What are hatching eggs worth?

[kstaven]

I asked the questions because of a breeder discussion that has been ongoing for some time now. Two schools of thought here.

1. People should pay for time effort and quality.

2. It is more important to get good quality stock out there, to facilitate quality in the community at large.

Personally I am torn between the two and usually lean towards the second. But there is a good argument for the first also.

 

[mergmet]

absolutely, show birds are worth more, typically those are sold to others wanting the quality

the person who just wants a few laying hens are the ones getting my culls. None of mine are so special at this point that I need to protect them, however, I do only breed the best, which eventually means much better stock.

I think you will always have some of both. many folks want a cheap chicken for eggs or meat

there is a place for all of them.

you should expect to pay if you are looking for breeder quality show stock, and its worth it!

 

[hinkjc]

Quote:
How do you know the eggs are actually coming from the 'show' birds? And if someone has one bird win a show..that doesn't account for a package of 12 eggs.

Personally, I could care less about the show results although it is nice to know who is working on quality. I want to see the actual birds the eggs are coming out of and what rooster is breeding them. I also like to see offspring that was produced from the breeding. If the right birds aren't matched up, a show win means nothing in my opinion and will tell you nothing of what's coming out of the eggs you are hatching.

Jody

 

[speckledhen]

Plus, just because one or both parents are considered show quality, that does not mean a show quality chick will pop out of that egg.... Maybe not even a breeder quality chick, either.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

And I agree totally with Jody and Cyn........

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
me too and I didnt even understand what they said.

 

[KKluckers]

Im willing to pay more for SQ birds. Jody makes a good point I have heard of breeders selling eggs from other pens besides there the ones they use for themselves. I make a point of it now to ask if they are the same pens they are using for their OWN breedings. I just hope they are honest enough to tell me the truth because you can never know for sure unless you are right there. I also try to buy off of word of mouth. Usally if someone has crossed someone they will let you know and also if you have super nice SQ birds people remember seeing them. The most Ive paid is 7.50 for one day old chick and 60.00 a dozen for eggs. I will let you know if they are worth it after they mature.

 

[ae50mag]

i thinks it has to do with what type and how much you pay for your breeders, ref to serama some of us to get the good ones from well known breeders pay between
$200-400 a pair or trio. and ref to serama the small typy ones are very difficult to breed and hatch. that is the deal with the pricier serama eggs on my part plus food is very high and these birds waste tons of it.

frank

 

[kstaven]

Jody, I was assuming an honest and very experienced breeder in my question, not a back yard wanna be. Guess I should have clarified that to begin with.

Any breeder, worth anything, would have no issue showing parents and progeny as you suggest. Reputations are made by being totally open to scrutiny. Those that refuse obviously have something to hide.

 

[mergmet]

I think it comes back to personal integrity and then building a reputation and staying consistent.

Each of us has to make our own judgements when we deal with sellers. And there is always a risk involved. Just be sure to accept the risk when dealing with an unknown.

Anyone with integrity and trying to maintain their reputation will welcome your questions and send photos. Many will allow a visit, some do not because of the risk to their flock from outside diseases.

I have not yet met a seller that I wanted to deal with who is not very helpful and pretty much honest. Thats not always the case when buying from an auction, although I have met a great many excellent sellers that way also

it comes back to common sense and using your own judgement, if it seems "off" don't buy, if its too good to be true -- don't buy.

its a safer risk than winning the lottery! although its every bit as addicting as gambling can be!

M