question on brown egg layers

[Bucky182]

I have been considering either NH Reds or Delawares or the DelawareXNH Red cross that cackle hatchery advertises. I had the cross before and liked them but was considering one of the others. what do you all think?

 

[trilyn]

Both of them are good egg layers. If you can help out your local breeders, purchase from them. You're more likely to get better stock that way also. Otherwise, hatchery birds for a laying flock are just fine too, they just won't be as up to par as far as breed standards go. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

 

[Bucky182]

Thanks, I am not sure how to find some local breeders, I live in KS?

 

[Glitterik]

Craigslist! I've had excellent luck with Craigslist. I like supporting local breeders and having heritage breeds.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

Is there a feed store like a Southern States in your area or close by?? Also go to the internet and google hatcheries in your area, there is also a link on BYC for hatcheries....it is really good.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

Oh yeah, also check out your local paper in the livestock section.....

 

[felidaet]

Not all local breeders are good. I am very disappointed with one I bought chicks from this year. Out of 15 chicks, 8 of them died! I also have chicks I purchased from local feed stores and I have not had any issues with any of them. They have a 100% survival rate. I also got two from him that appear to be runts. I am so disappointed. 3 of the 4 BLRW I got from him died and the 4th one is one of the runts. A few of the chicks are doing great but the issues with the others make this a disappointing year.

I did have one issue with a feed store. I bought 2 Blue Maran chicks. Now that they are about 4 weeks old it is obvious that one is a Cuckoo Maran. The other might be a Blue Maran and Cuckoo Maran cross. I am sure it is a mixed breed of some sort. And, by the way, I think it is a rooster. (I only want pullets). I contacted the feed store and explained what is going on. Guess what the first thing was that I found out.... Guess who is providing them with their chicks.... The local breeder I have having issues with!!! They said that he told them the rooster was a Blue Maran. He did not say what the hens were. Seems to me like they should not have been selling these as Blue Marans if both parents were not Blue.

I will never do business with this breeder or feed store again (unless the feed store gets their chicks from a different source). Luckily we have lots of feed stores in the local area that are selling chicks. It is also going to make me think twice before I deal with a local breeder again. How did I make contact with this breeder?... He was running large listings on Craigs list every couple of days. Interesting that I have not seen any listings from him in a couple of weeks. Hummm....