Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[wingstone]

Wingstone,
Thanks for the egg suggestions, I have a list of breeds that would probably work for us. What we are hoping to add to the flock is a large bodied bird with an average (or better) egg production. I also based my search on average broodiness so that we can build a more self sustaining flock. I would hatch out some of our eggs now except we have 2 Roos who don't have the size or character I want to breed and the logistics of seperating my favorite roo and hens to a 'breeder' area wouldn't be good for them with the weather being what it is.
I didn't plan on setting up a seperate breeding pen till spring and even though little Miss Gracie has put on her broody pants I will still have to wait for spring to use eggs I know belong to Grayson (our favorite roo).
So since we have to wait a bit we need to use the opportunity to get some nice heavier breed stock started.
We are considering Australorp... Brahma... Barred Rock or Partridge Rock....Delaware
also in the mix if they are what is available are Chantecler, Sussex or Dorking

We are very involved with our flock, and enjoy friendly birds that don't object much to being handled, eggs are a benefit but prolific isn't required at all and eventually we'd like to be able to have a meaty enough bird we can cull to freezer camp as needed with extra roos and such. I am more concerned with healthy, happy animals than I am appearances since we have no plans to show our birds.
Any suggestions for Pennsylvania (or nearby) breeders or hatcheries with healthy stock are welcome! Eggs from backyarders are great too because then I can take the opportunity to meet some of you in person!
Now that the holiday rush is almost over I can hopefully regain a somewhat 'normal' routine and may have some open days soon! Since I am new at aquiring eggs any helpful direction is appreciated!

Wingstone,
Thanks for the egg suggestions, I have a list of breeds that would probably work for us. What we are hoping to add to the flock is a large bodied bird with an average (or better) egg production. I also based my search on average broodiness so that we can build a more self sustaining flock. I would hatch out some of our eggs now except we have 2 Roos who don't have the size or character I want to breed and the logistics of seperating my favorite roo and hens to a 'breeder' area wouldn't be good for them with the weather being what it is.
I didn't plan on setting up a seperate breeding pen till spring and even though little Miss Gracie has put on her broody pants I will still have to wait for spring to use eggs I know belong to Grayson (our favorite roo).
So since we have to wait a bit we need to use the opportunity to get some nice heavier breed stock started.
We are considering Australorp... Brahma... Barred Rock or Partridge Rock....Delaware
also in the mix if they are what is available are Chantecler, Sussex or Dorking

We are very involved with our flock, and enjoy friendly birds that don't object much to being handled, eggs are a benefit but prolific isn't required at all and eventually we'd like to be able to have a meaty enough bird we can cull to freezer camp as needed with extra roos and such. I am more concerned with healthy, happy animals than I am appearances since we have no plans to show our birds.
Any suggestions for Pennsylvania (or nearby) breeders or hatcheries with healthy stock are welcome! Eggs from backyarders are great too because then I can take the opportunity to meet some of you in person!
Now that the holiday rush is almost over I can hopefully regain a somewhat 'normal' routine and may have some open days soon! Since I am new at aquiring eggs any helpful direction is appreciated!

Wingstone,
Thanks for the egg suggestions, I have a list of breeds that would probably work for us. What we are hoping to add to the flock is a large bodied bird with an average (or better) egg production. I also based my search on average broodiness so that we can build a more self sustaining flock. I would hatch out some of our eggs now except we have 2 Roos who don't have the size or character I want to breed and the logistics of seperating my favorite roo and hens to a 'breeder' area wouldn't be good for them with the weather being what it is.
I didn't plan on setting up a seperate breeding pen till spring and even though little Miss Gracie has put on her broody pants I will still have to wait for spring to use eggs I know belong to Grayson (our favorite roo).
So since we have to wait a bit we need to use the opportunity to get some nice heavier breed stock started.
We are considering Australorp... Brahma... Barred Rock or Partridge Rock....Delaware
also in the mix if they are what is available are Chantecler, Sussex or Dorking

We are very involved with our flock, and enjoy friendly birds that don't object much to being handled, eggs are a benefit but prolific isn't required at all and eventually we'd like to be able to have a meaty enough bird we can cull to freezer camp as needed with extra roos and such. I am more concerned with healthy, happy animals than I am appearances since we have no plans to show our birds.
Any suggestions for Pennsylvania (or nearby) breeders or hatcheries with healthy stock are welcome! Eggs from backyarders are great too because then I can take the opportunity to meet some of you in person!
Now that the holiday rush is almost over I can hopefully regain a somewhat 'normal' routine and may have some open days soon! Since I am new at aquiring eggs any helpful direction is appreciated!

wish I would have taken the time to plan better, I still have a hodgepodge of birds ....It's very hard to decide on breeds, so i am aiming for a few of each.

 

[mama2my4]

I have three pips this morning! One is a silkie, but I can't see what is written on the other two. Still nothing from the cochins except some rocking. This is my first batch since June, I believe? Maybe July. I had such horrible hatches over the summer. I really need these next two to go well! Otherwise, I may be cured of hatching for good!

Blarney, we could do a Sunday at the farm show. We are really looking forward to it. This will be our first one. We had only been back in PA days when the last one was happening.

Sally, beautiful babies!! And beautiful daughter, too!

Penta, hang in there hon. Does anyone here maybe breed something that you would like?

Wing, what types are you thinking of?

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I don't know if I was good or bad this year. I got clothes and worms for Christmas. I don't like worms! The things I do for my chickens! !

lmao My mom gave me dog bones or biscuits in every box... so I explained that I can treat the chickens on cat food, now everyones presents will smell like FISH!!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Ray, How many Marans is 'enough', anyway? Especially when there's Jameson's involved.

