Which are the rare breeds in highest demand now? Which ones will still maintain a high price tag in

[Ravynscroft]

I am not going to lie and say that my chickens are going to be free ranged. Or that ones with undesirable features will die of old age. But what I can guarantee you is that the money sign hovering over their heads is going to ensure a much higher quality of life for my chickens than your average Joe's will.

So where is the ethical line in the sand drawn? From my perspective, I see what I am doing to be many times better for the lives of chickens than the vast majority of "Chicken lovers" who's care stops when the health conditions begin.

So anyways, what were you saying about which breed or variant's lives you recommend I enrich?

Wow... in one post, you effectively insulted *at a minimum* 452,115 people...

And I think you're mistaken on the meaning of 'enrich'...

Btw, people who see their birds as pets are much more likely to take them to a vet and spend money they can't afford to save their lives... j/s...

 

[casportpony]

From what I can see, there are some breeds that are newer than others, that are more expensive than very common breeds, but still lower in comparison compared to ones that have been on the market for considerably longer. For example, the chocolate orpingtons and the lavender orpingtons look like they have been on the market for sooner than silver laced orpingtons, however they look like they cost less. When I look at a chocolate orpington, it does not look flashy to me at all, and I think that others see it the same way so they do not want the very rare yet common looking bird. Especially when compared to exotic looking birds like svart honas and ayam cemani.

Which birds have the highest appeal and demand now, and which ones do you think will still have a high demand and appeal for the next little while?

If you are going to purchase some high dollar birds, or even cheap birds, I strongly suggest that you read up on flock management, bio security, disease prevention, the various diseases that many backyard flocks are susceptible to, like Marek's, lymphoid leukosis, the gazillion respiratory diseases, and parasitic diseases. Would also be a good idea to establish a relationship with a vet, otherwise you'll end up just buying a bunch of drugs, but won't understand how/when to use them (that is the feeling I got from your other thread - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...dicine-equipment-to-handle-that#post_18341633).

 

[The Moonshiner]

Btw, people who see their birds as pets are much more likely to take them to a vet and spend money they can't afford to save their lives... j/s...

Which are also the ones most likely to pay the high price tag for the ultra rare get rich breeds that he wants to sell.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Which are also the ones most likely to pay the high price tag for the ultra rare get rich breeds that he wants to sell.

Except they're only willing to pay that high price tag if there's a well known, reputable breeders name attached to it...

Rome wasn't built in a week, but it sure burned down in one...

 

[casportpony]

Some resources:
http://cpif.org/backyard-flock-workshop



















Source:http://cpif.org/wp-content/uploads/...mmon-Diseases-of-BY-Poultry-Flocks-3-2016.pdf

 

[Bo Garrett]

That which is high will usually become cheap and that which is high is usually cheap! A fool and his money are soon parted. Sell good birds at a reasonable price and you'll stay busy, sell poor birds at an outrageous price and you'll be out of business.

 

[junebuggena]

Number of people breeding Ayam Cemani are probably well over 50 now, and increasing everyday. Number of people breeding true Rhode Island Reds, probably less than 20.

 

[DocumentedPure]

Wow... in one post, you effectively insulted *at a minimum* 452,115 people...

And I think you're mistaken on the meaning of 'enrich'...

Btw, people who see their birds as pets are much more likely to take them to a vet and spend money they can't afford to save their lives... j/s...

That is not true, you took that out of context. I will reiterate though. The vast majority of people that I have talked to locally are people who consider their chickens to be livestock. Livestock that is purchased for $3 a piece, at a local Tractor Supply store. As far as pet owners go, from the people I have known, they are only willing to take their $100 dogs to the vet if it is going to die. These are pets that are considered family. Therefore, the love and treatment of chickens by and large in the United States is far lower.

There are exceptions of course. Including people who spend a lot of time on this forum. But if you are going to be realistic, that is not the average chicken owner. The average chicken owner has no idea what the common problems and solution to those medical problems are, let alone has $100 of medical supplies designated for chickens lying around the house. So yeah, I beg to differ that my standard of care will be substantially greater, and that the quality of life will be substantially greater by someone like me, than your average chicken owner.

Customers who are into the novelty chicken market are going to be the ones willing to invest more money in the initial price of the pets. Therefore, on a psychological level, someone is likely going to want to not risk losing out on their investment, so it is more likely that this type of chicken owner will be willing to part with more money to ensure their chicken stays alive, than someone who pays $3 for their egg producing flock of four rhode island reds that may not even have names, and would likely just be replaced if were to become sick.

I do not apologize or attempt to amend anything I have said. My points are just as valid as they were before. I have higher motivation for care, and a higher likelihood to provide care, than someone who cannot justify spending the money.

I have two RIRs, and if they get sick, they will not being going to the doctor. However, my fiance has a silkie, which costed the same price as the RIRs. The silkie is her pet. Therefore the standard of care for her pet will be equal to or perhaps even greater than the standard of care for my livestock. Price and rarity does not always equate to standard of care. I never said that every person's standard of care would be lower than mine, I stated that the average caretakers would, who did not also consider their livestock to be a financial investment. I do not see how you, or anybody can get bent out of shape about this reality. My points are economical and culturally accurate.

Maybe if I give them a chicken swing and tie a bow tie to them they would be better "enriched?" What if I read them bedtime stories at night? They may be your pets, but if you pass out in their enclosure, they will eat you. What makes a chicken happy is not what makes a person happy. What enriches a chickens life is not what enriches a persons life. I understand how you could become mistaken though.

 

[DocumentedPure]

Some resources:
http://cpif.org/backyard-flock-workshop



















Source:http://cpif.org/wp-content/uploads/...mmon-Diseases-of-BY-Poultry-Flocks-3-2016.pdf

Thank you for the slides and disease resources. Once I have finished my coop and run design schematics, understanding of disease, treatment, and other medical practices will be where I spend my 20 or so hours of free time for a couple of months. There is such a tremendous amount of information to learn about chickens. The one thing this project has reminded me, is that the more you learn, the more you realize how much you do not know. Thanks again for your input.

 

[DocumentedPure]

If diseases were only so easy as predators to add 1/2 hardware cloth to keep diseases out, 80% of the risk in this would just fly right out the door. This is the most concerning aspect of all of it.