Pure bred or not ?

[justinschkz]

Hello everyone I kinda new to raising chickens my first flock is seventeen weeks old now and that about how much experience i have. I ordered 26 RIRs from mcmurry hatchery when i ordered them I had the understanding that they would be pure bred rhode island reds. but i have been told that hatchery chicks are not pure bred and that they would not grow near as big as what a pure bred breed should. Is this true? How do I know if my breed is pure? and also long does it take for a RIR to be full grown? the hatchery said my RIRs would get 6 to 8 pounds but they are no where near that and they are 17 weeks old.

 

[Fred's Hens]

They are as purebred as the hatchery wishes to make them.

There is a bit of confusion as to "purebred" and what that means as to hatchery versus breeder stock birds. Real breeders, not just some propagators or chick mill, but true, faithful, reputable RIR breeders of Mohawk Line, let's say, birds are quite rare. These are bred to true type, to standard, to SOP quality and may or may not be shown, but are absolutely gorgeous, heritage birds. A very limited number of them are raised each year. They are quite hard to come by. There isn't nearly enough of these birds to go around as there are people who might want them. They are also only usually hatched for a limited amount of time, each spring. Gotta get on a waiting list.

This is true for the other breeds as well.

But not everyone needs this quality of bird. Unless you are going to breed them, show them or be a part of the heritage preservation minded world, there's no need to have them. Heritage birds aren't for everyone. They can be quite expensive. They take forever and a day to grow out to size. This all takes feed, and more feed. Being true to their breed, they will often lay no where near the eggs of a hatchery stock bird. A heritage fowl will often go broody.

The hatcheries mass produce birds for profit. There is no matching up this cock with that hen for excellent results. Just mass production. A hatchery bird is said to "represent" the breed. They mature faster, they lay more eggs, as they've been bred for higher egg production. They aren't true to body type, feather color and rarely go broody as that isn't a trait that a hatchery can profit by. A hen that is setting isn't producing eggs.

Hatcheries provide a service, as they sell birds cheap, quick and almost year around. That's what they do well. Their birds are normally healthy and provide an adequate chicken for people.

I hope that helps.

 

[justinschkz]

Thank you it was just something I was wondering. I am very satisfied with my flock. I just do it cause enjoy raising them and cant wait for them to start laying.

 

[charro2]

I have ordered rir from mcmurray hatchery and been happy with the birds. They are great layers. I have found the roosters to be a little mean.

 

[justinschkz]

I only wanted one rooster but i ordered two just in case i lost one but they ended up sending me three roosters and the free chick turned out to be a faverolle rooster which i had to seperate cause the rest of the flock wouldnt stop pecking him. but all them are very docile except for one he is the dominant one out the flock and he gets aggressive at times especially if i try to handle the hens but i dont mind I figure that makes him a good protecter.