just a question

[lds_horselover2005]

I have a question... I purchased eggs from a woman off of ebay. They are pure delawares that I got to hatch out. The lady told me they are rare and hard to find. Just out of curiosity, how rare are the delawares? I have wondered about this numerous times but never been able to figure it out.

Thanks!

 

[rooster-red]

They are classified as rare, but lots of people have them.
Several hatcheries sell them.

 

[lds_horselover2005]

Thats dumb. If a lot of people have them how can they be classified as rare? Oh well thats ok. I like my chickens whether they are rare or not.

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
Thats all that counts anyway.

 

[hinkjc]

Rare designations are determined by "breeding flocks". Many people have them - a hen here and a few hens there, but when it comes to true to the breed dedicated breeding flocks, there aren't many. I hope that helps.

Jody

 

[Daycare Mom]

Who cares how rare they are, they are so pretty. I was going to get some but they were sold out of chicks when I put my order in. Maybe next time

 

[Kev]

Sometimes the definition includes "type" or some kind of characterstic..

For example Barred Rocks. They're not considered rare by anybody. HOWEVER.. one "type" of barred rock from the show stocks from the very early days of the poultry show fancy IS rare or extinct by now. It's the type that has birds grow unusually crisp and clear barring and not the same(and supposedly even better than) as modern show barring type. It may seem not that big of a deal, it does represent a possibly valuable or just simply very interesting/"could have been valuable to today's show stock" sampling of specific genes that's rare or gone by now.

I've heard some comments regarding "most Delawares do not match the breed standard". They might have the color and pattern of a Delaware but perhaps most do not grow to very heavy sizes and lay very large eggs(if that is in fact the original Delaware standard was).

Another example to use are Marans. A common compliant is while a bird may look "Marans", they lay too light eggs. Are they Marans or not, if they otherwise match the standard in every way, except they lay light colored eggs? Some would say yes, others scream NO, must regularly a #4 egg or darker or it's simply not a Marans, no matter what.

It could be that the common Delaware is analog to a Marans that lays light tan eggs.. they may look like it but their traits or ?? do not match up to the supposed standard..

Not saying that's the case here with Delawares but I understand that is the reason some seemingly common breeds sometimes are included on various "rare breed" lists.

Or other times, an individual may be exaggerating, either intentionally or unintentionally.

 

[lds_horselover2005]

Thanks for you explanations. I understand now. I do have to say it is a very lovely breed to have. I should do more research on the breed and learn more. Maybe when I have money I could separate some and try my hand at breeding.

Thanks again!