpeedysBigRed]

Here's a start:

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKHatcheries.html


The one in Portales is active, but I couldn't pull up the website for the one is Edgewood though there is an email for them. I didn't try it. Once I move to Belen I plan on checking out the hatchery in Portales.

 

[kathyinmo]

If you know what breed you are interested in ...... find the club website for the breed. They usually have a breeders directory.

For example ..... Delawares

http://delawarepoultryclub.org/breeder_directory.html

 

[Illia]

As kathyinmo said.

Each breed club has a directory that is very helpful.

And, if you really want to start out the traditional way, there are a lot of breeders here on BYC who sell hatching eggs. It requires an incubator or broody hen, but is well worth the extra 21 days of waiting, and isn't as scary of a purchase as it may seem.

 

[phasian]

I wholeheartedly agree with Illia. Sometimes hatching eggs are the only way you can acquire certain breeds. Just be warned that hatching can become an obsession unto itself. I don't gamble, so I guess it is the closest outlet I have to that. It's pretty gratifying to see hatching happen with all those little lives eager to escape their eggs....

Also, check in with your USDA extension office. They may have NPIP certified poultry breeders that they are aware of. Often the agents that deal with chickens are chicken breeders themselves.

 

[PepsNick]

Quote:
x3. There's also the Sussex breeders, Ameraucana (Cloverleaf Farm is in that I know... maybe you can order from her), BR...

BR
http://www.showbirdbid.com/joomla/rockclub/

Sussex
http://americansussexbreeders.webs.com/memberspage2.htm

Ameraucana
http://www.ameraucana.org/

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
x3. There's also the Sussex breeders, Ameraucana (Cloverleaf Farm is in that I know... maybe you can order from her), BR...

BR
http://www.showbirdbid.com/joomla/rockclub/

Sussex
http://americansussexbreeders.webs.com/memberspage2.htm

Ameraucana
http://www.ameraucana.org/

x4.

Normally when you join a breed club you get the most recent yearbook, which includes ads from all the different breeders and a member directory.

 

[PepsNick]

Or ask here. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=26

 

[karabbitry]

There is a big show held every fall in Farmington. There are plenty of breeders that live in NM, not sure if they have a breed you would be interested in or not. If you can PM me I can get you some of their names.