Virginia

[cubalaya]

chickenn@@b :

Can anyone around the Richmond area recommend a place to buy a few pullets? Should I just find a farmer or some place to buy a few or maybe craigs list? I check it occasionally and see people trying to get rid of chickens but usually they include a rooster, which I haven't talked my DH into yet

I am willing to drive a bit and was thinking of checking out edens farms in Goochland.

if these are your first chickens, i would suggest you pick a local breeder. yeah, i have bought from eden farms. would i buy again? not likely. watch these people at some of the swaps. they let anyone set up and sometimes you dont know what you are getting.​

 

[chickenn@@b]

Yes these are my first. I don't know of any breeders. I don't know anyone else that has chickens although we do live in a rural area. I'm not interested in meat birds, just eggs and really just want some cute/pretty ones although I did promise my DD we would get one that laid blue eggs.

 

[ChestnutRidge]

I'm considering going to the Expoland swap tomorrow morning to try and sell some of my cockerels, but to be quite frank, I'm not sure I want to get up so early! I am taking a 5-week grad class online right now, and probably won't finish my work until late tonight, and I live about an hour away.

The show is from 7:00 to 9:00. Does anyone know if it is okay to show up at 8:00 or 9:00, or is that impolite? I might wait until next month when this class is over, but that's another month of feed.
What do you think?

 

[riane'smimi]

Quote:
if these are your first chickens, i would suggest you pick a local breeder. yeah, i have bought from eden farms. would i buy again? not likely. watch these people at some of the swaps. they let anyone set up and sometimes you dont know what you are getting.

The swaps PCOV has are pretty decent and for the most part the breeders are great people that would not take advantage of you.Pcov breeders take good care of their chickens and are proud of them.That being said Cubalaya is correct ,you HAVE TO WATCH who you buy from.The problem with swaps is non members can also set up at them.Always examine the bird you buy in front of the seller. LOOK at the birds before you approach them.Do they look healthy ,if not don't go over there.No matter where you get your chickens always pay attention to the birds and how they look and act.Never buy at a swap if the birds are crammed into a cage,that alone tells you about their care at home.By cammed ,I mean they look layered and have a hard time moving.
I know a few of the sellers at the one tomorrow at Charlottsville ,will be there myself, and you shouldn't have any problems.I can not say about people setting up at Powatan but it's also PCOV.If you go to Powatan ask for Sharon she is the host and a wonderful person.She has silkies and showgirls can't remember what else.If you go to Charlottsville ask for Lori or David.

 

[cubalaya]

chicken@@b, i would pick a breed that interests you. you say that you like blue or green eggs then try ameraucanas. i know someone that has some wheaton ameraucanas and someone with black ameraucanas. eden farms will sell you easter eggers and tell you that they are ameraucanas. pick a breed and i will find you a breeder in the area just pm me.

 

[riane'smimi]

Quote:
Eden's farm does only have easter eggers.They are not pretty birds either.You want BLUE eggs get Ameraucanas.Even if you have to drive alittle bit it's worth the drive.Nobody at the swaps will have the blue egg layers and they will sell you mixed just like Cabalaya said.Be careful and go to a breeder.

 

[chikalady]

riane'smimi :

Quote:
if these are your first chickens, i would suggest you pick a local breeder. yeah, i have bought from eden farms. would i buy again? not likely. watch these people at some of the swaps. they let anyone set up and sometimes you dont know what you are getting.

The swaps PCOV has are pretty decent and for the most part the breeders are great people that would not take advantage of you.Pcov breeders take good care of their chickens and are proud of them.That being said Cubalaya is correct ,you HAVE TO WATCH who you buy from.The problem with swaps is non members can also set up at them.Always examine the bird you buy in front of the seller. LOOK at the birds before you approach them.Do they look healthy ,if not don't go over there.No matter where you get your chickens always pay attention to the birds and how they look and act.Never buy at a swap if the birds are crammed into a cage,that alone tells you about their care at home.By cammed ,I mean they look layered and have a hard time moving.
I know a few of the sellers at the one tomorrow at Charlottsville ,will be there myself, and you shouldn't have any problems.I can not say about people setting up at Powatan but it's also PCOV.If you go to Powatan ask for Sharon she is the host and a wonderful person.She has silkies and showgirls can't remember what else.If you go to Charlottsville ask for Lori or David.​

My name is Lorie and yes my Husband "David" and I will be at the swap in Charlottesville. I will be bringing some Pullets to sell along with lots of chicks, ducks and lots of Roosters. I take very good care of my birds and they are very healthy. We will be driving a white van with a poultry trailer, can't miss us.

Lorie

 

[chickenn@@b]

I would love to buy this weekend, but we're going on vacation Sat and won't be back until next weekend! Our coop and pen aren't ready either. I've just been busy cruising (glued to) this site to get ready, research breeds, check out run and coop designs, learn about predators, etc. I have learned SO much from everyone here. For instance, I had NO idea chickens got worms.

I did kinda want to wait for some of the worst of the heat to be over if I could. I did look at ameraucanas and research the difference between the true ameraucanas and the EEs. I also think I would love a Barred Rock because they just look so full of personality. Welsummers look interesting and I like the dark eggs. A friend has these and loves them.

 

[chikalady]

chickenn@@b :

I would love to buy this weekend, but we're going on vacation Sat and won't be back until next weekend! Our coop and pen aren't ready either. I've just been busy cruising (glued to) this site to get ready, research breeds, check out run and coop designs, learn about predators, etc. I have learned SO much from everyone here. For instance, I had NO idea chickens got worms.

I did kinda want to wait for some of the worst of the heat to be over if I could. I did look at ameraucanas and research the difference between the true ameraucanas and the EEs. I also think I would love a Barred Rock because they just look so full of personality. Welsummers look interesting and I like the dark eggs. A friend has these and loves them.

I have a mixture all kinds. I really don't have a favorite. I love them all. Each one of them has there own personalities. They are just like your children.​

 

[Glenmar]

I am near Bowling Green. I have blue and blue/splash marans, and some splash marans and white rock mix. Also a few buff orpingtons.
I plan to attend some of the fall swaps too. The marans were eggs from Eden farms stock.