Acquiring Fowl

As you will see, there are good times and bad times to select and purchase good fowl. The best time of year to select broodfowl is when the birds look and act their best. Success in this area is all about timing. For example, I would purchase broodfowl only when the birds are fully grown and in good feather. Most fowl are at their best during late winter and early spring (typically in December on through to March). By purchasing fowl at this time you avoid many problems, such as, acclimating your new fowl to drastic geographical changes, especially during the molt (the dropping of old feathers and growing new ones), and exposure to fewer diseases. This includes fowl pox, external and internal parasites, and problems associated with the respiratory system.

There are two ways of acquiring good foundation fowl, (1) is to create your own. The other, (2) is to purchase fowl from other breeders. Both have their fair share of benefits as well as problems.