What do you think about hatchery (specifically Ideal) chickens?

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Basically look at every breed/color page on Ideal or any other hatchery site for that matter, somewhere on there, it will say, WE MAKE NO CLAIM TOWARD ANY FORM OF QUALITY ON THESE BIRDS, JUST THAT THE REPRESENT THE BREED/COLOR.
In otherwords, dont count on anything special here, these are just for backyard enjoyment, which is perfectly fine if that's all you want out of them. They arent right for breeding projects or showing though, maybe 1 in a million will be , but they will be the exception over the rule every time...

 

[CountryMom]

Quote:
I understand all of this and probably spoke more critically than is necessary or even appropriate, but the OP states that the Ideal birds may meet standard. This tells me that the OP at least knows there is a standard and must have some base from which to conclude that the birds may conform to the standard. I am saying I doubt all of the above beginning with knowledge of what the standard is and secondly having hatchery birds that conform.

Sorry if it sounded harsh, but OP does not want to be one of those people that continues to haul stuff to the shows and not understand why they keep getting the gate at every show. I have seen it for so many years from so many folks in horses that it is a bit of a peeve for me I must confess.

For example a kid brings in a sickle hocked lame horse with no confirmation and then asks the judge at every show why the horse doesnt place. Some times it is better to know going in that is all I am saying. Now I am off my horse so to speak

Hey, I COMPLETELY understand! I just was hoping to remind you that as frustrating as it is to hear the same question over and over, take this opportunity once again to help.

I have seen so many newbies in the guinea pig fancy run off from burnt out breeders that have ill tempers. Not saying you are, but maybe you just needed a gentle reminder.

I seriously LOVE all the help that some of the great BYC breeders give here. I have however found myself on the receiving side of a frustrated breeders post and wish there was more..... consideration.

Good Luck to the OP.

 

[greathorse]

Well said Country Mom, and yes patience is a virtue. I will tell you however as I got more serious in my quest for a specific breed and I did get to the serious breeders it was evident that if I asked polite questions from some base of self sought knowledge they were patient and helpful. On the other hand it was clear that if I was going to stay in a complete state of being ill informed and didnt take the time to seek and read some literature, read the standard etc, they were going to be less than forth coming. I understand that and think it is a good idea to have the seeker of knowledge assume some responsibilty for self education.

For all I know the OP has all of these attributes, but hope this serves as a somewhat more gentle reminder that learning is a two way street and that the "learnee" assumes the Lions share of the burden.

The internet today and for sure this site and others can provide so much information for those inclined to seek it.

 

[pocopoyo]

I think it depends on the hatchery and the breed. Murray McMurray used to get hatching eggs from show breeders for some breeds. You could get some very nice Australorps and Langshans from them. Maybe some other breeds as well. I don't know if that is still the case. Urch Hatchery in Minnesota at least tries to breed toward the standard.
There are many hatcheries/breeders that advertise in the Poultry Press that claim to sell show stock. Even breeders of show birds hatch a lot of non-exhibition quality birds. It is always somewhat of a risk to but eggs or chicks to get show stock as there are no guarantees of what you will get. Better way is to go to a show and buy birds that have already been raised to meet the standard.

pocopoyo