How to find a reputable chicken breeder
I have been shipping eggs and birds for a few years now, many trials and errors, but I have learned an immense amount of knowledge on how to ship, what works and what doesn’t. This blog post will be from the customer’s perspective and what you, the customer should ask and expect.
Number one is simply deciding on what you want. Education is key because I am not and never will be a believer in impulse buying of live animals. Research the species on its needs both environmentally and nutrition before buying. Then you should decide if you want a utility version or a standard version of the bird. Neither is wrong, your farm, your rules.
Once you have that narrowed down, time to find a reputable breeder. You can do a quick google search, Facebook search, breed club search or even search on the APA website. IF you decided on a utility version, a hatchery, a local swap, local Facebook group, etc, will likely have what you are looking for. If you have decided on a standard bred bird, that is going to be harder to find. A breeder who is knowledgable of the breed, what it should look like, and is willing to sell, will be harder to find. This will be the beginning of your patience lesson! Breeding chickens is a marathon, not a sprint and a huge lesson in patience. As is true with anything in life, education of the breed is key. Meaning a general knowledge of what you are looking for, for example plumage and skin color, size and egg color. IF you do not know the basics, you won’t know if the seller is blowing smoke.
How to find this elusive breeder? Stalking! IF it is a well known breed, common, it will have an active breed club. Start there, PoultryNerdsPodcast.com has a breed club list on its website. Ask for a breeder directory if they do one. They likely have a Facebook group page for the club. Join and quietly peruse all the old posts. Breeders can be funny and want to work with someone who shows serious interest, not alot will answer a post that says, “hey new to this, who sells”. Search old posts, see who is active, who is being helpful, who isn’t. Then ask, “I am new to this breed and I am looking for birds to start my own flock. Who would you recommend? I am in ….”. You will get replies this way. Do some sleuthing on the names, make sure not scammers. Breeders will likely be sold out a year! Scammers won’t.
Now that you have some names to follow up with, what do you ask? Remember, chicken breeders do love to talk chicken but we are busy and information isn’t always free, whether it be money or time. Be respectful of the time.
First question should always be, how long have you been working with the breed? If this is their second year, they are no further along than you realisticly. It takes 5 years to understand and actually be moving the line forward.
What are working to improve on this year? Another great question because the perfect bird doesn’t exist, and breeder’s are super critical of their own work.
How many pens do you suggest I have to work on this breed? This is a loaded question. Some breeds need to be double mated to be clean. A breeder will likely answer 3-7 pens just for this one breed. 1 pen isn’t breeding, its reproducing the birds.
What are some faults that I could expect to see as I work with them? This question will peak the breeder’s interest that you are serious or it will weed out a non serious breeder from your list. No bird is perfect, no line is perfect, breeders are always working on something they do not like and want to improve on. The answer will hopefully be honest and give you proper expectations.
Another great question, which many will not like is how often do you outcross? Someone who outcrosses often is jumbling genetics and working with hybrid vigor. This is not a breeding method.
Last question, what medications are necessary to maintain this flock? This is a loaded question too. Medicating birds constantly is a crutch and does not suggest a healthy flock. I am personally against medicating as a preventative but this is gonna be your farm and your rules, just gather the information and see if it works for you.
Now to getting those eggs or birds from the breeder! Birds are going to be preferred because less risk and will move you along faster. IF you can get started birds, you may have hit the jackpot, but still not a guarantee. Chicks would be next preference. Lastly is shipped hatching eggs. These are the biggest gamble because you do not know how they are treated, handled, etc. Ask how they are shipped, how they are packaged, what service is used? If you do not like the answer, opt for birds instead. Other options are road trips to get them, transport services or meet at a show. Chicken people are typically really friendly and have avenues to move birds around.
Now go to a show, ask a bunch of questions, and get chickening!
Jennifer