Maine

[ashandvine]

While browsing around, I checked Sand Hill Preservation Center, found Mystery assortment of 25 mixed LF straight run for 20$ plus shipping. Sounds like it could be an interesting mix for the person with the room, who was not particular and didn't mind surprises. I'm not interested, but wondering if any one has ordered from them, what is their quality? They seem to have a LOT of types available. More than the typical hatchery. Also appear to be involved in breeding for improved foraging ability as well as other traits of interest for the BYF.

I don't think much of their Orloffs but they do have other breeds that are pretty good. Sounds like a great, fun option.

I want the bird that comes out of bottom right egg and the purple egg. "DIBBS!" lol

I have to say that coming home from the show has me so excited about breeds all over again. I am still in love with a Langshan that I saw there. The RIR were really nice and most out of Maine. I think there was a Sumatra that won from Maine and I know that Barred Plymouth Rocks from Maine won as well. It was just awesome.... until I got home. I am excited to learn more about how to prep for a show and then keep my birds happy through one. I want to take my Orloffs out and show them off a bit and at least two Marans, one of each sex, as mine really are pretty good. If the girls just had a little more girth and feathered shanks... they take the SOP seriously I guess because their shanks are 'lightly' feathered alright. I like feathers where others don't= beards, crests, shanks... oh yeah! I forgot to mention I saw a Sultan for the first time in person. No Breda, no CL, Welsummers or LF Black Spanish. Still, I will be swimming with all this for a while.

 

[buckabucka]

I finally sent payment for my 15 egg assortment, to hopefully be shipped here on Feb. 4. I am so excited! Seeing SCG's full Brinsea incubator photo made me long to get my own incubator filled up and running.
The assortment is whatever is available, and may include: B/B/S Ameraucanas, Barnevelder, Blue laced red Wyandotte, Black Copper Marans, Blue Marans, Wheaten Marans, Olive egger, and /or Welsummers.
If I get a black Ameraucana out of the hatch, I might consider breeding to improve my lavender Ameraucanas. Hopefully, I will get some dark layers. If it is a bad hatch or I get all roosters, I may still try to order Welsummer chicks or eggs. And I still plan to get some white layers, either hatchery or hatching eggs. And when they finally start laying again, I will do my own lavender Ameraucanas, Basques, and olive eggers.
I hate to get rid of my old hatchery hens, but that is the plan for next fall.

 

[MustardTiger]

Bucka, where was that assortment from? The auctions? It sounds great!

I am becoming more interested in standards. What would you say is the best resource to begin learning about all of this? Is there one really solid book? I prefer to read something real in my hands sometimes...

 

[buckabucka]

Yes, the eggs were from the auctions, although her ad has been pulled now.

I've been reading this thread. It has a link to an ancient copy of the American standard of perfection, 1903 or something. Even though much of the information is outdated, you can get an idea of what the standard of perfection book is like, without spending the $60. I can't see myself getting into breeding for show, but I've learned a bit from this thread anyway, now looking at my birds for pinched tails and head shape:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/732985/csu-chicken-state-university-large-fowl-sop

 

[hoppy]

you can buy a standard of perfection from the main assc. (APA,ABA) or you can get the mini version (not sure what exactly that has in it) but it's about $30 vs $60. you could even buy a used version but I'd not waste my money on a very outdated version. standards change and if it's older then 5 yrs, maybe 10, don't waste your money. if you are only interested in the standard for one or 2 breeds, the breed clubs offer them too and some are online.

regarding hatching in cartons, i hatch in berry baskets. i separate out my eggs by the parents and when they hatch, i want to know who came from what pen. I use the berry baskets that strawberries come in that have the locking tops. when the babies hatch, they can't get out of the basket until I open it then they all get bands before they get moved to the brooder.

Bucka, where was that assortment from? The auctions? It sounds great!

I am becoming more interested in standards. What would you say is the best resource to begin learning about all of this? Is there one really solid book? I prefer to read something real in my hands sometimes...

 

[hoppy]

yes I am being an enabler,
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/738182/octagon-20-eco-manual-egg-incubator

for $150 shipped
octagon 20 incubator

 

[ChickMagnet207]

I have to say that coming home from the show has me so excited about breeds all over again. I am still in love with a Langshan that I saw there. The RIR were really nice and most out of Maine.

Didn't get the chance to go down. How did the Reds do?

 

[lazy gardener]

you can buy a standard of perfection from the main assc. (APA,ABA) or you can get the mini version (not sure what exactly that has in it) but it's about $30 vs $60. you could even buy a used version but I'd not waste my money on a very outdated version. standards change and if it's older then 5 yrs, maybe 10, don't waste your money. if you are only interested in the standard for one or 2 breeds, the breed clubs offer them too and some are online.

regarding hatching in cartons, i hatch in berry baskets. i separate out my eggs by the parents and when they hatch, i want to know who came from what pen. I use the berry baskets that strawberries come in that have the locking tops. when the babies hatch, they can't get out of the basket until I open it then they all get bands before they get moved to the brooder.

Are you talking about the clear plastic berry baskets? How many eggs do you put in one basket? Just for clarification, how big is the foot print of one of these baskets??? Thanks.

 

[buckabucka]

Not sure what size basket Hoppy is using, but I have heard of doing that. Some people put hardware cloth divisions in the incubator, and I also have heard of people making their own plastic mesh baskets using plastic mesh from a craft store (for embroidery or something) and zip ties. You make any size you want that way.
Where do you get the leg bands? I may try them this year with crosses that I want to keep track of.

 

[hoppy]

the berry baskets that I use come in several sizes and are clear plastic. I think some had blue berries, and will hold 4 silkie eggs. the strawberry baskets hold 6-7 silkie eggs or 3-4 LF eggs. I like them to have a bit of room to roll around in there. the smaller ones might be 5x5 and the larger are 5x8? and slightly taller. I also put eggs in a plastic open tub in my hatcher but babies do hop out of that even though they are 4" high.

Are you talking about the clear plastic berry baskets? How many eggs do you put in one basket? Just for clarification, how big is the foot print of one of these baskets??? Thanks.