It has been decided. We're going to import birds from Europe.

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

I also think the rumpless Japs are cute as all get out. Best of luck!

(BTW, I am curious about your book, too!)

 

[Oven Ready]

The rumpless trait in araucanas is not lethal. In the araucana breed, the lethal trait is the ear tufting. Rumplessness just makes it harder for the birds to breed successfully -- thus lower fertility in the eggs. OTOH, I don't know anything about the short legged trait in the Japs!

It's good that someone pointed that out, that means you're back down to a 25% loss due to lethal genes and 25% non show quality (because of the long legs)

Here's a link that briefly describes the gene in Japanese Bantams Wikipedia Japanese Bantams

etc - bad spelling​

 

[heatherindeskies]

Not crazy about the rumpless look. at certain angles is looks like it's only half a chicken and i love the Jap tails!
but i wish you luck and admire your persistence of your dream.

 

[Freebie]

yes, they are very cute. would love some choc orps. but what about the book.? You might increase your sales if you post a link to where it is being sold. (hint hint)

 

[Hennypen]

I just hope people don't spend hundreds of dollars on the 3rd gen thinking they'll get the same money for their chicks/eggs as the first birds sell for. So many people bought into the coronation/Australian/Sussex fad and now they're only getting cents in comparison back. In other words don't buy for the money. It's best to wait a few years to buy when the prices are lower.

importing is actually pretty easy. Europe has animal importers that will take care of the details. There is a fee in euros for this. But, now is a good time with the euro being soooo low compared to what it has been. Birds have to stay in quarantine for a month after arrival. It's best to do testing before animals leave their country so you know they'll pass once in quarantine here. The 'problem' is expense because it is pricey. If you are interested, get online and search USDA bird import. The birds come into either la or ny and then go to a quarantine facility before being released. I've imported horses and from what I understand the process is similiar.

 

[le neige homme]

I've got ten bucks that says this importation thing never happens.

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
What makes you say that? I know the OP is young but it never hurt to try.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Wow, the "dreaded" negative attitude!

I admire someone with the gumption to go for their goals, rather than run around doubting others goals! There's a lot to be learned from discussions like this, and it's helpful to all of us.

To the OP - there are some hoops to jump through and fees to be paid. But I wish you all the best!

 

[Oven Ready]

I've got ten bucks that says this importation thing never happens.

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?
Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful?

Or at the very least, share some of your views as to why it's never gonna happen.

I don't have ten bucks for the first person that identifies the rough quote above.​

 

[DragonEggs]

If I had 30k to spend on importing birds I'd buy another flock of Seramas straight from Malaysia or some silkied americaunas to diversify the small stock here. But I think you've made a great choice! I think they're adorable (especially the frizzles). Keep me posted! Even if it's 5 years from now before you get them I'll be looking to buy from you! Ocala isn't too far from me, I'll come buy some eggs or day olds!