Starting with hatchery stock?

[NHWynns]

I think this is a great idea. Brown Leghorns aren't the breed my eye and heart love the most, but I was able to obtain really top quality stock from a top breeder in the US and I have learned SO much from them. You can FEEL quality when you put your hands on them, and I realized I had never experienced what a quality bird felt like in hand before. I'm not working hard on them, but I'm keeping them around as a quality benchmark for other breeds and they help me realize how far I have to go, and how much more important type and substance and vitality are than the things that we can all judge from pictures like combs and patterns.

In this vein, I say: get both.

A quality breeding group. (Rooster, two or three hens) and a run of NH Reds.

If the breeder is local enough, they are a resource. I'm sure they would want to see their line be successful.

Lessons learned can be applied to the NH Reds immediately.

 

[Mosey2003]

For the New Hampshire (no Reds, they're known as just "New Hampshires"), do you know anyone that comes down to show in the US? Someone could carry back eggs, chicks, or a trio for you. I don't know where you are in Canada, but if you're West coast, Mike Omeg in Oregon has great NHs.

 

[Canuck88]

For the New Hampshire (no Reds, they're known as just "New Hampshires"), do you know anyone that comes down to show in the US? Someone could carry back eggs, chicks, or a trio for you. I don't know where you are in Canada, but if you're West coast, Mike Omeg in Oregon has great NHs.

I don’t, but I’m sure I can keep my eye out for someone who does, this is a great idea thanks!

 

[addctd2plnts]

I wouldn't use hatchery stock at all. You'll never get anywhere near show quality after 20 years of breeding. I have Penciled Indian Runner Ducks I got first from hatchery stock. Then when Fall show season started I got white Indian Runners from a show breeder. They are a full 4 inches taller and the body type is totally different. You just can't start with poor genetics and make great genetics. You need the potential already there. You can breed for 50 years but you can't see the bad genes that are going to keep biting you in the butt. Go to Poultry Show Central and go to some shows near you and meet the breeders. They'll help you. I'm a bit introverted but met 2 great guys to help me in 2 shows!