Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[BackAtIt]

Good evening folks. I am looking for a little guidance. After a few decades away from chickens, I have relocated to a more rural setting, which will allow me to jump back into keeping chickens (therefore the less-than creative handle "Back At It"). After considering a variety of breeds--Blue Andalusian-- were a long time favorite--I came across the Iowa Blue. I like a lot of what I have read, and think I'd like to be involved in supporting the expansion of this breed. I found online the Iowa Blue Chicken Club. I was surprised to see in the directory, a breeder in Lansing MI--really close to me. I emailed a while ago and haven't heard anything back. I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a breeder/hatching eggs in the mid-Michigan area? Any other guidance on what to look out for would also be appreciated. Many thanks, Matt

 

[bstromgren]

I'm sure you can get some hatching eggs right here. Most of the top Iowa Breeders in the world look at this thread frequently. Both eggs and birds can be safely and successfully shipped. I recently ordered 11 week old chickens from a person 900 miles away with no problem. If you haven't done so yet, go to the club website and read Mr. Burrough's book. It will give you a lot of insight into the breed and the various colors that are out there now. That may help you decide which way you want to go. You chose a great breed and more "natural" breeders will certainly be welcomed.

 

[BantamLover55]

Many breeders will ship hatching eggs, chicks, or full grown birds.

 

[iamfivewire]

Good evening folks. I am looking for a little guidance. After a few decades away from chickens, I have relocated to a more rural setting, which will allow me to jump back into keeping chickens (therefore the less-than creative handle "Back At It"). After considering a variety of breeds--Blue Andalusian-- were a long time favorite--I came across the Iowa Blue. I like a lot of what I have read, and think I'd like to be involved in supporting the expansion of this breed. I found online the Iowa Blue Chicken Club. I was surprised to see in the directory, a breeder in Lansing MI--really close to me. I emailed a while ago and haven't heard anything back. I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a breeder/hatching eggs in the mid-Michigan area? Any other guidance on what to look out for would also be appreciated. Many thanks, Matt

We may not have received your email - resend it or send pm to me or my DW Candy442 . we have some young birds & a recent chick hatch . . . . . . & we're in the same town too.

 

[BackAtIt]

Thanks for the guidance. I've just downloaded the book. mw

 

[Candy442]

Here are photos of the chicks with Rollo (whiter smokey cockerel) over clear smokey hen and two mossy birchen hens

 

[BantamLover55]

Beautiful chicks!

I just hatched my first one!!! I put two eggs in the incubator, but only one hatched.

Oh well, I'm glad to have it!

 

[iamfivewire]

those are some pretty chickies @Candy442

 

[Candy442]

Beautiful chicks!

I just hatched my first one!!! I put two eggs in the incubator, but only one hatched.  Oh well, I'm glad
to have it!

glad to hear one hatched! Were they Iowas? One of my first silver Iowa chicks hatched is "small" almost Bantam sized. .
Thank you for the compliment on our 12 babies ...all 12 developing Iowa eggs we put in the incubator hatched with some interesting color results.

 

[BantamLover55]

Sorry, I didn't clarify. Yes, he/she

(Don't know which one!) is an IB. I'll try to post a pic later.