Questions to ask a breeder

[camorrow]

I’m pretty new to the chicken world, but I’ve worked in animal care for years. So I know if I were going to buy a puppy from someone there’s a whole list of questions I’d have for them to help verify they’re a “good” breeder and maintaining good, healthy practices. I would assume there are many things that would be good to ask a chicken breeder/owner as well, to help gauge the safety of bringing one of the their birds into your flock. In some ways it almost seems MORE important, since at least my other dogs are vaccinated and not particularly vulnerable to something a puppy could bring in, but there are so many things chickens seem to be able to introduce that could even wipe out your flock.

So what are some questions all of you experienced folks ask?

 

[Mrs. K]

Do they attend swaps or auctions, or shows. I am not a big believer in backyard quarantine because most people do not have the set up to do so, and one can’t cheat at quarantine. However, I buy new birds from people that do not go to auctions, shows or swaps where I think there is a huge chance of picking up a disease.

A lot depends on you too. To me, healthy looks healthy, do not ever take something you feel sorry for.

I would be leery too, is they agreed to sell you one bird. A single bird is a hard introduction to a flock. To me that would signify not too much experience. Do realize that a breeder is selling their culls, as they will keep the best birds, but even so, should be at least close to the SOP. Check those out before you go, so you know what to look for.

Do not be surprised if they do not let you on their property for bio security, but you could ask for pictures.

good luck,

Mrs K

 

[Ridgerunner]

What are your goals for having chickens? Do you want them for eggs, meat, eye candy, to show, bug patrol, breeding and hatching chicks, sell hatching eggs, a combination or something else? If you want them for eggs and the hens lay three a week, not real good. But if you want them to show or for eye candy they may be just what you want. Determine to yourself why you want chickens and chat with them about how good a fit those are.

Ask if they are vaccinated and if they are, what for. If they are vaccinated do some research to see what those vaccinations do.

Ask how they are being fed, specifically percent protein. If chickens get used to a relatively high protein feed I think they need a higher protein feed than those that are not used to it.

Ask if it is a closed flock and when the last outside exposure was. A closed flock is where they are not exposed to outside chickens that could introduce diseases or parasites. I keep a pretty closed flock. I do not show my chickens. I hatch my own eggs, hatch someone else's eggs, or get baby chicks from a hatchery. I do not bring in any other chickens that could be carrying something. If they are not closed it's not necessarily a disqualification for you. It's more to know you need to be on alert a little more.

Ask if they know if their flock has any flock immunities. It's not that unusual for a flock to be infested with something that could infect other chickens but that flock has developed immunity to that specific disease or parasite. Coccidiosis is a perfect example. It is caused by a parasite that, if the numbers are kept under control, the chick or chicken can develop an immunity within two or three weeks. They will be carriers but won't be affected. I would not consider all these a disqualification, some like Coccidiosis can be managed, especially if you know it is there. But some, like Marek's would be a disqualification.

Like Mrs K I think if they look healthy they probably are. If any look hunched up, fluffed up, and standing around being lethargic, run away. If they look healthy and active they probably are.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

I would never get a hen if I couldn't see the conditions in which that chicken had lived. That can tell you a lot. Cleanliness and space are high on my list of conditions.
I would also never buy just one chicken from a flock. That dooms the hen to a life of misery in its new home.

 

[centrarchid]

First you assess bird(s) in hand. I have proper quarantine capacity so parasite issues are not always a deal breaker. Other health issues more difficult to stop may show up during quarantine causing need to cull. Ideally, the in hand assessment reduces odds that will happen.

What is asked or is of issue relates to what you value the chickens for.
Eggs?
Meat?
Dual purpose?
Feathers as fiber?
Show quality?
Free-range?
Broody service?

Most flocks are ultimately dead ends where all birds coming in will not leave descendants in that flock or persist after the keeper looses interest, kind of like most dogs and cats. Therefore questions above are all the further I would go.


If long-term, then I am always interested in ancestry. Does the prospect have genetics that will benefit my interest?


I have seen the following in circles I operate in. The person you are considering as a source is ignorant about what you are interested in. You can also find parties that are outright deceitful. The latter parties most abundant in gamefowl circles.

When you get answers, take them with a bit of salt. There are times when you must need to use judgement based on what you know before deciding. This takes a little trial and error.