Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[Cloudseeker]

Is there anyone in the Skagit, Whatcom County area that breeds, sells eggs or baby chicks ? I am would like to buy local and build a relationship. I am in Ferndale WA

I'm in Hamilton.... I sell eggs, could sell some Silkie hatching eggs also, and should have a few chicks to sell soon, if they hatch!

 

[DeltaBluezTess]

First, I'm not aiming my comments at those I've quoted, I just included their posts to keep the thread of the conversation together.

As far as Ideal and their dedication to "quality", I just copied this directly from their website. After you read it, assuming you know the difference between an EE and an Ameraucana, tell me what you think of 1) their knowledge of the breeds they sell, 2) their honesty about the breeds they sell, or 3) their dedication to producing quality chicks.
Also, I think it's important for people to understand that the quality of an individual bird isn't defined by just it's appearance or by the number of eggs it produces in the first year or two. IMHO good quality birds shouldn't be dieing, consistently, at 18-24 months due to tumors, egg laying issues, weak or defective organs, etc., yet that's what I keep hearing people say about the chickens they've gotten from large commercial hatcheries. Hatcheries may breed for production and thriftiness, but if they create health issues or breed out hardiness and the meat production characteristics of a dual purpose breed, then they can't be said to offer good quality stock. Temperament is also a breed characteristic isn't it even if it's not in the SOP, such as in a Heritage RIR?

I know that for dogs the "show" version of a dog is a far cry from what it was originally bred for. And the "show" standards have changed over the years to conform to modern aesthetics. (Not talking about "working dog" shows here) But with farm animals such as Black Angus cattle, sheep, goats, or chickens, isn't the SOP (breed standard) kept fairly close to what the breed was developed for, be it meat, milk, wool, eggs, or dual purpose? It's a question I've often wondered about.

Well, I only bought leghorns from them. They called me when I emailed them about my order and refunded my money with no issue. My other set of leghorns that I got from them last year laid all during the winter and are nice. The leghorns and white rocks I got a few yrs ago from the big name hatchery had laying issues and genetic physical issues. I wrote them and they said it must have been something I fed them. How ironic that the same order of birds who were raised by a friend (we spilt the order) had the same issue and she fed them different. They never answered back after that.

Ideal told me that the Excehquer Leghorns were not as prolific as the standard leghorns and wanted me to know that upfront. And that they were developed for the pattern more than the super egg laying. I also ordered Red and Buff and she said they were still a work in progress as well since I order the rare leghorns. She wanted to make sure that I knew they were not as prolific as the standard leghorns. We never discussed EE. I won't buy from that one big hatchery anymore.

 

[DeltaBluezTess]

I have read many positive comments regarding using Hog Fuel in runs - just wondering before I purchase a yard or two if anyone had any negative experiences with it?

I use hog's fuel in the run.....keep the feet dry and easy to clean. Make the runs not muddy. I also use wood chips. Both work well but the hog's fuel is bigger piece. Wood chips is easier. I got over a 1000 yards for my pasture where I keep my sheep. See if you can get a load of free wood chips....that work for me.

 

[urbanchange90]

The newest members to the Washington club.

 

[Sweetlilbaby]

I'm under the impression that "hatchery" birds are bred for their production values (thriftiness, egg laying, meat production) as opposed to show birds which are bred primarily for their looks.

Well I don't plan to show so really their egg laying production and health are more important then looks.

 

[ducklingsweety]

The newest members to the Washington club.

DAWWWWWw~~~~

 

[CoopDeDoo]

The newest members to the Washington club.

Whatcha got there?

 

[urbanchange90]

Whatcha got there?

2 Rhode Island reds, 2 barred rocks, and 2 buff orpingtons

 

[elizmartin]

Well, I only bought leghorns from them. They called me when I emailed them about my order and refunded my money with no issue. My other set of leghorns that I got from them last year laid all during the winter and are nice. The leghorns and white rocks I got a few yrs ago from the big name hatchery had laying issues and genetic physical issues. I wrote them and they said it must have been something I fed them. How ironic that the same order of birds who were raised by a friend (we spilt the order) had the same issue and she fed them different. They never answered back after that.

Ideal told me that the Excehquer Leghorns were not as prolific as the standard leghorns and wanted me to know that upfront. And that they were developed for the pattern more than the super egg laying. I also ordered Red and Buff and she said they were still a work in progress as well since I order the rare leghorns. She wanted to make sure that I knew they were not as prolific as the standard leghorns. We never discussed EE. I won't buy from that one big hatchery anymore.

I know that i have repeated this story often but when my daughter worked at the pet store she began feeding our dogs and cats a particular feed after much talks with suppliers…..It was good for several years then after awhile everyone began looking unthrifty even though wormed and extra vits…..I wrote the company and asked if they had changed their recipe. they had about the time of the change….I told them about our pets ( 2 dogs and several cats) and was told it wasn't their feed and they sent tons of coupons i threw away…..Changed their feed and they began to look beautiful again. ( i told them that also ) No matter how wonderful their food is now i will NEVER buy it again…...

When we see hatchery's selling birds that don't even come close to what a basic breed should look like ( think muddy colored Fav. hens…..) i think we should find out who and write….With enough prodding, especially mentioning how much the airplay has been on the internet….it may???? make them take another look.

 

[Totalcolour]

NOW THAT THE CHICKENS ARE LAYING . . .