Quail_Antwerp: Words from the Barnyard...

[big brown horse]

Hey, BBH!

I honestly do not know much about Barnvelders.....but if you're hearing reports of roos dropping dead, I'd have a few questions for the ones your hearing it from.

1. What lines did their Barnvelders come from? because it could be a genetic problem.

2. How are they caring for them? it could be a lack of care.

3. How old are the roos? It could be an age thing.

Now, Barvelders lay more of a brick red colored egg, from everything I've read about them. If you want a chocolate brown egg, finding a good Marans breeder would be your best bet.

Welsummers can lay dark eggs, too, but they are more of a terracotta color than chocolate brown.

I do get a nice chocolate color from my Langshans, too.

IMO, if it were me, I'd be snatching up those Barnvelder chicks and give them a try...find out through personal experience how they really are, and if you didn't like them, re-sell them.

I have not shipped any live birds yet, chicks or adults. But, I am legally allowed to ship live birds since I'm now NPIP.

Thanks for the advice. I need another couple of chicks like I need a hole in my head. But I got excited b/c the chicks are practically in my backyard and I know they are hard to find around here.

I heard about the roos from a thread on BYC. I should go over there and ask questions, I suppose.

Ok, thanks!!

 

[big brown horse]

Here is the ad with the "lines" noted. http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/grd/1572955187.html

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

Here is the add with the "lines" noted. http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/grd/1572955187.html

I'll have to check the ad later. I'm on my DD's school computer...I can't go to CL or yahoo while her computer is on LOL they are both blocked, so is facebook and myspace!

It's to keep the kids from being distracted and playing on bad sites.

But, right now she's writing her 20 spelling words and when she's done I have to scan in her paper and attach it to an email to her teacher.

She has to do 2 lessons in social studies next.

 

[big brown horse]

"Kelly Cratty" line is what it says.

Get back to me in your leisure. Thanks!!

 

[BeccaOH]

Hey, BBH, I'm interested in the Barnvelders because of their history and rarity. I tried hatching eggs last fall, but not a one developed past the first week. The eggs were from Gabbard Farms and were no darker than what I'm getting from my Langshans.

I'm currently on a waiting list at Ideal for Barnvelders. I'd still like to try a few. But those Copper Black Marans are sounding quite interesting.

 

[big brown horse]

That does it, I'm calling the ad!!

Thanks Becca.

 

[framing fowl]

There is a barnevelder yahoo group and Julie Gabbard is on there. Everyone is very helpful! Y'all might want to check it out! The trick I've learned on Barnies is not to get the show quality lines if you're looking for egg production. Either get them for show or get them for eggs but not both. I got eggs from a local breeder in Herrodsburg, KY and have 3 females that are just getting ready to lay. Got a pullet egg a week ago and a jello egg two days ago. Mine are slightly flighty but could be because I didn't handle them much as chicks.

 

[big brown horse]

Funny you should say that FF, the lady told me that her Barnes were of sq stock and she is not too happy with egg production.











So I got two French Copper Marans instead!!!! Hers have been great layers all year long. WOOT!

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

HA! You've come to the dark side! whoot! Black Coppers!!

 

[big brown horse]

I know, I know! The dark side has been calling me... But this is it! I swear!! I don't need anymore, I have my blue egg layers, brown egg layers, a soft pink-brown layer, and now chocolate brown egg layers. Wait, I could use a white egg layer to highlight the other colors....

I loved the adult marans she showed me. They were so dosile and friendly. Are the French copper marans also known as "black copper marans"?

The barnies were very pretty as well, but flighty. I don't want flighty but pretty s.q. birds, I want egg producers!

Her place was neat and tidy and her fat glossy chickens were free ranging around happily. She also had some in the honey moon suite for breeding. I was quite happy with her set up. I would buy from her any day.