Not trying to start a quail war again.. but there is a BIG difference in hatchery stock and breeder stock.. Most hatchery stock of coturnix are mixed colors.. a true breeder has many pens with the colors in their own pen.. With the exception of the goldens as they have a gene that when bred with other goldens, it kills most of the offspring.
In bobwhites, Most breeders try to stay true to size for the breed they have.. some have improved the jumbos to remarkable size by selective breeding over many years.. hatcheries breed for numbers and every available bird no matter the size, goes into the breeder pens!
In my opinion, hatcheries are out for numbers, and breeders are out to improve the stock and carry on the bloodlines.. That's the difference!
Edit to say that JJMR is living proof of the difference between hatchery and breeder birds.. anyone ever got a 20oz bob from Murray McMurray??
In bobwhites, Most breeders try to stay true to size for the breed they have.. some have improved the jumbos to remarkable size by selective breeding over many years.. hatcheries breed for numbers and every available bird no matter the size, goes into the breeder pens!
In my opinion, hatcheries are out for numbers, and breeders are out to improve the stock and carry on the bloodlines.. That's the difference!
Edit to say that JJMR is living proof of the difference between hatchery and breeder birds.. anyone ever got a 20oz bob from Murray McMurray??
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