The Good Sepherd Hatchery

Certified Standardbred Heritage Poultry

The Good Shepherd HAtchery

Now Open for The Fall Hatching Season

25%-40%+ Off for Members

Fall 2024 Breeds & Varieties

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New Hampshire
Delaware
Barred Plymouth Rock

About our Hatchery

Good Shepherd Hatching Eggs

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$1.49 - $5.83
  • Quantity & Member Discounts
  • 100% Standardbred Parent Stock
  • APA Certified Flocks*
  • NON-GMO Fed & Pastured Breeder Flocks
  • Clean Eggs - Never Washed
  • Safely Delivered To You
NPIP AI & PT

Good Shepherd Chicks

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$2.99 - $9.99
  • Quantity & Member Discounts
  • 100% Standardbred Parent Stock
  • APA Certified Flocks*
  • NON-GMO Fed & Pastured Breeder Flocks
  • Mareks Vax is Available
  • No Sexing - Straight Runs Only
NPIP AI & PT

Our APA Certifications

We’re proud to have our Barred Rocks, New Hampshires, and Delawares, as well as several of our turkey varieties Certified Standardbred by the American Poultry Association. The APA was founded in 1873 and till this day maintains the SOP for all American Standardbred poultry. If you’re a breeder we would encourage you to take part in their flock certification program.

Standardbred Turkeys Coming February 2024

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Good Shepherd Conservancy Membership

New Hampshire

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined / Lays Well
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – 4 lbs Avg. Live @ ~15 weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 150-180+ annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Large/XL Brown 
  • Skin Color – Yellow
  • Feather Color – Red
  • Pin Feathers – Red
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 6.5/7.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster – 8.0/9.5 lbs 
*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average and achieving these specs is not guaranteed

More About the New Hampshire

The New Hampshire is a beautifully red-feathered and fast-growing breed that epitomizes American innovation and quality. Originally derived from RIR lines, this bird was prized for its rapid early growth, and solid egg-laying ability. Due to these strengths, the NH was able to dethrone the Barred Rock as America’s #1 broiler in the 1930s. Our line of New Hampshires is a true old-style meat-focused line, much better conforming and meatier than the egg-laying focused lines found at most hatcheries but still a very consistent layer in its own right.

Please also note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

Delaware

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – Avg 4 lbs Live @ ~16 Weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 150-180 Annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Medium/Large Brown
  • Skin Color – Yellow 
  • Feathers – White (With Barred Areas)
  • Pin Feathers – White
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 5.5/6.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster 7.5/8.5 lbs 
*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average, none are guaranteed.

About the Delaware

Created in the 1940s, the Delaware is the youngest breed in our preservation program. Originating from the state that provides its name, it is the result of crossing a Barred Rock rooster and a New Hampshire hen. This bird carries many of the benefits that make Barred Rocks and New Hampshires favored and also sports a fully white under-fluff and pin feathers. Our Delawares were created by mixing our own BR and NH lines, creating a bird that’s a little faster growing than our BRs and a bit slower than our NHs.

Please note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

Barred Plymouth Rock

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – 4 lbs Avg. Live @ ~17 Weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 150-180 Annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Medium/Large Brown 
  • Skin Color – Yellow
  • Feather Color – Black & White
  • Pin Feathers – Black
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 6.0/7.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster – 8.0/9.5 lbs 

*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average and achieving these specs is not guaranteed

About the Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth Rock, America’s first APA recognized breed of chicken, reigned as king of the United States’ broiler industry for over 50 years. Its reliability, adaptability, health, and quality kept it immensely popular until the rise of the Cornish cross hybrid in the mid-1900s. Our BPRs are our most storied and sought-after line. The flock is mostly traced back to the Ralph Sturgeon stock acquired by Frank 60+ years ago but also has some E.B. Thompson-linked stock in the line.

Please note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

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