My son has always been fascinated by chickens—their colors, their personalities. When he was younger, he would often compare them to paintings. Now that he’s older, I can tell he’s starting to notice the small details that make each bird unique, much like an artist picking out the little nuances that turn a painting into something truly special. So when he came to me and expressed an interest in breeding and showing poultry, I wanted to support him, but together we weren’t entirely sure where to begin. Like many beginners, we had enthusiasm, no chickens, and a lot of questions. But we also had something else—a shared joy of reading.
One of our favorite things to do together is read, and the book Start Where You Are With What You Have by Ralph H. Sturgeon was just the begining. We picked up this book last year, and what stood out immediately was how simple and practical it was. My son, who was only nine at the time, found it easy to understand, making it a perfect guide for both of us. Sturgeon’s approach—focusing on practical strategies for poultry breeding in words the average reader could understand—resonated with my son.
One Step At A Time…
No matter where you are in your breeding program, Start Where You Are With What You Have is an invaluable guide. The book offers practical insights into breeding and flock management, emphasizing the importance of starting strong and maximizing available resources. Its common-sense approach to breeding avoids deep dives into genetics, delivering a clear message: the most important investment isn’t money—it’s time. Progress stems from learning, understanding the principles, and applying them effectively. Naturally, challenges are part of the process. For instance, a burst pipe flooded our basement, delaying our plans for chicken pens. However, setbacks like these are merely stepping stones. As Sturgeon writes, “By the end of this book, you will see how seriously you want to face the challange, whether or not the work is worth the reward.”
One of the most rewarding parts of starting this journey has been watching my son develop his own passion for poultry. As we walk past rows of show cages, he’s learning to recognize quality traits in birds and even explain genetics in his own words. Over the past year, he’s explored photography, coop building, and has even drafted a business plan for selling eggs at the local farmers market. For us, this odyssey isn’t just about chickens. It’s about the memories we’re creating, the skills my son is developing, and the joy of growing something together. Are you on a similar path?
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we’re setting new goals—connecting my son with his mentor, preparing for the arrival of his chickens, and, of course, attending more shows. While he dreams of building his flock, I dream of creating a safe platform that connects poultry breeders with buyers. The book Start Where You Are With What You Have emphasizes that, while the path of a breeder can be challenging, it is ultimately worthwhile. This perspective serves as a powerful motivator for anyone embarking on or continuing their breeding journey. Are you up for the challenge?
Ready to curl up and read this book? It is available for purchase at the The American Bantam Club. Don’t forget, we’d love to hear your story! Join the conversation or explore hatching eggs, day-old chicks, and started birds at Hatchaholics.
