Meyer Hatchery Chicken pics anyone??

[rnchick74]

I'm with you. I'm getting my chicks for the sheer enjoyment. I'm not even worried about how much they lay. The less they lay, the longer they will last IMO. The excitement is so hard to contain even if they aren't perfect.

Obviously I want eggs, but as you can see from my signature I only have a couple of "heavier" layers. The rest lay ok, but are known to be calm, friendly, docile breeds or produce unusual eggs. I'm buying from a hatchery, specifically Meyer's Hatchery because I need to be able to buy small # with a variety of breeds at the same time in the easiest manner possible. I'm a single mother, who works outside the home - I don't have time or energy to drive all over the state(s) to breeders to get "quality" chicks. I am NOT breeding. If I were, then I would make sure the bloodline was up to standard. But I am not & have no interest in it.

No matter what, there is still no reason for people to be nasty to each other (no one in this thread has been!!!!!)). It is so sad that people are so insecure in themselves that they must get on their high horse and try to tear people down.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

That is why I don't post anything in the breeder threads, but they are a good source of information for those looking for direction in their breeding program. I can understand wanting to preserve a breed as close to the SOP as possible but not everyone has the same wants/needs in their flock. I think that they forget that not everyone wants to show birds, some people are just in it for the eggs and pretty colors.
The problem with hatcheries is that they're breeding for production, and in doing so they will lose some traits that certain breeds are known for. For example, take the Marans breed, I have seen pics of hatchery Marans eggs that can't even be distinguished from a standard brown layer's egg. Now don't people buy them specifically FOR the dark chocolate egg? Especially since they are so expensive, you'd expect to get that for your money.
I'm definitely not defending them, I just see it in gray scale. People should always be courteous, especially online where things can be read in the wrong tone.

 

[rnchick74]

That is why I don't post anything in the breeder threads, but they are a good source of information for those looking for direction in their breeding program. I can understand wanting to preserve a breed as close to the SOP as possible but not everyone has the same wants/needs in their flock. I think that they forget that not everyone wants to show birds, some people are just in it for the eggs and pretty colors.
The problem with hatcheries is that they're breeding for production, and in doing so they will lose some traits that certain breeds are known for. For example, take the Marans breed, I have seen pics of hatchery Marans eggs that can't even be distinguished from a standard brown layer's egg. Now don't people buy them specifically FOR the dark chocolate egg? Especially since they are so expensive, you'd expect to get that for your money.
I'm definitely not defending them, I just see it in gray scale. People should always be courteous, especially online where things can be read in the wrong tone.

Exactly! I am getting my maran in hopes that I get those dark brown eggs...but just like everything else, it is a risk that I won't get dark brown eggs. In fact, there is no guarantee that any hen will lay at all! And had the post been worded differently, I wouldn't have taken offence at all. I think that anyone who has done any kind of research understands that when you buy from a hatchery, you are making trade-offs.

Maybe I'm too nice, but when someone, ANYONE, shows excitement...you don't rain on their parade. Even if their float is the ugliest in the parade.

 

[NotableNancy]

I completely understand what you are saying. I've been reading a lot in the silkie breed threads & followed up with the breeder with that exact question. He said that he's only had 1 mis-sex that he aware of, but if we end up with a roo instead of a hen that he will switch it out for us. You gotta take the plunge & risk it sometimes. I was comparing the pics on Meyer's website vs his pics - there is no comparison...much fluffier and prettier on the breeders...of course they cost more too. And it may not happen - something may occur & one may not be available. I will take that as a sign that it is not our time. We can try next year!

That sounds pretty good... I would def. go for it. I love the buff and splash. Hoping my white turns out pretty; my son fell in love with the insanely fluffy ones (he's 17 and really doesn't give a fig about chickens so when he showed an interest I had to get him one) She's still so small compared to my EE's but she's a feisty one and I was afraid of her feeling left out when the others are on the roosts but so far she's able to go wherever the others are. But I really wanted a pair. Add that to my 'someday' list!!

Ok, let me say that I'm so glad everyone in this thread is very nice! I just had a pretty nasty encounter with a person on another breed specific thread that wasn't so nice! I simply posted how excited I was that I was getting one of this breed, learning more about it in that thread, etc.

This person came back saying I shouldn't get my hopes up or be too excited because hatchery birds of this breed are rarely to standard and are of lesser quality (I'm paraphrasing). Yes, the age old debate of hatchery vs breeder. I know you shouldn't be able to tell tone in an email/post...but this was quite snippy and condescending.

I should probably go back and edit my post - I said something about how I knew they were of "lesser" quality and I won't bother to share my pics there and sully their eyes with lesser quality birds.

I just had to vent for a second. Why can't people get off their high horses and get along??!!

I agree that people in the breed specific can get very defensive like they corner the market and everyone else has 'lesser' birds. The other thing I have to remind myself about BYC is there are tons of kids on here and sometimes they say the darndest things. And you don't realize it's a kid but then the lightbulb goes off and you just brush it off. I posted in Brahma thread ages ago and I was looked down upon but then found a 'backyard' brahma thread that was geared more towards hatchery birds and they were much nicer. Same with the Ameraucana and EE threads. Tons of nastiness on there (NOT the EE threads!) I like it here... all happiness and support!

