Newbie in MA - Where can I buy...

[keesmom]

Again, thanks for the info. I will be sure to check out the link and see what they have. I'm going to go back and evaluate chicken breeds to see if there are any others that might work for me (large or small).

If they don't have what you want they will special order for you too.

There is also the Northeast Avicultural Society's tailgate sale this Sunday at the Westford Sportsman's Club, but unfortunately they've changed their rules and you need to be a member to buy as well as sell. You never know what you'll find there - chicks, started birds, layers, ducks, geese, turkeys, caged birds, rabbits etc. It's the last one until September so there could be a lot there.

 

[TeddyBearSilkie]

Thanks for the recommendations. I've been looking into other possible breeds. Faverolles have piqued my interest. I'm heading to my local feed store today to look into some of the available breeds there.

 

[TeddyBearSilkie]

I'm heading there today to check out supplies and available breeds. It's nice to know that they do special orders too. I've been checking out craigslist for breeders. Many are an hour or two away but I'm considering them as well. Faverolles seem very interesting too so I'm looking into those as well.

Although I don't think I'm quite ready to be a member of the N.A.S. I appreciate the info. I've added it to my list of things to check out in the fall. Do you think I could find a similar offering at a 4H fair?

 

[keesmom]

I thought it was crazy for the NAS to make that change, but supposedly the insurance company required it. In October there is an auction at the Topsfield fairgrounds after the fair is over. It's run by the FFA (Future Farmers of America). There's all sorts of birds there. I think 275 last year. There were silkies but they were all in pairs.

Dodge is supposed to get cochins in tomorrow. They may interest you. Ask for Jim, he's the poultry expert at the store. I should have some extra Fav pullets if you decide you want to try those.

 

[TeddyBearSilkie]

I think I might check out Topsfield in the fall regardless of whether I get chicks now. I'm sure by then I'll be a wiser poultry geek and I'll have a better idea and appreciation of what to look for.

I did stop by Dodge today and I talked with Jim. They had Silkies in last week and of course they are sold out now. They are not due for another shipment until July but he said there might be a chance that they could get some in June. I saw some adorable Sultans there. I must be leaning toward ornamental birds. I may stop in again to check out the Cochins this weekend, but I think I am still leaning toward Silkies. I do appreciate the Faverolle pullet offer very much though . I don't want to get ahead of myself but if all goes well with my chicken keeping I would interested in adding some Favs next Spring. They are my first contender for a large breed chicken.

I inquired about some show quality silkies on Craigslist and I was told that they have some days old and some weeks old. I'm weary of potentially purchasing some on Craigslist especially when I would have to drive almost 2 hours to get there and the fact that they are double the price of what some of the others that I've seen (I must be nuts), however I'm still considering it. I'll have to come up with some good questions to see if it might be worth my while.

I picked up my coop today (yay!) that I found on Craigslist. I got it for a steal. Needs a couple modifications, but hopefully by this weekend it will be good to go.

Thanks for being so helpful