Virginia

[Daox13]

Get outta here! That is so cool! 

Yeah I'm stoked! I'm not sure if I will get anymore.. Still at two. I haven't candled so this is a complete surprise.

 

[Tappy4me]

Ok....I'm having a dilemma. I found a NPIP breeder about 20 minutes from here that has some Buff Orpington chicks. Should we go ahead and get a few of these to add to the ones we'll be getting from Southern States when they get them in? They're 5$ each according to the ad. I really want Orpingtons for the flock eventually. I think I already know the answer, but need some backup!

 

[HaplessRunner]

Any suggestions on breeders? This is all new to me so I don't even know where to start.

There are really lots of breeders across the State and in northern Virginia where I am (Loudoun County). What I would suggest is for you to do a little research. First, decide why you want chickens. Just eggs? Different colors of eggs? A breed that could put meat on the table as well as eggs? As pets with benefits?

Once you establish the "why", then you can focus on the "what" breeds will meet your desires. The following link to Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart provides a lot of information on a lot heritage breeds. This list is not all inclusive and does not include some very productive sex-link hybrids, other cross breeds, and Easter Eggers.

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Once you have an idea of what you want, then come back to this thread and ask if anyone has that variety of chickens that you are looking for. You should get quite a few responses.

Hope this helps!

Tony Markley
High Water Hill Farm
Lovettsville, VA 20180

 

[love2grinchicke]

I'm getting Murray McMurray chicks, and I paid for a Pullorum certificate to come with them. What does that certificate mean?

 

[HaplessRunner]

I'm getting Murray McMurray chicks, and I paid for a Pullorum certificate to come with them. What does that certificate mean?

This means that they were tested for pullorium/typhus in compliance with the National Poultry Improvement Program. For them to sell in interstate commerce they are required by law to comply with the NPIP program. Their State will also require them to comply with NPIP testing. The State of Virginia requires that they do NPIP testing to be able to export to Virginia.

Getting a NPIP certificate is a good thing so you can readily document that these chicks are acceptable to import into Virginia. But I am amazed that they charged you for the certificate. Since I have an NPIP flock here in Virginia, provision of an NPIP certificate is a responsibility of the seller/exporter, e.g., McMurray Hatchery. Every sale I make must have a NPIP certificate travel with the birds that are sold out-of-State. There are separate regulations that apply to hatcheries.

I personally do not accept any chickens purchased from out of State without the seller providing this certificate. But I do not buy from hatcheries, just breeders.

 

[love2grinchicke]

it was only $1. I'm trying to start breeding/selling/showing, and so I wanted to find out more about this NPIP stuff. I was able to find an old but helpful thread explaining it, and it seems like a lot of work. At least for showing. oh, the rules in the US

 

[HaplessRunner]

it was only $1. I'm trying to start breeding/selling/showing, and so I wanted to find out more about this NPIP stuff. I was able to find an old but helpful thread explaining it, and it seems like a lot of work. At least for showing. oh, the rules in the US

Actually in Virginia, NPIP is really easy. My flock is NPIP and I am a certified NPIP tester. Virginia provides the certification class, testing materials and bands, and laboratory evaluation of eggs for avian influenza at NO CHARGE. Most testers either do not charge or charge to cover their expenses. Some us are open to trades for services.

Now showing chickens can be a lot of work! I did my first show in November and took 11 birds to the Virginia Poultry Breeders Association show. The work is in the preparations for the show, e.g., giving your birds a bath. The show was fun and you meet lots of folks.

As far as breeding goes, you may find that you will eventually be disappointed by hatchery birds. It is a rare hatchery bird that will be good for showing. Breeders truly have the better birds. Hatcheries and breeders both do good jobs in general but their goals are radically different.

 

[Tappy4me]

Hmm, ok. I've decided to get a few Orpington chicks once we get the others if the fella still has some available. I am so excited to get started with these guys!!

 

[cubalaya]

Any suggestions on breeders? This is all new to me so I don't even know where to start.

do your homework on what breed would best serve your needs and then just ask on here. if you cant find what you want locally then don't be afraid to get stock from breeders in other states. out of 100 hatchery birds, you might get one to match a breed standard. too many culls.

 

[Dee5385]

There are really lots of breeders across the State and in northern Virginia where I am (Loudoun County).  What I would suggest is for you to do a little research.  First, decide why you want chickens.  Just eggs?  Different colors of eggs? A breed that could put meat on the table as well as eggs?  As pets with benefits?

Once you establish the "why", then you can focus on the "what" breeds will meet your desires.  The following link to Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart provides a lot of information on a lot heritage breeds.  This list is not all inclusive and does not include some very productive sex-link hybrids, other cross breeds, and Easter Eggers.

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Once you have an idea of what you want, then come back to this thread and ask if anyone has that variety of chickens that you are looking for.  You should get quite a few responses. 

Hope this helps!

Tony Markley
High Water Hill Farm
Lovettsville, VA 20180

I've done all the research I'm past that point...I know what I'm looking for I just don't know how to find a breeder. I'm looking for buff orpington, ameraucana, and Silver Laced Wyandotte chicks. I only want a total of 6 chicks. I'm starting a small flock here...I can't go too crazy.