Need help fast!

[eastbaychicks]

"Our large fowl buff cochin pullet took best of variety, best of breed, and reserve champion large fowl. Which means out of the 600 or so standard breed birds shown she was the second place bird out of 600. We also entered two blue cochins pullets which placed second and third out of there breed. So as far as the cochin breed goes we placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. You can confirm this by looking at the cloverdale citrus fair results they were all entered by our daughter Alexis Fischer though the canfield 4H. The birds do not come with pedigree's just the satisfaction that you have bought them from a reputable breeder. "

Would you buy chicks from this guy. He says he's willing to take the rooster back if they wind up being roos.... is there anyone that can help me to learn to identify a Cochin Roo from day one. Please.... I'm going to pick up the birds tonight if ya'll think it's ok.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cobrien]

I am not an expert but I'll do my best to help you.

Sexing young chicks is beyond the skills of laypeople and even most chicken experts, it is a special and highly paid skill.

The fact that he takes roosters back is a bit scary to me, he could be introducing his chickens to all kinds of diseases. Some would say the same thing about the fair / chicken show. I have learned the hard way to be very careful about biosecurity. I would ask him pointed questions about where he houses the roosters if they are returned. Unless he houses them someplace far from his flock or butchers them immediately, I wouldn't buy from him.

I would ask what his success rate is with sexing chicks - how many get returned? In my limited experience - I've bought from farmers twice and hatcheries ~6 times - the farmers were 60-70% accurate and the hatcheries were ~100% accurate (although they typically claim 95% I think).

If you can't have or don't want a rooster, and don't like the idea of getting attached to him and then giving him back to be eaten, I also would go elsewhere because your chances are likely higher that you'll get a roo. Another option is to get ~3-4 month old birds when it is easier to tell their sex, of course then you don't get the pleasure of raising chicks.

I also would only get chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease.

Cochins are GREAT pet chickens, I hope you get some nice ones one way or another!

 

[Bantimna]

I would go for it, though ask for a written document saying that he will take back any unwanted birds. So you mdon't end up having the wrong birds.
Good Luck!

 

[EggSpudition]

I have bought from breeders that will guarantee the sex. I haven't had any bad experiences, yet. I say go for it.

 

[elmo]

Visit the breeder and trust your instincts. If the setup looks dirty or unsanitary, if the birds look like they aren't being well cared for, walk away. However, I suspect that's going to be unlikely. If this is really someone who breeds chickens for show, it's more likely than not that they are serious poultry enthusiasts and take good care of their chickens.

You will almost certainly get a healthier bird of better genetic stock from a serious breeder than you will from a hatchery. In general, the big commercial hatcheries operate to produce the most birds the most cheaply. They really don't focus on improving the breed, or breeding for health, or for particular characteristics. There's no money for them in that.

 

[eastbaychicks]

I really liked the breeder. It was dark and rainy, but they were very nice. So I just took all the day old babies. I figured that at least three of the six would be females right. He seemed very concerned about the roos being in a home they could be in so he was very reassuring that he would not only accept them back, but trade them out for hens. That made me very happy.

I have no idea what is which type. Lemme know if you know. They are all cochins, with very feathery and sweet feet. The one behind my thumb is HUGE compared to the rest so I'm betting its a roo. The two black ones look like they are black or blues... and the one on the far side on the left next to mama looks silverlaced. I have no idea just a guess. What do you think?

Thanks for the help. Can I still vaccinate the birds now that today is their first complete day? If so I'll do it.