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Hi everyone,

The new house is nearly built, which means the new garden is nearly ready to accomodate a little flock of ladies.

I know which breed I want (Buff Orpies), I know I want point of lay, I know I'll have to wait until spring next year, but what questions should I be asking breeders when I make my initial telephone enquiry? I.E. do I need to know if the hens are vaccinated against anything (and what would that be).

All help gratefully received!

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Marek's Disease. Newcastle Disease. There are a few other things. Look up hen vaccination on google - that might give you some more. Small breeders often don't vaccinate though, because the stuff is only available in doses of 1000 - assumes you have a massive intensive flock. If you are getting ex battery, barn or free range 'spent' hens though, they will be vaccinated already.

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Thanks MOM , is there anything else I should be asking?

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

I can't really think of anything to ask in advance apart from "when will they be ready to collect?"

Seriously, if you already know the breed, colour and age you want, that's really it. Chickens are pretty uncomplicated creatures!

The time to ask questions is when you go to look at the birds - for example, you might want to get a look at their living conditions. This is seldom a problem with pure-bred hens as many breeders also exhibit their birds and thus have to keep them in tip-top health, but worth checking if you're buying hybrids from a large supplier.

This is also the time to ask when they were last wormed, so you know when they are due - much more important than vaccinations, since pet chickens are far, far more likely to get worms than one of the serious poultry diseases, and though rarely fatal, worms can stop them laying and generally make them "under the weather".

BTW, you do know that Orpies are huge, don't you? I've seen some in the flesh, and they were as big as turkeys!!

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You could ask about the strain - whether it is a utility or show strain. Utility birds are bred to give you more eggs and show strains are bred for looks only, usually to the detriment of productivity. Also ask what they have been feeding them, if you make sudden changes to their diet it can give them upset tummies for a while. If they are in an run with access to wild birds (sparrows and the like) then you could ask if they have been treated for lice.

I envy you, Buff Orps are gorgeous! I call them duvet birds!

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LOL! Yeah I keep telling everyone they are the size a labrador!! I can't wait!!

The one breeder I've spoken to so far said that he hadn't got any available at the moment (which I expected), and that all I need to do is call him in mid February. He then has one day where everyone comes and buys what they want. That doesn't seem to give any oportunity to check things out before handing over the money.

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

I have a buff orpington cross cream legbar and she is gorgeous! Got the real fluffyness of the orpie and the speckled feathers of the legbar, she's so pretty, but totally dim! I got mine a week ago and she's point of lay, but probably won't get any eggs until next season now (or so I'm told!). My friend breeds them, such lovely birds!

Oh, she sounds lovely - can you post a piccy?

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Hmm, will try! I'll have to wait until I get home though, as no photos on my work PC!

Could you ask to go and have a look at them even tho you would not get any till spring?
Can't think of anything to ask on the phone but you really need to have a look at them/their surroundings before you buy - I know having bought a real dud bird due to inexperience... and don't be pressurised if you're not sure of their health etc!

You've just voiced all my worries!

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Sorry!
If you are happy with their housing that shows the breeder takes care of the birds.
Have you anyone who knows about chickens who could go with you? Or even someone who doesn't mind being a pain in the bum and asking loads of questions (like my mum!).
I'm sure most breeders are fine and you don't have anything to worry about!
Where is the breeder based?

Sittingbourne in Kent. I'm sure my OH (who is very practical and unlikely to go all gooey) would be prepared to ask questions!

I used to work for Forsham Cottage Arks, so I have quite a good theoretical knowledge of maintainence, feed and of course housing etc, but I don't want to come across as a novice and be talked into buying the old banger at the back of the car lot, if you take my meaning. Or panic buy because I'm surrounded by other buyers all there for that one day who might grab all the Buffies before me.

I'd be happier if I could go on a waiting list, even pay a good-will deposit. maybe the other breeders will work on a different system to this one.

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Hi,
This is Mabel my buff orpie cross cream legbar! I've just been out in the sun drenched garden with them for an hour, lovely!
I think if you're not comfortable getting your hens from this breeder have a look around. I'm in Norfolk and there are loads of breeders that let you go and have a look.
I was lucky that my friend breeds them, so I could go and pick whichever ones I wanted and have a glass of wine!
I'm sure you could find someone selling them sooner as well if you didn't eant to wait.

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She's lovely - such unusual markings!

I think you're right - I need to do a bit more shopping around.

Spring next year will be perfect timing for the new house and garden build, so I'm not worried about getting them now! Now! NOW!

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Ah I see, other projects going on now! I wanted to get mine asap so could make them really friendly, even if 2 of them won't be layig for a while yet! My OH was actually the instigator, very unusual for him! I building a run extension this weekend so when we go on holiday and someone's staying they don't have to worry about letting them out i the gardena nd loosing them!

We're planning a large enclosure with a concrete base which would foil the foxes. I'd have them on a deep litter and let them out into the garden whenever possible. I also plan to have raised beds (stacked railway sleepers) to help protect my most precious plants!

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

I would never buy living things from someone who won't let you look them over before buying, or who expects all buyers to turn up on the same day and collect. The scope for abuse is far too great. It is quite possible that he doesn't breed the things himself at all, just buys them in and sells them on.

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Flowers come in too many colours to see the world in black-and-white.

That's an interesting point...I haven't had a response from the other breeders I've left messages for so far. I'm hoping they are on holiday, so I will follow up my answerphone messages next week.

As I've never done this before, its hard to know, but I can tell from some of your responses that this way of buying isn't 'normal' practice. It's reassuring that my doubts have grounds. Thank you.

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud

Sounds very similar to waht we're planning to do with our garden! I've put some pamment tiles that we found in the garden when we moved in (pulled from the kitchen floor!!!!!!) around the edge of the chicken run and have put potted plants ontop, makes it look nice and hopefully the foxes will be totally baffled by it!

It does seem like an odd way of doing business. I contacted a couple of farms to see ifI could get any bantams to go with my girls and they were always happy for me to go and 'browse'! Hard though, if the other breeders aren't getting back in contact. Fingers crossed they will do soon.

Thanks Noodle, I'm looking forward to being able to exchange some chicken anecdotes with you soon!

I haven't found any nice tiles buried in the garden yet, but we did find half a car!!

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'Resist compromise and hold on to the integrity of the original concept' Kevin McCloud