Hatcheries do not breed strictly to the standards of the breeds they produce, in most cases. They produce a bird that is somewhat identifiable as the breed they sell it as, but will definitely not win any shows as it lacks in several breed characteristics. The traits that seem to suffer most are type (the sort of overall shape of a bird, such as the fluffiness of a cochin), foot feathering, color and markings definition (especially in patterned or laced breeds), and crest size in crested breeds. This is because it takes a lot of work to actively select to improve upon these traits, which hatcheries often do not have time to do. They are trying to mass produce and fill chick orders, and as a result the breed qualities of the birds they produce are lacking. That's not to say hatchery birds are all bad, often hatchery birds are a chicken owner's first flock. They usually produce well, are generally good tempered, and although they won't be winning any shows, they still can make beautiful pets.
