Is the fair a good place to find specific breeds?

[jettgirl24]

Hi Guys,

I dont' know exactly where to post this but... I would really like to add a true Aracauna and/or a Maran hen to my flock because I absolutely love their eggs (not to mention they're both beautiful breeds)! Every summer I head down to the Evergreen State Fair here outside of Seattle and I recall them having quite a few birds for sale. Last year I was only just beginning to think about getting chickens and I had very little knowledge about them so I didn't really know what I was looking at! I'm wondering if that would be a good place to find a couple of nice hens. Does anyone have experience finding birds at the fair? Is there a better place to go looking? Input from Seattle area people who have been to Evergreen is especially appreciated

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

If you just want layers, yes a fair would be a great place to get some. Buying directly from a breeder is better. Enjoy the fair!

 

[cybercat]

Both breeds you will have to buy from breeders in order to get what you want. If you are after certain colors most likly you will not find them at a fair. Fair mostly will not a large selection of quality chickens as most are 4h chickens and lily come from a hatchery. Not all but many will. Try to find a breeder here in the breeds you are interested in to help you locat something more local. Keep an eye out on craigslist in your are too as many list there. The Marans will be easier to find than the tailess Aracauna. I would try the breed club to find a breeder of the later of those that are pure.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

It depends on the county. Our County Poultry leader stongly encourages the fancy breeds to be the best we can possibly get and does not encourage hatchery purchases. He has gone out of his way to find birds for kids from breeder friends with good flocks.

This still makes for hit-and-miss results. The Speckled Sussex are all hatchery orignated (ours, could not find a breeder), but many Wyandottes and Cochins are exhibition quality. Last year we had no Dorkings or Delawares or Buckeyes or Marans or....

I would contact your county extension office to find out what the situatation is in your county. If they have a Poultry project leader, you want to talk to them. They will hopefully steer you towards those kids who are doing an exceptional job.

It is very flattering to a 4-H kid when someone wants to buy one of their birds. At least it is to ours.