Breeding Mentor

[Peaches Lee]

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of finding a breeding mentor, someone that would be willing to share their knowledge and experience with me. The ups and downs, things to look out for etc. Someone I could ask questions to.

I have had hens set eggs and hatch out chicks--and at one time I bought some chicks with the intent of starting a small little chicken breeding operation--neighbor's dog ended that.

I've never used an incubator, so that's new to me.

I would not be interested in showing, or really being a business with intent to sell any of my birds, but rather a fancy that would be enjoyable and something I could do as a bit of a hobby. But I would want my birds to look like they should, with correct conformation, combs, colors etc.

Healthy birds are important to me too.

I really like Orpingtons and Cochins. Fluffy and big is sort of my style, those are the breed(s) I would like to focus on.

I was thinking of beginning this next spring (2025). My hens are getting old, the number of birds I have is dwindling, so I would be looking at adding more chickens anyway.

Suggestions and advice welcome.

 

[SourRoses]

I think one of the best things about a forum environment like BYC is the variety of opinions shared and support from many members. Not that there's anything wrong with private conversations, but the things you ask or pictures you share could be interesting to others and start informative discussions for everyone.
Some stuff, like most genetics, is either true or false and can best be answered by an expert, but yet more is hypothetical or a best-guess situation, and it kinda helps to have a crowd weighing in so you can make your own best decision.
One of my observations is that a segment of people seem to approach a forum environment like it's a book where only the verified facts should be presented. But there's a lot of useful information that's not proven... or where time itself has done the testing. So you gather opinions here and there and you filter it as best you can for knowledge... as my grandfather used to say, "Pick up the best and leave the rest."
The incubating eggs section of the forum is a great place to learn about using an incubator. Because most of the people who click on that section currently have eggs in their own incubators or under broodies, they're more eager to talk about humidity and candling and all. Whereas someone in a grow-out phase is more likely to be haunting the meat section while planning what dish to make of all the cockerels.

I love floofy birds too. English Orpingtons are awesome, and they would do well in your environment. There's a high quality breeder in SC who ships chicks & eggs if you're interested in them.

 

[Peaches Lee]

@SourRoses Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

 

[AprilWC]

Since you specifically mentioned wanting to breed the birds to the standard so they look the way you want, I would visit shows. Talk to people who are showing the breeds you're interested in. Join breed-specific Facebook groups (ones associated with breed clubs would have more sound advice on breeding than groups of pet owners). Make connections with people. It doesn't hurt to have more than one mentor.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Thank you @AprilWC

Where would be a good place to look for shows?

Do I just type in a search or go the breed club website?

 

[AprilWC]

Poultry Show Central has a list of shows by state: https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/State.html