Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[aart]

I'd love to get some Marans, some Ameraucana, and some Olive Eggers.

If you get both, you can 'make' your own OE's!
Was my goal at the beginning, until I learned how hard it is to find pure breed birds,
and how expensive they are.
No Ameraucanas around here that I know of,
John Blehm on east side of state used to breed them, not sure if he still does.
There used to be a great Marans breeder over there too,
she actually started this chat thread, but I don't think she's still around.
I ended up using Welsummer and EE's trying to make OE's, 50/50 success.
Finally got a Marans cock and Cream Legbar hens, worked great, both those 'breeders' are now out of business.

 

[chickflick]

Swiss. I'm not sure Wynette is still breeding her Marans. She's over in Swartz Creek. I could ask her if you're interested. Don't know if it's too far for you to travel.

 

[Swiss]

If you get both, you can 'make' your own OE's!
Was my goal at the beginning, until I learned how hard it is to find pure breed birds,
and how expensive they are.
No Ameraucanas around here that I know of,
John Blehm on east side of state used to breed them, not sure if he still does.
There used to be a great Marans breeder over there too,
she actually started this chat thread, but I don't think she's still around.
I ended up using Welsummer and EE's trying to make OE's, 50/50 success.
Finally got a Marans cock and Cream Legbar hens, worked great, both those 'breeders' are now out of business.

I have heard that it is difficult to get chickens that aren't a mix or a completely different breed... if you hear of anyone that doesn't charge an arm and a leg for them, I'd like to know! Thanks for the alternative idea!

Swiss. I'm not sure Wynette is still breeding her Marans. She's over in Swartz Creek. I could ask her if you're interested. Don't know if it's too far for you to travel.

That's not too far! Would you ask her? Make sure she knows it would be at least a month before I am able to get anything. Thanks for the help!

 

[Uno]

I have this little guy that has to be rehomed. He is about 2 months old and crowing already. I can’t have Rooster, ordinance doesn’t Allow. Bought 5 pullets, got 4.

 

[Folly's place]

He's cute! What breed?
Placing extra cockerels is hard, but good luck with him.
Mary

 

[1muttsfan]

Welcome to the Michigan thread, Swiss

I understand that the price for birds sometimes can seem high, but purebred breeders spend a lot of time, money and effort in producing their birds, so the price should reflect that to reward them for all their hard work. If you are looking for purebred birds that aren't particularly good quality, then hatchery birds will likely suit your needs.

 

[Folly's place]

Hatchery birds do vary by breed, and hatchery, and might actually be better egg layers than birds from show breeders. If you do want birds from a private breeder, ask a lot of questions!
What biosecurity practices do they follow? What are their breeding goals? Does egg production matter? What about temperament?
Rooster temperament is a big deal if you plan to have them, especially if you have small children! Hatcheries may not screen for this at all, and cockerels are always a 'crap shoot' from anywhere.
Mary

 

[Swiss]

Thanks everyone for all the info! I will definitely do much more research and money saving!

 

[Uno]

He's cute! What breed?
Placing extra cockerels is hard, but good luck with him.
Mary

He’s A Crele Old English Game Bantam. He’s pretty sweet and already feels he has to keep the girls in line. I know it’s gonna be hard to place him.

 

[Folly's place]

He's a beautiful bird, and already I have too many cockerels and have to move some on myself.
Mary