Best For Show

[VolailleAmant]

What would be better to do to obtain good show birds....Buying from a local breeder, or ordering from hatchery? I like doing both, but night sure would be best. I hear....and for me it is true....That raising chicks, you "bond" better than older birds.
What is your opinion, thoughts, or advice? Do you know of any local breeders around the West Michigan area? Thanks!

 

[Welshies]

The issue with ordering from a hatchery is unless they specialize in show stock (and few do), you'll need to order a large quantity of chicks to get a few good show stock.
Local breeders are a better option because you can look at the parents, as well as often choose what babies you want.
Either way you should still take a larger quantity so you have the ability to pick the best few birds.
Look on Kijiji, Craigslist, or Facebook for local breeders as well as your state BYC thread.

 

[staceyj]

Hatcheries rarely produce show quality specimens, having said that, every time you bring a bird into your flock that comes from someone else's property you are risking the health of your entire existing flock.
You could be bringing in MG, mereks, and other illnesses.
Please use best practice and buy from certified breeders and prepare ahead of time for prolonged isolation before integration for the safety of your flock as well as others that may be around you.

 

[VolailleAmant]

The issue with ordering from a hatchery is unless they specialize in show stock (and few do), you'll need to order a large quantity of chicks to get a few good show stock.
Local breeders are a better option because you can look at the parents, as well as often choose what babies you want.
Either way you should still take a larger quantity so you have the ability to pick the best few birds.
Look on Kijiji, Craigslist, or Facebook for local breeders as well as your state BYC thread.

Thanks!
I totally agree, when it s cold out, and you need a minimum of birds, that is overwhelming. And if some happen to be Roosters? Oh boy.
I will check those- thanks!

 

[VolailleAmant]

Hatcheries rarely produce show quality specimens, having said that, every time you bring a bird into your flock that comes from someone else's property you are risking the health of your entire existing flock.
You could be bringing in MG, mereks, and other illnesses.
Please use best practice and buy from certified breeders and prepare ahead of time for prolonged isolation before integration for the safety of your flock as well as others that may be around you.

I understand and totally agree! When I brought new birds in, I usually sell off my older ones in order to make room for the new ones. Or if I don't sell my birds, I use caution and time. I never have a sick bird or a problem!
Thank you for your advice!!!!!!