To ship or not to ship... a great debate in my mind.

[dutchlion]

I appreciate the insight!

By 'pets' i simply mean that they are for our enjoyment ... not for show or future breeding... i have a sebright that is very enjoyable, but isn't a lap chicken... and she (despite her young age) rarely lays... but she likes to visit with people and will come up and chat

I'm also trying to choose breeds that will withstand our summers in NC... which are normally worse than our winters...my main goal is that they are happy and healthy... which is why the initial question of shipping or not shipping?

Our flock is also NPIP certified, so if I do find reputable breeders/owners to purchase from- their flocks must be NPIP certified as well.

So there are many factors (including personal preference) going into this list. I am very thankful that you are sharing your experiences... It's important to me that when choosing new birds to bring in, that I am making the best possible decisions, and cannot do that without help!!!!! My list now is simply based on research and not real world experience. so i

thank you!!!!! please if you have any more advice i welcome it!

 

[Michael OShay]

I'm also trying to choose breeds that will withstand our summers in NC... which are normally worse than our winters

If heat is a problem where you are, the Mediterranean breeds on your list are all good choices. Another breed you should consider is the Black Australorp. They are extremely hardy (both heat and cold). I raised them in CA where summer temperatures frequently reached 117-118 F (123 F once), and while my Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, and Light Brahmas were all panting and struggling in the heat, my Australorps seemed unaffected by it and went on about their scratching business like troopers (not surprising since they are commonly bred in the Australian outback where it gets extremely hot). In addition, they are the best layers of the standard, brown egg laying breeds. A BA holds the brown egg laying record with 364 eggs in 365 days, and while none of mine ever reached that kind of production (and likely never will), I had a few of them lay over 300 eggs in a year. A Black Australorp would make a great addition to your flock.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Just a caution about "heritage" breeds--lots of folks just buy traditional type breeds from a hatchery and sell them as heritage.

Yes, I ran into that with a couple different places when I was looking for a local option. And let me tell you, they are charging the same prices as the reputable heritage breeders! I was really irked to discover that the main place that gets recommended here for heritage birds is just reselling Meyer chicks.

 

[dutchlion]

hearing your thoughts and experiences is awesome! i really do appreciate everything... and will take it all into consideration... any more advice/experience/ thoughts are welcomed!

@Michael OShay the BA's are going on my list

 

[Michael OShay]

@Michael OShay the BA's are going on my list

I think you'll be very happy with them.