Non-hatchery Barred Rocks

[SkellyG]

I've been looking at quite a few posts about meat chickens and I've seen a fair few references to 'non-hatchery' chickens. Specifically barred rock chickens being larger if not from a hatchery.

Being new to all this I have a question.... How do you source a non-hatchery chicken such as barred rock?

I had a quick look at the buy-sell forum but did not see anything. I am in the Charlotte NC area if location helps.

Thanks

 

[Molpet]

Good Shepherd is a breeder that has just started a hatchery. They have been keeping utility lines going. I have been following their journey for a few years. If I had room I would order some.
American poultry association is also a source of breeders

I've been looking at quite a few posts about meat chickens and I've seen a fair few references to 'non-hatchery' chickens. Specifically barred rock chickens being larger if not from a hatchery.

I posted links earlier today
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/heritage-chicks-available-at-good-shepherd.1638479/

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've been looking at quite a few posts about meat chickens and I've seen a fair few references to 'non-hatchery' chickens. Specifically barred rock chickens being larger if not from a hatchery.

Sometimes, it depends on the person selecting which chickens get to breed. If they are selecting for egg production then don't expect the chickens to be larger than hatchery stock. If they are breeding for meat or for show then the chickens should be larger than hatchery stock.

How do you source a non-hatchery chicken such as barred rock?

1. Contact the American Poultry Association Plymouth Rock club and chat with them. Your state representative is shown on the link below. Some people who breed for show may be reluctant to sell hatching eggs, chicks, or breeding trios for different reasons. They put a lot of work and expense in developing and maintaining their lines of birds. Their birds are valuable and are usually priced accordingly when they are willing to sell them. If you can find someone even willing to sell their rejects are going to be much better than hatchery birds for meat.

https://amerpoultryassn.com/about/state-provincial-reps/

2. Go to chicken shows and see what you can see. Chat with the people there, especially people with Barred Rocks. Or the organizers, they often know people that have certain birds even if they are not showing at that show.

3. Go to the "Buy-Sell-Trade" section of this forum and post an ad for what you want. Include your location and what you want. You are trying to get the attention of a few specific people. Don't count on being lucky and them just happening to post. Be proactive.

4. Find your State thread in the "Where am I? Where are you!" section of this forum and chat with your neighbors. Who knows what you will find.

5. Why Barred Rocks only? Would you be open to other colors/patterns and breeds of chickens? The more you limit your search the harder it becomes.

Good luck!

 

[SkellyG]

Thanks, appreciate it.

Barred Rocks was just an example, definitely not limiting to that breed alone.

 

[SkellyG]

Good Shepherd is a breeder that has just started a hatchery. They have been keeping utility lines going. I have been following their journey for a few years. If I had room I would order some.
American poultry association is also a source of breeders



I posted links earlier today
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/heritage-chicks-available-at-good-shepherd.1638479/

Thank you, I appreciate this info greatly. Just starting on my chicken journey!

 

[123RedBeard]

Cackle has some "Exhibition type" breeds, supposedly much different than there regular ones that they also sell ... More like they use to be ... Bigger.

Under there "rare" categories ... https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/barred-plymouth-rock-exhibition-type/

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rhode-island-red-chicken-exhibition-type/

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/buff-orpington-exhibition-type/

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/black-laced-silver-wyandotte-chicken-exhibition-type/

Quite a few here have been very happy with the NH from Freedom Ranger Hatchery too ... https://www.freedomrangerhatchery.com/product-category/day-old-chicks/dual-purpose-breeds/