Where can I get the purest real deal heritage chickens?

[CodyP]

Well, this is my first post so I might as well get down to the point lol

I don't have any chickens and these will be my first. I'm not planning on breeding right now but I might in the future so I do want to have pure heritage breeds and make sure they aren't mixed. I definitely don't want to order from a hatchery because of horror stories but at the same time I just like to stay away from big people that may not have a handle on quality control. I'm not planning on doing shows either so they don't have to have certain shades here and there..

my main focus is on preserving bloodlines.. I will probably make this a major endeavor in life because I just think it's right, but I'm 22 with limited finances so chickens are my first go to instead of cattle or other livestock..

I'm only doing hens to start learning but I'm interested in Plymouth rocks (mainly barred), Ameraucanas, Orpingtons, and maybe Brahmas

I'm looking for docile birds with egg production in mind and limited broodiness.. but with reasonable standards.. I understand hatcheries will be great layers but I want the purest blood with the best egg laying possible.. I'm willing to trade off production for a pure heritage..

Thanks,
CP

 

[keesmom]

You can look into some of the breed threads. You can also subscribe to the Poultry Press to locate breeders, or join the APA. You get a yearbook from them that lists master breeders, and some have ads.

For exhibition Rocks

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/811228/the-plymouth-rock-breeders-thread/3960

Ameraucana thread. Of course there are a lot of Easter Egger discussion diversions on this thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sting-pictures-and-discussing-our-birds/26650

Brahma breeders

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/873000/brahma-breeders-thread/640

Orpington thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/357588/orpington-thread/300

 

[CodyP]

You can look into some of the breed threads. You can also subscribe to the Poultry Press to locate breeders, or join the APA. You get a yearbook from them that lists master breeders, and some have ads.

For exhibition Rocks

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/811228/the-plymouth-rock-breeders-thread/3960

Ameraucana thread. Of course there are a lot of Easter Egger discussion diversions on this thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sting-pictures-and-discussing-our-birds/26650

Brahma breeders

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/873000/brahma-breeders-thread/640

Orpington thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/357588/orpington-thread/300

Awesome thank you very much! is there any harm in shipping them live? I've seen some discussion of this.. and seeing that I can't have any roosters atm I really need to get live ones to know for sure.

 

[keesmom]

Awesome thank you very much! is there any harm in shipping them live? I've seen some discussion of this.. and seeing that I can't have any roosters atm I really need to get live ones to know for sure.

Well, if you can only have hens then maybe you should consider starting with some hatchery sexed pullets. You could try out each breed you are interested in and see which ones you prefer. Then locate some better stock when you are able to set up breeding pens. Most breeders only sell straight run chicks.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Quote:
Many breeders will sell point of lay pullets (about 5 months old typically) or adult hens that they don't use for breeding. Many breeders also sell retired breeder hens that are 2-5 years old, and will still have another 3-5 or more years left on their lifespan. Many breeders will ship adult birds. I don't like it myself, as I feel it is too stressful for the bird, but it is common practice. Very few arrive at their destination dead, although that does happen on occasion. In addition to the humane consideration, shipping live birds is not cheap, and there is rarely a refund for the cost of the bird, and never for the cost of shipping, if the bird doesn't survive. The very best way to find good quality birds at a fair price without shipping is to go to a major show. Just Google chicken shows and you'll be able to find schedules, or look on the APA website for their shows. The big shows tend to attract breeders from quite a distance, and many bring birds to sell as well as show. Get there on the first day as the sale birds are sold out fast. You can also plan ahead by seeing the show birds, deciding what features you like, meet the breeder, and then arrange for him/her to bring you birds at the next show. That avoids shipping, gets you great quality birds from a line that you've seen judged, from a breeder who is probably very happy to sell to someone who takes the time to learn and research his chosen breed. The good thing is that all of the breeds you've chosen are well represented at almost all major shows, so you'll have lots to chose from. It gets much more complicated when you look for rare breeds.

 

[CodyP]

Many breeders will sell point of lay pullets (about 5 months old typically) or adult hens that they don't use for breeding. Many breeders also sell retired breeder hens that are 2-5 years old, and will still have another 3-5 or more years left on their lifespan. Many breeders will ship adult birds. I don't like it myself, as I feel it is too stressful for the bird, but it is common practice. Very few arrive at their destination dead, although that does happen on occasion. In addition to the humane consideration, shipping live birds is not cheap, and there is rarely a refund for the cost of the bird, and never for the cost of shipping, if the bird doesn't survive. The very best way to find good quality birds at a fair price without shipping is to go to a major show. Just Google chicken shows and you'll be able to find schedules, or look on the APA website for their shows. The big shows tend to attract breeders from quite a distance, and many bring birds to sell as well as show. Get there on the first day as the sale birds are sold out fast. You can also plan ahead by seeing the show birds, deciding what features you like, meet the breeder, and then arrange for him/her to bring you birds at the next show. That avoids shipping, gets you great quality birds from a line that you've seen judged, from a breeder who is probably very happy to sell to someone who takes the time to learn and research his chosen breed. The good thing is that all of the breeds you've chosen are well represented at almost all major shows, so you'll have lots to chose from. It gets much more complicated when you look for rare breeds.

Ok thank you for all of that information. I don't think I'd like shipping them either.. too much can happen and I don't want to stress them either. I'll check out to see if there are shows in my area.. Is it like gun shows where people will walk around with pieces of paper on their backs telling what they are selling? I wouldn't know what to expect at a chicken show much less who to talk to lol

 

[Sydney Acres]

Quote: I'm sure every show is a little different, but I've never seen people walking around wearing their own advertisement. Interesting idea though. Typically there is a sale area, which is set up for birds that are just brought to the show to be sold. Many of those birds are great, but some won't be, so buyer beware. Many of those birds will sell out VERY quickly if they're from a known good breeder. Sometimes you can just hang around and listen to conversations and figure out who the known breeders are. Many breeders who go to shows are quite personable and love their breed, and teaching people about their breed. Sometimes you just have to go up to someone who is selling them and introduce yourself -- a conversation often follows. If you go to the show area where the birds will be judged you can hang out around the birds you like and ask people who owns particular birds and where you can find them. Sometimes you have to search for people, but its worth it and most everyone is friendly and social.

You can also go to a breed thread on BYC, or on Facebook, and ask if there's any good breeders in your area. If no one answers, you might want to follow those threads for a while. Just yesterday I found out that one of the best breeders in the country of one of my breeds is within driving distance of me! Never knew it, and I've been interested in this breed for over two years. Knew the breeder's name, but didn't know where he lived or have his contact information (many of the best breeders don't have websites). Sometimes patience pays off.

 

[CodyP]

Ok thank you, I have actually found some people within driving distance myself and they seem to be pretty knowledgeable and well liked so I will probably give them a shot I guess I'm lucky to be so attracted to the birds that are fairly abundant and have a good population to choose from!