where to buy Black Rocks?

[rauni]

After reading all the chickeny threads I gather Black Rocks are good for beginners. I found a supplier in Scotland, but it's an awful long way to go for a couple of chooks. Searched the net and it quickly descended into drug references! I'm presuming I'd have to go and pick them up? (the chickens I mean, not the....) I guess no-one delivers live animals? Any advice on where to buy good quality young birds gratefully recieved, and please 'scuse my ignorance!

[Jaxom]

When I was a lad. going to the cattle market was a treat. I remember that you could buy most things. Perhaps if you googled for "cattle market" etc you may find something more local to you.
Jax

[poultrychat]

Hi rauni

Black Rocks can be bought across the country, I'll have a look in my mag.and see if I can find the nearest one to you.

[poultrychat]

http://www.theblackrock.co.uk/agents.htm

Here you go

[Clarea1]

If you could tell me your region, I have a list of poultry suppliers in the UK and may be able to offer a contact?

[rauni]

Thanks everyone. I'm in North West Wales, near Bangor (Snowdonia). Thanks to links I've found a supplier on Anglesey, which is near enough.
Unfortunately he no longer supplies Black Rocks, but there is one in Shropshire. Got a tip about some cheaper, locally available chooks called ASA's. Anyone know anything about them?

[Berr]

Where to buy Black Rocks

Rauni,

All true Black Rocks come from a single source: Muirfield Hatchery in Kinross, Scotland. The breeder is one Peter Siddons. Authorised Agents of Mr Siddons are to be found throughout the UK, as you have been told. I suggest you enter "Muirfield Hatchery" in the Google Search. Choose the link "Black Rock Qualities"- interesting in itself- and at bottom of the page there's a link entitled "authorized Black Rock agents"; that results in a map of the UK showing the whereabouts and contact details of the agents. There are other links on the original page which provide interesting stuff on this bird.

I wish you much joy- and fresh eggs!- from your chickens.

Berr.

[CityChick]

Got a tip about some cheaper, locally available chooks called ASA's. Anyone know anything about them?

Not heard of ASA's - have heard of one called ISA's (ISA browns). They're a hybrid - good layers apparantly.

[rauni]

That'll be it then, no wonder I coudn't find them anywhere! Thanks

[Berr]

ISA Browns as alternative to Black Rocks.

Without wishing to pose as the poutry expert I emphatically am not, I've kept ISA Browns. They're a good example of the lay-like-blazes- for -18months hybrids I was talking about. My experience, for what it's worth, would suggest that Black Rocks are well worth paying a premium for. After two years ISA Browns start laying expensive eggs!

[CityChick]

Ah, there's nothing like the voice of actual experience there Berr

[Berr]

I've had a lot of help here. This seemed like a rare opportunity to help somebody else. However, I acknowledge the possibility that you, Citychick, understand my motives better than I do myself.

[CityChick]

Erm.... I meant it as a compliment.

I had not actual experience of them, only read about them on the internet. You had actual experience, which is heaps better than the marketing blurb... I was just trying to acknowledge that. Sorry for any mis-understanding

[Berr]

Citychick,
Paranoia's a terrible thing. Do pardon me, please.
Berr.

[CityChick]

No problem - just glad we cleared that up quickly!

Looking forward to reading more about your chook keeping experiences

Lisa (newbie!)