As we enter the time of year to think about spring chicks, ducklings and poults, take the next couple months and find what it is you want.
There are 5 ways to get birds.
Hatchery. Solid and true. Shipped to you!
Didn’t mean to make that rhyme 😂
Local. Best option, especially if you just want layers. If you’re not showing or breeding, get local.
Scammers. They will take your money, no birds tho. I don’t care who they are, if you intend to send money, send it business- not friends and family. If the person happens to be legit and has a fit, send the extra dollar or two or reconsider buying from them.
Reproducers. A person who buys eggs, hatches them, then when they start laying and sells eggs, that’s a reproducer. Ask how long they have been working with them. What defects they have- no line is perfect. Not at all saying it’s a bad thing, but these eggs or chicks should be priced accordingly. They have zero history and therefore are unfamiliar with the line. Should not be priced much over bym or hatchery.
Breeders. Breeders can be harder to order from. They will have a list longer than supply. A history and lineage information. Passion. Can talk your ear off about a single feather. Price will be shocking in some categories. You are buying the line, history and work for generations. If you plan to buy from several breeders and mix them up, save your money and buy cheap and just build from there. All you’re doing is undoing generations of work so why pay for it?
The breed is up to you. Know what it should look like and the leg color. I saw a “breeder” advertising English orps this morning and I had zero idea it was an orp til she said it was. Type, color, everything says bym. Don’t take a persons’ word for it, do your homework now to save a year or more worth of work for nothing.
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