Bringing Home Birds? Start Here.
Finding the birds is the fun part. Knowing what you’re buying, who you’re buying from, and what to do when you bring them home matters too.
Whether you’re adding another breed to an established flock or bringing home your very first chicks, these guides will help you ask better questions, know what to expect, and make informed decisions before you buy.
Not every breeder will be the right fit for every keeper. Learn what to look for, what information a breeder should be able to provide, and how to spot potential concerns before you buy.
You found a breeder and you’re ready to get in touch. Now what do you ask?
Use this practical checklist to start the conversation, gather the information that matters, and make sure you know what you’re agreeing to before money or birds change hands.
Straight run doesn’t mean “probably female,” and even sexed chicks/ducklings/goslings/etc. aren’t always a sure thing.
Learn what these terms actually mean, how young birds can be sexed, and why every keeper should have a plan for possible males before bringing chicks home.
Hatching your own chicks can be incredibly rewarding, but buying hatching eggs comes with a few realities that are important to understand.
Learn the difference between fertility and hatchability, what can affect your results, and what a breeder can and can’t reasonably guarantee.
Found your birds? There’s one more important step before they meet the flock you already have.
Learn how to quarantine new arrivals, what to watch for while they’re separated, and how good biosecurity can help protect both your new birds and the ones already at home.
Ready to See What’s Out There?
Browse poultry breeders across Nova Scotia and see who’s raising the species and breeds you’re looking for.
The Poultry Buyer Guides are provided by Feathered Fundamentals, my Nova Scotia poultry education project.
The Breeder Registry helps you find the people raising the birds you’re looking for. Feathered Fundamentals picks up where the directory leaves off, with practical resources to help you understand and care for your birds once they’re home.
These guides have been adapted specifically for The Breeder Registry to help keepers shop thoughtfully, know what questions to ask, understand what breeders can reasonably be expected to provide, and be better prepared for the birds they bring home.