So who is going to the Farm Show? And how will we all know each other? Maybe we could all meet for a baked potato, fried cheese cubes, or real milkshake at the same time? I plan on going Sunday and then at least one weekday.

For those who have never been there... Prepare to be amazed! I usually am, but I'm pretty easy in that department. Also, the drinks are expensive! The Pepsi is $3.00 throughout the whole complex. I've learned to pack water n juice (no fun to carry around) and spend our $3 on milkshakes.

The Farm Show is free, and I THINK there is a $10 charge for parking, but DH says no charge? They park you about a million miles from the Farm Show building but there are shuttles running continuously, just remember where you are parked, the lots are ginormous. Also, you will freeze waiting for the shuttle, OR sweat to death carrying your coat around the Farm Show complex, kind of a 'no win' situation. Sorry if this is TMI, getting excited here!

http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/page/2013show.aspx

Don't forget that any clothing you wear may pick up dander from the the poultry being displayed, so wash it (and yourself) before playing with your babies.

mmmmm BESTEST Milkshakes TOO!!! I would pay ten bucks!! YUMS!!!

good advise thats for sure MommaBlarn!!

Good luck at the vet today

 

[Ray from PA]

Ray, How many Marans is 'enough', anyway? Especially when there's Jameson's involved.
So who is going to the Farm Show? And how will we all know each other? Maybe we could all meet for a baked potato, fried cheese cubes, or real milkshake at the same time? I plan on going Sunday and then at least one weekday.
For those who have never been there... Prepare to be amazed! I usually am, but I'm pretty easy in that department. Also, the drinks are expensive! The Pepsi is $3.00 throughout the whole complex. I've learned to pack water n juice (no fun to carry around) and spend our $3 on milkshakes.
The Farm Show is free, and I THINK there is a $10 charge for parking, but DH says no charge? They park you about a million miles from the Farm Show building but there are shuttles running continuously, just remember where you are parked, the lots are ginormous. Also, you will freeze waiting for the shuttle, OR sweat to death carrying your coat around the Farm Show complex, kind of a 'no win' situation. Sorry if this is TMI, getting excited here!
http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/page/2013show.aspx
Don't forget that any clothing you wear may pick up dander from the the poultry being displayed, so wash it (and yourself) before playing with your babies.

Guess I overlooked the " Jameson " or vodka factor...lol.....I really have to get out to his place,, see how he has everything setup, maybe do a headcount, for someone who didn't want many chickens, and really didn't want Roos, his Irish tune sure has changed ! Guess that BCM really wone him over, guess I had just a little to do with that, it did take some convincing and a bit of arm twisting.

And, I guess you can never have enough Marans,,, I'm working on a good population myself, so I have a good selection to cull from. Hmmm, perhaps Chad will be interested in the ones that I don't want for breeding.

Wonder how many of the auctions he won ???? Chad ?

Almost positive there is a parking fee, and it used to be $10, a few years ago, haven't been there for a few. I'd like to get there this year, is Sunday family day ? I remember it's alot less crowded during the week.

 

[sharron]

Welcome to all the new people!

missydcpc, please add me to the map when you can.
Zip is 15425.
Thank You.

hey, thats cville lol, where i am now and watching the snow, sure hope i can get home tonight, we have to go up a hill thats a lot of fun trying to get to the top, sometimes its sidewards but my husband is a good snow driver since he was born here.

 

[Ray from PA]

On another note,,,, these 4 chicks I have are the most quiet peeps I have had here so far. I never hear a peep out of them, almost forget they are right next to me when I'm at the computer. Gotta love 'em !

 

[sharron]

Ok so my mom got my DD, her and myself a Brineas mini advanced incubator?? Has anyone used one of these and are they good?? So hoping she got a good one because it looks like she spent a lot!! Thanks for the input!

i love mine

 

[LittleMissPurdy]

Finally got caught up..again,My goodness you've all been busy!!..haha. Okay so..HELLO & WELCOME to all the new peeps!!..

*Vinnie(McKeesport)..*Pngzv(Butler Co.)..*Blackerest(Dauphin Co.)...
..Lancaster Co.here, but soon to be Clinton Co.(middle of the state).
*Penta- I am so sorry for all your losses, the little ones & the relationship w/ your mom..

..hang in there!!
*Chad- S.Willsprt "Old-Stomping Grounds"..cool, so you know where-a-bouts I'll be..kinda..haha, I do like the city, there is alot to do..hubby and I like to stay at the Genetti Hotel(sp?) for our anniversary..Yeah man..jacuzzi room!!!

haha!...drinking while holding the credit card & EBAY-surfing is not advisable..just saying

*Sally- great Pics of the kids w/ their chicks!!..soo cute!!

*MAMA- hey , your just a "skip & jump" from our place!!..cool. It's nice to know there are some other chicken-folk around for "support" or "enabling"..haha

*Missy- could you put me on the map?..the new place, Clinton Co. (North Bend)..will be moved in completely by end of February..

, nothing like moving in the middle of winter, just hoping the weather cooperates!!!
*Motorcycle chick- noting says Merry Christmas like WORMS!!!!

...I know , what we don't do for the things/animals/people we love!!!

**Hope everyones NEW YEAR is more positive & wonderful than the last...wishing the BEST for all!!!!

....okay, I'm done now..hee hee...sorry so long..

 

[missydcpc]

Purdy, I'll get you on.

Blarney, yes, Sunday will work for us. And yes, parking is $10 (at least). Fiancee always yells at me to put on my coat...and then complains when I make him carry it! LOL I know I'll get overheated wearing it, so I'm smart enough not to! I'm NOT taking the kids this year, they didn't let me spend ANY time in the poultry area last year.

Chad...please, please, please say you don't have your ebay tied to your paypal for automatic payments!

for your pippers Mama!