Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[LeslieDJoyce]

I was only suggesting because this was deemed a PIC thread that many may ignore the information buried in it.
I agree when it comes to meat birds I would be happy with a bird dressing at 4lb at between 18-24 weeks and still being a roaster quality bird.

Most of the birds I have wont hit 4 lb dressed until they are well into 30s in weeks. Got my first 4lb bird at 34 weeks. (Not a Delaware) Most of my Pita Pintas processed before 24 weeks only dress at about 3.5 lbs (cockerels)

My current Del girl isnt even close and she is just 28 weeks. My largest hatchery del hit 5lb live when she was nearly a year old. She was slightly heavier than the 7-8 month olds I got from Kim

Articles and information on the growth rates of heritage birds is good to put things into perspective in the flock we have.

I think I'm making progress this year with size. I had some 4 lb live cockerels at 14 weeks. Pullets are lighter, of course, but right now my April Fools pullets are HEFTY. I'm sure they're big enough I'm going to have to start thinking about oversized birds.

I should weigh a few. And, honestly, I should process the older cockerels ASAP. Get before/after weights ... photos ... make notes. Act organized.

I'm sure I've posted those links over at the other Delaware threads, too. And on Facebook. I'm not sure people actually are happy to have the info, though.

 

[caychris]

I think I'm making progress this year with size. I had some 4 lb live cockerels at 14 weeks. Pullets are lighter, of course, but right now my April Fools pullets are HEFTY. I'm sure they're big enough I'm going to have to start thinking about oversized birds.

I should weigh a few. And, honestly, I should process the older cockerels ASAP. Get before/after weights ... photos ... make notes. Act organized.

I'm sure I've posted those links over at the other Delaware threads, too. And on Facebook. I'm not sure people actually are happy to have the info, though.

Im happy just not with my birds other than they are very nice chickens

 

[Rod-T]

I wanted a few delewares.. contacted a lady that had a flock that she just sells eating eggs to people. She's never shipped eggs before. .but said she could. . But she wanted 5.00 per egg.. yikes I can get chicks for that price

 

[finnfur]

I wanted a few delewares.. contacted a lady that had a flock that she just sells eating eggs to people. She's never shipped eggs before. .but said she could. . But she wanted 5.00 per egg.. yikes I can get chicks for that price

IMHO its easier to ship chicks than eggs- bubble wrapping each egg and packing very careful takes longer than bouncing some chicks into a box and closing it up - Did that include postage ?

 

[Rod-T]

No I think 15.00 shipping too.. so 75.00 total.. probably get 7 to hatch.. lucky to get 4 hens for the 75. Idk what she charges for eating eggs.. probably 5.00 ..

 

[Rod-T]

Strongberg had free shipping for 25 pullets with vac for 115.00

 

[Rod-T]

I thought maybe 10.00 plus 15.00 shipping would been ok..

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

It isn't really all that easy to make decent Delawares and have them popping out pure breed fertile eggs. Then keeping bums trimmed, nests clean, eggs stored properly while you gather a clutch.

 

[Rod-T]

I would have payed 15 +15 shipping I just was figuring 10 a dozen. . I was just shocked at 5 a egg..she even stated that her color wasn't like she liked...
So I'm sure they weren't show birds..
I know around here eggs go for 3 to 4 a dozen. And that's all she's doing is selling eggs..
I'll probably get some come spring.i know on ebay seems 30 a dozen shipped is about average..unless it's a rare breed.

 

[caychris]

I would have payed 15 +15 shipping I just was figuring 10 a dozen. . I was just shocked at 5 a egg..she even stated that her color wasn't like she liked...
So I'm sure they weren't show birds..
I know around here eggs go for 3 to 4 a dozen. And that's all she's doing is selling eggs..
I'll probably get some come spring.i know on ebay seems 30 a dozen shipped is about average..unless it's a rare breed.

Delawares are considered rare especially if you want something close to SOP size and shape. Ive basically paid 30 a dozen for fertile eggs for breeds equally as rare as Delawares. Most have been meetup so no shipping.