What sort of bantam should I get?

[Chloe77]

You mean, sebrights aren't popular? I beg to differ... People love sebrights, and they sell out at feed stores quickly. I would raise Silkies, but frankly, I dislike the breed.

 

[Smoochie]

Just to give you a reference... The most I have ever spent on chickens is a trio of SQ Cochins I bought for $150 (the adults were $100)... However the breeder shows in Canada and US and has had many best in shows.

 

[Smoochie]

Yes, Sebrights are popular also as they are very pretty.

 

[Chloe77]

I'm thinking of buying my beginner chicks from Cackle Hatchery... Then I'll breed them as show birds... I don't think I'm up to buying $150 birds.

edited by staff

 

[Pele]

I'm thinking of buying my beginner chicks from Cackle Hatchery... Then I'll breed them as show birds... I don't think I'm up to buying $150 birds.

If you are breeding off of hatchery stock in an attempt to get show birds, I definitely don't recommend Sebrights. They are supposed to be hen-feathered, and most hatchery Sebrights I've seen have not been kept to that standard. Rooster hackles and saddles are an immediate disqualifier on a show for this breed.

If your heart is set on Sebrights, then perhaps you could talk with the folks over in the Breeds forum in the Sebrights thread. They may have hatching eggs for you, which cost significantly less than buying chicks. Heck, maybe someone might even apprentice you.

Trust me, saving money for a bit and starting with quality will save you SO much money and aggravation in the long run if you try hatchery stock and have to breed them up to standard.

 

[Chloe77]

I didn't know that there were so many levels of the breeds. It's complicated... I will go to the sebrights thread, except I don't know where it is. Could you give me a link? It's like a zoo around here.

 

[Pele]

Ah, found pics of what I was talking about so you can see the value difference. Here the typical type of 'Sebright' that you get from hatcheries (I've personally seen several just like this from a friend's order from a hatchery)



The lacing is 'eh', and probably fixable. But hatcheries will commonly give you Sebrights with a straight comb (big no no), and with rooster feathering (also big no no). Too messy and too many fixes for you to face if you are trying to start a breeding program. This guy would throw bad chicks for generations (no offence to whoever owns this chicken).

Here is what they are supposed to look like, and similar to what you'd get from a breeder:




edit to add requested link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/348031/sebright-thread/500 Here is one thread. There are certain to be more in the Breeds forum. Just poke around a bit, and they're bound to come out of the woodwork. Breeders are passionate and love to share their passion.

 

[Chloe77]

That first sebright looked seriously crappy... But what if I get from Cackle Hatchery? From their advertising, they're supposed to be high end... I mean, no offence, but are you just dissing all hatcheries in general, even if you don't know the specific one I'm talking about? I don't know where to start...

 

[Chloe77]

Also, how do you know a lot of breeders have low end chicks... There's no way.

 

[Smoochie]

I'm thinking of buying my beginner chicks from Cackle Hatchery... Then I'll breed them as show birds... I don't think I'm up to buying $150 birds.

Do you have a local 4-H club? I would look into this as you can be a member until you are 19 years old. Talk to your parents as it is awesome! (speaking so from a former 4-H member )