where has everyone been getting hatching eggs?

[WarrenHound]

going to try hatching some from our silkie roo and turken hen first this will be my first time using this incubator i live in Texas around Dallas.

 

[imzadi]

Will continue to look through all the information that BYC has to offer on this but...three questions might help me. I, too, am looking to be a new hatching mom this spring; gotta build the bigger coop first

1. What is the "BST Section" referenced above?
2. How do you know that the offerings on Craig's list are legit? I've hear an aweful lot about "hatchery" eggs not producing quality chicks..not appropriate breed, rooster instead of hens, mixed breeds when asked for pure breed...etc.
3. What about the advertised hatcheries? Lots of ads in the many farming/chicken magazines for hatcheries...catelogs are on their way as of today...

I just don't want to be taken. Yes, I understand that these are living beings...and, things happen. But...I also understand that newbies can very easily be taken and not even know it.

thanks.

 

[Oakieridge]

1. BST is they Buy,Sell, Trade section of BYC.
2. I can't speak for all that list on Craigslist only myself. I welcome folks to come see the birds. They are not allowed to touch them and we require folks to spray the bottom of their shoes with Oxine before coming back to see the birds. If they are newbies at hatching I will try to direct them to the cheaper eggs we sell and then give them one or two extra eggs from a pen they seem to like.
3. I don't buy hatchery birds. If you just want backyard birds for a hobby hatchery birds are just fine. For us put boys want to show birds so we went with eggs an chicks from reputable breeders in our area.

I would say ask lots of questions and if something doesn't seem to mesh with what you have researched then find someone else to buy eggs/chicks from.

 

[imzadi]

Thanks for the info...I have NO problem asking LOTS of questions

So...it sounds like the main point is...a hatchery is NOT a breeder...hatchery eggs are fine for "pet" layers and flock...but a BREADER is what you would want for show-quality fowl.

Basically...I just want birds that will give me the color and quantity of eggs that I'm hoping to have in my new flock. Oh...and a good variety of pretty girls too. Not for showing...just for my family