I know this sounds odd, but I really don't know what I want yet. We've had common breeds for several years so we have experience keeping chickens. I know I would still like to have hens that are friendly & good layers but I'm interested in preservation of rare breeds as well. I probably won't add any this year but next year we plan on adding a few to our flock. I want to find out as much as possible about the different breeds so I can make an educated decision. Any suggestions on breeds & farms is appreciated
If you are interested in preserving rare breeds, I suggest that you start with excellent quality breeding stock. There is no "preservation" involved with breeding hatchery quality birds that probably were not purebreds to begin with.
Put "breeding quality" and "rare" together, and you most likely are not going to find any cheap birds that meet both of those requirements.
It would help if you stated what you want the chickens to do: Eggs? Meat? Large? Small? White eggs? Brown eggs? Purple eggs?
@ Oregon Blues...."I know this sounds odd, but I really don't know what I want yet. We've had common breeds for several years so we have experience keeping chickens. I know I would still like to have hens that are friendly & good layers but I'm interested in preservation of rare breeds as well. I probably won't add any this year but next year we plan on adding a few to our flock. I want to find out as much as possible about the different breeds so I can make an educated decision. Any suggestions on breeds & farms is appreciated
You could try asking in the "Old Timers" thread. I know there are a few folks trying to preserve old lines of heritage breeds. You'll find lots of opinions there.
Saw your other question regarding the breed of your rooster. Don't know what he is, but he is stunning. Maybe, in addition to preserving old/rare breeds, you could start a project and develop a new breed from him! Oh yes, and quiet roosters too!