Hatchery Quality vs Breeder Quality

Hatchery quality vs Breeder quality

First let me say, as I have in the past, I'm not downing hatcheries. Especially not the family-ran, long established hatcheries. Hatcheries are a good source for layers and meat birds, and if that's what you're after you'll probably do fine with them. But, if you want very good-excellent-show quality chickens, it's likely to never come from a hatchery.
They generally focus more on quantity, not quality.
Those chicks are always cheaper, absolutely, but realize what the trade off is.
The first picture is of a hatchery Orpington cockerel at six months old. The next pictures are two of my 4-5 month old English Orpingtons, and their dad who's a year old.
We've had hundreds of hatchery chickens over the years, this is the norm, not an exception.
You may have to go out of your way a little more, and spend more to get birds from breeders, but it will almost always be worth it.
Even good breeders have less than great birds hatch, it's just genetics and if they're honest they'll say so.
Just wanted to share an example of why you should consider buying from private breeders.

LF Mottled Cochins -July 2020

I've decided not to offer any eggs or chicks this year, and not sure if I will in the future.

After I grow them out through Spring and Summer I may make some older juveniles and adults available late Fall. This way I can better assess if they are pet or breeder quality, and choose which ones I will keep.

Thanks to everyone for your interest. Feel free to check with me in the Fall.

Cheryl

No Boys Allowed - Roosters

People, in general, do not want roosters. Sometimes it's because they live in an area where roosters aren't allowed. Sometimes it's because they already have a rooster and two means fighting and lots of it.
Most of the time, they only want hens who will supply them with eggs.

That's really influenced my decision to raise few silkies. Most Americans don't eat them, though in some countries they are used medicinally or even as a delicacy.
That means disposing of 90% of all the boys you hatch and there usually seems to be more males than females. Often, you can't even give roosters away free and find homes for them all. Some breeders refuse to sell hens only, they require people to take a rooster also, or no sale.

I'm focusing more on my other breeds which although rare, can easily be utilized as a dual purpose breed..able to be used for meat and eggs.
They take longer to mature than other breeds but nevertheless can eventually feed your family.

The truth being what it is regarding roosters, pullets and hens come at a higher price, especially if you want them laying or close to point of lay(POL.)

All of my unsold males will be sent off to freezer camp come Fall. Orpingtons make nice table birds as well as being good layers. I won't force anyone to take an unwanted rooster, but again, that's part of the reason why hens cost more.

How To Make Money With Your Chickens

Another of my very favorite youtube channels sharing how they make a little extra income with their Buff Orpingtons..

How to store eggs for hatching

Here's some basic tips for taking care of and storing fertile eggs for hatching from one of my favorite youtubers..

Herbs from the garden..

Cut a small group of herbs and strawberry leaves from the garden today to dry. Hoping that my heirloom rose gives me enough blooms this year to make some rose water which is very good for complexion issues ,soothing sunburn and rashes.
Do any of you all use your herbs for salves, teas or cooking?

Selling, is it worth it?

I don't know how much longer I'll be keeping the Facebook page up guys. Sometimes its just not worth the aggravation lol.
I had to block a person today. He's upset that every time he's continually asked for cochin eggs or chicks, I either didn't have any, or the weather wasn't right for shipping ect. He's smarted me off before, and again today.
It would seem to be pretty clear to me, that shipping live animals on days that are going to be close to 100° isn't a good idea?
 And, I've told quite a few people that I've heard straight from reputable breeders that alot of birds are arriving late and dead because the p.o. has its head up it's rear end due to this covid stuff.
I've disappointed several people over the last few days who have wanted either Cochins or Orpingtons.
I could have made several sales, and shipped with no guarantees, but, I care more about the animals than to put them through that, and do not want people to lose their money on top of it.
He assured me that Another breeder is shipping birds to him anyway...best of luck buddy!
It takes months and years to raise animals. These Cochins have very low fertility. I don't have all that many hatched, and have to raise them up to choose some to keep myself. I don't have a large flock, and am trying to work on my own line, generation after generation. I've also turned down people that want me to ship Cochin hatching eggs because the fertility is too low and i don't want them to be disappointed.
It's not about selling mass amounts of chicks to make a buck.
Months of collecting eggs, few hatch, besides all the care of the adults through the seasons..they are not low maintenance.
It's hard to put a price on it all?
It's just not worth the aggravation to list what I have available between these type of people and the fb police.
I've seen breeders post that they don't even mess with trying to make their birds available and go through this type of thing..people don't take care of them and accuse you of selling something sick, or use your name to sell in the future ect, so they just take what they aren't keeping to auctions in the Fall. I thought it was a shame because alot of people really interested in the breed miss out, but I'm understanding more all of the time why they do it!
I do appreciate those of you who've gotten birds from me and are working on raising your own, hope you do well!
If you're still waiting to find chicks or hatching eggs of any breed available, keep checking with reputable breeders, and if you're having them shipped, try to get them when temps are mild. I had to search and wait and also endure some loss when trying to get started with my breeds, but it's do-able!

Cheryl