Why is there such a bias against hatcheries?

[ChickenCanoe]

What breed are you breeding? If you mentioned it, I may have missed it.

Black Penedesenca

 

[Bullitt]

Black Penedesenca

That is a relatively new breed from Spain, right?

Are you trying to get the breed accepted by the APA?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Two years ago, I went with Roshester Hatchery and at first all seemed great. But their egg production and egg quality just wasn't good enough for me. I wasn't pleased at all.

Now all hatchery's are different but personally, I am going to stick to breeders from now on. Hatchery stock lines, or at least the ones around here, just don't seem to be what I want, considering I breed and sell and show.

Of course everyone is fully entitled to their own opinions. That is just my take on hatchery's.

 

[Bullitt]

Now all hatchery's are different but personally, I am going to stick to breeders from now on. Hatchery stock lines, or at least the ones around here, just don't seem to be what I want, considering I breed and sell and show.

You breed, sell, and show. Of course you want chickens from a breeder and not from hatcheries.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Quote: But even just for eggs I still wouldn't go with a hatchery.

 

[Bullitt]

But even just for eggs I still wouldn't go with a hatchery.

Well, now that does not make sense to me.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Quote: I'll I know is that my egg production isn't the best, especially for hatchery birds that are bred to lay better.

 

[BunnyMomma]

This is an interesting thread, as I had just posted an entry on my blog on my website last Friday about this very topic!
The entry was a bit lengthy but here it is anyway. I love having the option of getting some of my poultry from hatcheries because my customers all want different breeds of birds and I am able to provide them with a variety of birds to fill their backyard coops. Most of them want standard Buff Orpington Hens and most of them do not want roosters. The majority of them use my brooder service as well. They love the convenience of picking up healthy, vaccinated pullets that are out from under the heat lamp and ready to go. I love the fact that I do not have to raise Buff Orpingtons and cull all of those rooster chicks after feeding the adults all winter. I raise a large variety of birds, and there is a limit to what I can do. This works for me and my customers are really happy with the service I provide them.

I have noticed through the years that many ads for hatching eggs and chicks will boast "These birds are not hatchery stock!" This statement may have different meanings. It usually means that the offspring from the birds are from a breeder that has worked with a particular breed for many years to perfect the line. The breeder in this case has dedicated a sufficient amount of time and work to improve one or more traits of that breed. Serious poultry breeders follow the Standard of Perfection as adopted by the American Poultry Association.


I have purchased birds from dedicated breeders, commercial hatcheries and backyard fancier's through the years. What I have learned is invaluable and may surprise you! When you purchase adult birds from a breeder, you will be able to judge a birds qualities and will have some idea of what the offspring might be like. However, having a pair, or trio of high quality birds will not guarantee that the chicks you hatch will be show winning birds. It should give you better odds, but you will still need to have some knowledge of elementary genetics and have some goals in mind for your breeding program. If you do not have knowledge about genetics and breeding, it is possible that you might see less than desirable results. It is always a good idea to seek advise from an experienced breeder. Most breeders are happy to talk about their birds. They will be more than happy to help you get started in the hobby of the Fancy.


Hatcheries are unfairly slammed on poultry forums and are often the brunt of negative discussions. I have purchased poultry for many years from hatcheries and I have a very positive opinion of most of them. Without the commercial hatcheries, many breeds of poultry would probably be extinct right now! Really there are only a few hatcheries in the United States and most of them have been in business for decades. I have ordered hatchery chicks that matured into show quality birds! The hatcheries also offer a huge variety of birds that might not be available to us otherwise. They are inspected regularly and are dedicated to providing exceptional service to their customers. The downside to buying from a hatchery, is that the majority of them require a minimum purchase of 25 to 30 chicks. Most families have no desire to take care of that many chicks.


New backyard farmers often find their birds at the local farm supply. There are a few problems with buying chicks from the farm supply. Usually, the variety of birds is limited to a few popular breeds. Often one or more of those breeds is usually a hybrid layer. Some hybrids lack the personality and temperament that is suitable for families with young children. A bad first experience with chickens may cause a newbie to abandon the idea totally! If you buy chicks from the farm supply, take someone with you that knows about chickens if possible. Most of the employees have no clue about poultry care and will not be much help to you in choosing your chicks. It helps to have someone that knows the difference between a Buff Orpington and a Gold Comet! Another downside to bringing home chicks from a farm supply is that the chicks are frequently sold as Straight Run and you may end up with roosters!


Wherever you get your birds, you should always ask a few basic questions about them. Some questions you might ask are, (Have the birds been vaccinated? What Vaccines were given?) (How old are the chicks? What temperature should I keep the brooder?)(Which hatchery(farm or breeder) did the birds come from?) (Are the birds sold Straight Run, or are they being sold as pullets?)You should examine your chicks carefully for any signs of illness or parasites as well. Newly hatched chicks should be lively and alert. They should be kept in clean brooders with adequate food and clean water. Stay away from chicks that appear to have no energy. It is a good sign that something may be wrong. Do your research ahead of time and be prepared for your newly acquired babies.


In summary, I find that the majority of hatcheries provide outstanding service for their customers. Whether you purchase your chicks from a hatchery or from an individual breeder depends totally on your personal needs. I have poultry from all of the above!

 

[Bullitt]

Well said.

I look forward to chapter 2.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That is a relatively new breed from Spain, right?

Are you trying to get the breed accepted by the APA?

There were 2 importations of the egg varieties (crele, wheaten and partridge) but I believe only one of blacks and to my understanding only 13 of the eggs hatched.
That was about 20 years ago. White Empordanesa were brought in at the same time. Crele, wheaten and partridge are becoming slightly more common with a couple hatcheries carrying them. Emps and Blacks are virtually unknown though. I like the Blacks because they're the only DP variety.
They were known in Spain for over a hundred years but were almost extinct in the early 80s before being rescued.

I think it will take a long time before there are enough breeders with enough stock to get accepted.
I don't show so I'm just working toward the Spanish and Irish standards.
Spain, Germany, UK, Canada and US are the only places I know where they exist. Germany has about the same number as we do. There are supposed to be some in Argentina and perhaps Central America but I haven't been able to locate anyone that knows where they are.