 

[christine9]

Ok, let me say that I'm so glad everyone in this thread is very nice! I just had a pretty nasty encounter with a person on another breed specific thread that wasn't so nice! I simply posted how excited I was that I was getting one of this breed, learning more about it in that thread, etc.

This person came back saying I shouldn't get my hopes up or be too excited because hatchery birds of this breed are rarely to standard and are of lesser quality (I'm paraphrasing). Yes, the age old debate of hatchery vs breeder. I know you shouldn't be able to tell tone in an email/post...but this was quite snippy and condescending.

I should probably go back and edit my post - I said something about how I knew they were of "lesser" quality and I won't bother to share my pics there and sully their eyes with lesser quality birds. 

I just had to vent for a second. Why can't people get off their high horses and get along??!!

OH YEAH! Forgot to warn you about those breeder threads. I read some of them for the info, but do not post on them. I actually posted my BBS AMs on the EE thread because they are much nicer. Sometimes reading those threads is hard because they can be down right mean. I understand some of them have spent a long time breeding for certain results, but that's no reason to respond like that. They could explain nicely or just not respond.

 

[NanaLynn]

I agree with all of you. Some of the breeder threads can be pretty harsh. Also some threads are much less sympathetic and do not remember that there is a large variety of people, different ages, different ideas, different lifestyles, countries, weather, etc.

I don't raise my chickens the same as everyone else, but I do respect the right for others to raise their chickens the way they want too. Too bad every thread is not that way. I do learn a lot from some of the other threads, but I will not post to a lot of them since I am scared of harsh replies. I feel safe here. All of you guys are great!

 

[christine9]

I agree! This is my favorite thread, no doubt.

 

[rnchick74]

Thanks everyone. This was in the general breed info section under the black copper maran thread. I'm assuming the person is a breeder, or interested in becoming a breeder. Oh well, life goes on. They are the one who is insecure, not me.

The only chick I'm buying from a breeder as opposed to Meyer's is my silkie - and that is for a couple of reasons: Meyer's is out & they don't sell sexed silkies, for good reason. The breeders I've found (found & made contact with another one this morning) sell 6-8 week chicks that are sexed with an agreement in writing (I've got the emails) that if the sex turns out to be wrong, they will exchange it. I still have no desire to breed any breed, but I do see a huge difference in the hatchery vs breeder silkies. HOWEVER, if one jumped in my box at Meyers, I wouldn't turn it down...I'd hope for a female!!!

 

[NanaLynn]

I like the quality of chicks that I get from Meyers. If there was someone local near me, I might take that option so the chicks would not be stressed from shipping. I still would probably use Meyers for their great selection though. The local ones I have seen might have some heritage RIR's which would be great but I like my flock to be a variety. I would not fit in on one of the breeder threads since I like multiple breeds and a variety of egg colors. They'd laugh at me for sure. I'm sorry that someone spoiled your excitement on the other thread. We understand here since we get just as excited.

I now have 3 garden boxes built, my garden was demolished in the construction, so we are rebuilding everything. I have started on my pallet compost bins too. I just love pallets! I need more now! The tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberry plants are in the ground. I am starting other veggies from seeds. I love gardening, so much fun! We have a new way of blocking the chickens eating the veggies too, I'll take pics soon too.

 

[rnchick74]

I like the quality of chicks that I get from Meyers. If there was someone local near me, I might take that option so the chicks would not be stressed from shipping. I still would probably use Meyers for their great selection though. The local ones I have seen might have some heritage RIR's which would be great but I like my flock to be a variety. I would not fit in on one of the breeder threads since I like multiple breeds and a variety of egg colors. They'd laugh at me for sure. I'm sorry that someone spoiled your excitement on the other thread. We understand here since we get just as excited.

I now have 3 garden boxes built, my garden was demolished in the construction, so we are rebuilding everything. I have started on my pallet compost bins too. I just love pallets! I need more now! The tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberry plants are in the ground. I am starting other veggies from seeds. I love gardening, so much fun! We have a new way of blocking the chickens eating the veggies too, I'll take pics soon too.

Woohoo!!! I can't wait to see the pics of your garden! I moved into this current house 1 yr ago (I'm a constant renter) and have 2 more years on my lease. My landlord doesn't care at all what we do with the backyard, so I started a nice little flower and veggie garden. He comes over once a year, in the Spring, to do his walk-thru of the house and last year I sent him home with a basket of tomatoes and cukes, as well as a jar of pickles. He was in heaven! This year I'm doing green onions, cukes, tomatoes, artichokes, and lettuce in the fall. I have strawberries and carrots in containers, as well as herbs.

When I called to tell him that I wanted to get chickens, his only comment (besides asking if I knew what the ordinances were) was "sounds like a great compost source for your garden" and "if you get too many eggs, let me know!". Yeah, he's real concerned. As long as I'm not "breaking the law" he doesn't care...and by that: drugs, etc. He could care less about some chickens. He's just happy that I take care of the house!