when to find a breeder?

[mrs918]

This may be a very stupid question, and I may not have it in the right section

if so sorry! Buttt... How soon should I find a breeder before I am ready to buy? (specifically looking for a silkie) I originally thought I would just craigslist or google when I was ready... But it seems to be harder to find than I had expected (or Im just not good at finding them!) I obviously don't want a sick or bad bird (which seems to be a lot of craigslist) But Im not looking to show either....

I won't be ready (DHs making me wait that is) untill spring... But Im wondering if I wait until spring, if I will be able to find one?! Do chicken breeders have waiting lists? (I know bulldogs often do!)

Like I said, Im sure this is a very silly question... But I don't want to miss out on my chance to join the silkie bandwagon

Thanks for the insight

 

[pips&peeps]

I know a good silkie breeder here in WA, and has some very nice birds.

She is on this forum and is known as ultasol.

There are a few people in this area that I would stay away from.

 

[silkiechicken]

Depends on what you want... chicks, eggs, adults, teens. If you want any old hatchery type silkie, you can get eggs year round or maybe even from the hatchery direct in a larger order. If you want some particular show line in x color, you can be on a list of who knows how long, but be ready to pay $$$$.

 

[mrs918]

pips&peeps :

I know a good silkie breeder here in WA, and has some very nice birds.

She is on this forum and is known as ultasol.

There are a few people in this area that I would stay away from.

Thank you... I'll save that name so I can get in contact​

 

[mrs918]

Quote:
Thanks- Im not looking for something show quality... as for age, thats not that important either, I just have to have a pullet as Im in the city

 

[Nicole01]

We called around and found a farm store that sells several different breeds at a time all year round. Maybe you can find something similar. The farm store orders from hatcheries. We've been very happy with what we have.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Silkies are one of the breeds where the difference between hatchery birds and breeder birds is monumental. If you want a bird that looks like the photos you are seeing on the internet, buy a bird from a breeder.

I know a lot of people are happy with their hatchery silkies, but they don't have nearly the fluff that the breeder birds do.

 

[M@M@2four]

Quote:
X2!!!!

 

[mrs918]

Thanks for the advice! I plan on going through a breeder...partly for quality and partly because i'll need to get a older bird so I know its not a roo