March 2011 marks the beginning of 'chick days' at over 1,000 Tractor Supply Company stores across the US. Low cost, sexed chicks are available instore - and this year some will be breeds featured on the ALBC's Conservation Priority List.
“This partnership will bring awareness to a critical issue facing the American agricultural system – dwindling diversity and the subsequent loss of many breeds of livestock and poultry,” says ALBC Executive Director Charles Bassett. “For ALBC, this is an opportunity to educate Tractor Supply’s current and future customers by providing them with the support and information necessary to raise endangered poultry breeds.”
“We are proud to be associated with ALBC,” said John Wendler, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Tractor Supply Company. “The popularity of backyard flocks in America has spurred demand for additional information and support. As the leading farm and ranch store, our relationship puts TSC in the unique position to help those interested in raising poultry to get started successfully while raising awareness of the diversity of breeds out there, many of which are in need of conservation.”
Tractor Supply Company stores can be found across Georgia, including on Highway 140 at Hickory Flat.
People considering starting a 'rare breed' flock with birds purchsed from a 'big box' store should consider asking where the chicks were obtained; many hatcheries do keep and breed 'rare breeds', but the chicks and the parent birds may not be breeder quailty. Hatchery birds can often be found to be not in keeping with the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection and therefore should not be used to start a rare breeds flock or marketed as such.
When choosing your rare breeds, find a reputable breeder, preferably one who shows or who is involved in breed club activities, or who can speak knowledgeably with you regarding the breed standard. Making wise choices about the selection of your rare breed flock ensures that quality birds are bred and observed for the future.
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