The Good Sepherd Hatchery

Certified Standardbred Heritage Poultry

The Good Shepherd HAtchery

Now Open for Members | Opens for All March 14

25%-40%+ Off for Members

Spring 2024 Breeds & Varieties

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About our Hatchery

$1.99 - $7.99

Quantity & Member Discounts
100% Standardbred Parent Stock
APA Certified Flocks*
NON-GMO Fed & Pastured Breeder Flocks
Clean Eggs - Never Washed
Delivered To You

NPIP AI & PT

$2.99 - $14.99

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

Shipping Info & FAQ

Our APA Certifications

We’re proud to have our Barred Rocks, New Hampshires, Delawares, and White Cornish, 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.

More Breeds & Varities Coming Soon

New Hampshire

Class – American
Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined / Lays Well
APA Certified – Yes
Optimal Growth* – 4.5-5 lbs Live @ 16 weeks
Avg. Egg Production* – 180+ annually
Egg Size & Color – Large/XL Brown
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

$4.99 Per Egg + Ship

Quantity Discounts
Retail Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 40% Off

$8.99 Per Chick + Ship

Quantity Discounts
Retail Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 40% Off
Marek's Vax +$0.50 Per Chick
Straight Runs Only

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* – 4-5 lbs Live @ 17 weeks
Avg. Egg Production* – 180 Annually
Egg Size & Color – Medium/Large Brown
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.

$3.99 Per Egg + Ship

Retail Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 30% Off
Quantity Discounts Will Also Be Offered

$7.99 Per Chick + Ship

Quantity Discounts
Retail Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 30% Off
Marek's Vax +$0.50 Per Chick
Straight Runs Only

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* – 4-5 lbs Avg. Live @ 18 Weeks
Avg. Egg Production* – 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

$5.99 Per Egg + Shipping

Quantity Discounts
Individual Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 40% Off

$9.99 Per Chick + Ship

Quantity Discounts
Retail Members - 25% Off
Wholesale Members - 40% Off
Marek's Vax +$0.50 Per Chick
Straight Runs Only

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.