The Heritage Rhode Island Red Site

[Fred's Hens]

I cannot imagine ever finding heritage fowl at a local auction or swap. At least here, it never happens. Just hatchery stock re-bred kind of thing.

 

[DaveMcLaren]

Could I buy a roo and a two hens, or would that be asking too much? Perhaps they only sell eggs or peeps.

 

[immyjay54]

Could I buy a roo and a two hens, or would that be asking too much? Perhaps they only sell eggs or peeps.

Dave,
Where do you live? Maybe later this year when folks are going through their birds you may be able to get what you want. No, they probably won't be show quality but you may be able to get a trio and start working on them over winter or next spring if you get an incubator. Or you could possibly order some chicks from one of the bigger breeders. I saw the Ron Fogle posted a day or so ago on here that he could possibly help out with a few eggs or chicks.
Jim

 

[Fred's Hens]

Could I buy a roo and a two hens, or would that be asking too much? Perhaps they only sell eggs or peeps.

Dave, you can get a trio of birds. As Jimmy says, some breeders hatch out a lot of birds, make their selections and sell off their excess stock. Shipping older birds is really spendy. Shipping young birds is very expensive as well. Hatcheries ship day old chicks and use Priority. Not too bad.

Older birds must be shipped Overnight Express and ouch!!!

If you're near enough to me, be glad to help you out later this summer. Sometimes there are great birds sold at the Poultry shows as well.

 

[DaveMcLaren]

That sounds great! Keep me in mind later this summer! I plan on getting a silkie later this week at the local auction so she can mother any eggs I decide to hatch. Is that an ok plan for eggs that are being shipped to me, or is that too risky (I understand she may not be broody at the right time)?

 

[immyjay54]

That sounds great! Keep me in mind later this summer! I plan on getting a silkie later this week at the local auction so she can mother any eggs I decide to hatch. Is that an ok plan for eggs that are being shipped to me, or is that too risky (I understand she may not be broody at the right time)?

If you are planning on having eggs shipped to you, you had better get yourself an incubator. Usually when a person orders eggs they order a dozen at a time and most breeders send extra's if they have them. Even if you get a Silkie and she would be broody at the right time, I don't think that she is going to cover a dozen+ LF eggs very well. Why pay good money for eggs from these lines then take a chance of not having anything to hatch them? Just my thoughts. Again, I ask where are you located? This is all I have to say on this matter.
Jim

 

[Fred's Hens]

If you are planning on having eggs shipped to you, you had better get yourself an incubator. Usually when a person orders eggs they order a dozen at a time and most breeders send extra's if they have them. Even if you get a Silkie and she would be broody at the right time, I don't think that she is going to cover a dozen+ LF eggs very well. Why pay good money for eggs from these lines then take a chance of not having anything to hatch them? Just my thoughts. Again, I ask where are you located? This is all I have to say on this matter.
Jim

Jim, Dave has now edited to show his location. Pennsylvania!!!! hahahahaha!!

 

[DaveMcLaren]

Jim- Sorry about that I thought I replied to your question before. I'm between york and Hanover..... I thought you might say that about th silky.

 

[DaveMcLaren]

I'm getting my feet under me still. lol. I saved this site on my favorites list last year when I saw the great coop ideas on it. I never thought I'd be checking daily for updated posts! I'm hooked!

 

[melroseladi]

I have a question. I have my 5 Reds that are 15 weeks old. I need to build them a sleeping coop so I can get my chicks into the coop they are presently in, in a couple of weeks. We only use the coops so that I can lock them up at night. Coop will be inside the covered chainlink pen. How tall do I need to make the coop so that they will be comfortable at night? It will be 1 RC cockerel and 4 pullets.

Penny