Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[magsrags]

Well, it looks like about 4 of our 7 silkie chicks may be Roos. So, I find myself in a similar position, raising and rehoming chicks. I'm perusing ads and websites...and wondering what kind of price range is average for foundation stock, breeding trios etc? Are prices of $100-150 per bird typical?
One breeder has told me NOT to pay a fortune for silkies. She says there are lots of nice birds available that are reasonably priced. However, while I find that hatching eggs seem fairly easy to get, quality unsexed chicks are much harder to find and really good hens/roosters are almost impossible to locate.
Awhile back, I once purchased a $250 rabbit for our breeding program from the top breeder in the country. And would you believe...we couldn't get that doe to produce a single baby! It seemed like the free or cheaper rabbits would pop out babies like crazy....but not the expensive ones. So, I'm a bit hesitant to pay big bucks for birds even though I'm completely understanding to all the time, effort and expense that goes into a good breeding program...
Any thoughts?
Tina

I hear you loud and clear. I am now on eBay and BYC trying to decide if chicks or eggs are the answer. Silkies are so tough to sex even at 5 months at times. I feel overwhelmed trying to just get myself a few hens. I don't show, just want to keep.

 

[queenchick16]

Knitting? I love to knit, quilt and bead. I even like a bit of crocheting. In the spring, I participated in a church group that made lap quilts for Haiti. I whipped out 8 tops in no time flat and then while admiring my work, I realized I had to complete them all.
Are any of your polish roos Gold? If so, I know a nice young lady who might like him.
Tina

right now only 1 of the2 white crested is actually crowing(if you can call it that). I do have a golden laced one ,muff and beard and all. when he crows you can have him. he is a beauty.Mags helped me get the pics up so they are on here somewhere.

 

[littlecritters]

 I hear you loud and clear. I am now on eBay and BYC trying to decide if chicks or eggs are the answer. Silkies are so tough to sex even at 5 months  at times. I feel overwhelmed trying to just get myself a few hens. I don't show, just want to keep.

If we are lucky, we may end up with 1 pullet each of splash, blue and black. Please let me know how you make out with your search...

 

[stoopid]

There's a gal in my facebook thread. She has a few pet quality Silkies. Alot of pullets. She is here on BYC as PamB. She is in CT if you guys are interested....

 

[littlecritters]

There's a gal in my facebook thread. She has a few pet quality Silkies. Alot of pullets. She is here on BYC as PamB. She is in CT if you guys are interested....

Roberta, thanks so much for mentioning the PQ silkies, but I think I'm going to hold off for BQ or SQ. If you still have Brutus and his sister in another month, I may be very interested in them. I've been trying to get some good pics of our silkie chicks...but they are too squirmy and fast for my iPhone camera...i get mostly blurry shots. I only have a few pics that I can show you all. Lovely blue- possible pullet

Splash-possible pullet

The black "triplets"- one possible pullet

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[magsrags]

Roberta, thanks so much for mentioning the PQ silkies, but I think I'm going to hold off for BQ or SQ. If you still have Brutus and his sister in another month, I may be very interested in them. I've been trying to get some good pics of our silkie chicks...but they are too squirmy and fast for my iPhone camera...i get mostly blurry shots. I only have a few pics that I can show you all.
Lovely blue- possible pullet

Splash-possible pullet

The black "triplets"- one possible pullet

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ahhh.......beauties Tina! That splash is gorgeous!

 

[magsrags]

Well I just bit the bullet and bought some eggs to incubate. A friend of mine wants some EEs and I want 2 for myself for some colorful eggs. I also bought a blue bird special.LOL Here is the link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290741263832&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:3160

Nice batch of breeds and between myself and 2 local friends all will be homed. Even any roos I get thankfully.


last but not least one breeder has some good silkie eggs and I added a few to my ee shipment!

Keeping my fingers crossed! Just have to repeat after me......no more roos

.......no more roos

...............no more roos

.

 

[stoopid]

Tina, I would be interested in the black, even if they are roos. Need black for the paints.
Where did they come from again?
I think you said, but I'm too lazy to go thru the posts.

I see Maggie getting herself into chick trouble AGAIN!

I also know someone wanting EEs, but only girls. Yeah, right.

 

[magsrags]

Tina, I would be interested in the black, even if they are roos. Need black for the paints.
Where did they come from again?
I think you said, but I'm too lazy to go thru the posts.

I see Maggie getting herself into chick trouble AGAIN!

I also know someone wanting EEs, but only girls. Yeah, right.

Oh yes, trouble there will be if I don't hatch and then get them OUTSIDE promptly.

I plan on doing that immediatly.
I have a nice big metal rabbit cage I can outfit as a brooder nicely. I'll ninja them right into it.
Trying for some more silkie eggs right now so I have a choice lot maybe we can all benefit from.

 

[smkchick]

Step away from the incubator! I'm thinking I might like a light colored EE. Blue eggs? And Roberta, I forgot what you said you had that might interest me.

I saw the woman who wants my 2 LS yesterday. She definitely wants them. We're both doing the "too lazy to actually to do the exchange" thing.

I have nothing planned all week. How many chickens do you think I'll add to my 12 by the time the week is over??