How to find small breeders?

[hollandhens24]

I have only ever ordered or incubated my own chicks. I would like to add to my flock and want to pursue chicks or eggs from a breeder rather than the hatchery route. I do not have social media and after browsing the internet frequently, I have struggled to find breeders that I can verify as legitimate. I am curious how other people have found breeders that ship chicks or hatching eggs.

To go along with that, what has your experience been with ordering chicks or hatching eggs from “small” breeders? Is one better or more safe than the other?

 

[C Siena]

I have only ever ordered or incubated my own chicks. I would like to add to my flock and want to pursue chicks or eggs from a breeder rather than the hatchery route. I do not have social media and after browsing the internet frequently, I have struggled to find breeders that I can verify as legitimate. I am curious how other people have found breeders that ship chicks or hatching eggs.

To go along with that, what has your experience been with ordering chicks or hatching eggs from “small” breeders? Is one better or more safe than the other?

Unfortunately a number of reputable and scam artists are only on social media. I know of 2 on fb and both are young, 16 & 18 yrs. They show at local county fairs and state fairs and parents are involved in Ag. A number utilize fb as one does not have to pay for a website. Of course that is why scammers use it as well.

If you decide to get on fb, contact me and I'll give you some pointers to avoid the scammers. Some of the legit ones are also members of local county livestock groups, with followers and posts dating back, ie not new.

 

[C Siena]

What is your location? You can add it to your profile.

You can check if there is a group here for your state or country. Ask there if anyone knows of a good local breeder.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I find breeders through the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) website. https://www.poultryimprovement.org/statescontent.cfm

But just because they are NPIP certified doesn't necessarily mean they are reputable, so you still have to do your research and ask questions.

 

[hollandhens24]

What is your location? You can add it to your profile.

You can check if there is a group here for your state or country. Ask there if anyone knows of a good local breeder.

Southern Idaho! Thank you!

 

[C Siena]

Southern Idaho! Thank you!

You can also search using Idaho and you will find posts from people in Idaho.

 

[NNYchick]

Look into poultry shows in state. Most of the poultry clubs will have Facebook page, many people post ISO post and also make arrangements to bring birds, chicks or eggs to the show to pick up.
I personally decided I won’t do shipped eggs any more. People are asking $60-70 a dozen the 20-25 for shipping and handling. You’re looking at $75-100 and the average hatch for shipped eggs is 30-50%. I didn’t mind gambling with $50 but it’s just gotten to expensive. Now I search and wait till I can find someone in driving distance. I drove 2.5 hours one way to pick up Ameraucana hatching eggs, it was early spring so she hadn’t tested fertility yet so she only charged me $20 for the dozen and I had 10 out of 12 hatch.
What breed are you looking for? Some breed clubs have breeder directories with contact information. The livestock conservancy has breeder directory that you can search by breed and breeders within a radius of your location. Stay away from eBay. And really research the breed you are interested in. Many breeds have Facebook groups where you can search and learn what to look for.