[CrunchyKat]

I'm looking for some Ixworth chooks, ideally POL but happy to consider anything from 8 weeks plus. We're in South Wales  .

[Rich/Jan]

Hi - extremely rare to get good Ixworths nowadays.  Seven years ago when I was in UK I was supplying eggs to the Roslyn Institute for them to test just how good they were as a utility breed.  Since them people have crossed them with god knows what and now who knows what you are getting.  Might look like an Ixworth - but only by breeding for several generations will you find out just how pure they are.  Sorry to write such doom and gloom.  The Rare Breed Survival Trust might give you the names of some serious breeders and I do know one who lives near Bristol but you will have to PM me for his details.  He will not sell eggs - might not even sell the birds themselves apart from to very serious breeders.  My original stock came from the late Geoffrey Cloke - well known for his Ixworth preservation efforts.  Brilliant utility birds with large egg-laying capacity and good meat conformation.  Pity the really good and pure ones have all but died out.  Richard.

[SallyintNorth]

A few years ago (ugh, I just counted and it's SIX years ago... how does this keep happening?)  Anyway, six years ago I WWOOFed on a farm near Llandysul and at that time they had some Ixworths.  PM me for details if you want to follow that up.  (I know it's still the same people there but I don't know if they still have the Ixworths.)

[hughesy]

The breeder who won't sell eggs and probably won't sell birds is not exactly doing his bit to ensure the survival of the breed is he?

[Rich/Jan]

I think you are very much mistaken here - google  the Cobthorn Trust before making such a rash comment - then make your decision.

[Sylvia]

I can't guarantee provenance but you could contact 01837 810274. e-mail [email protected]
wesite www.southyeofarm.co.uk
These folk are near Okehampton, Devon.

[CrunchyKat]

I can't guarantee provenance but you could contact 01837 810274. e-mail [email protected]
wesite www.southyeofarm.co.uk
These folk are near Okehampton, Devon.

Thanks, I did speak to them a few days ago, they have nothing at the moment but will have more in the new year, I'll get back to them if nothing comes up in the mean time 

[violet]

Hi there,

I do have some , but am really interested in what Rich/Jan are saying.
They are the first generation that I've bred, too date I've been establishing my breeding stock & it's been challenging.
I've mixed age groups & have already sold some - it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the pullets & cocks - so I would need to check to see if I actually do have any available 
They are reasonable examples of the breed - I've been very careful about the birds that I have kept & their provenance - so they would be a good starter................ BUT I'm in the Highlands! 
Good layers and the meat is the best I think.
Maybe it will work out that we can organise something, but if not I will have hatching eggs in the spring.

good luck please keep in touch about this 

[CrunchyKat]

Hi there,

I do have some , but am really interested in what Rich/Jan are saying.
They are the first generation that I've bred, too date I've been establishing my breeding stock & it's been challenging.
I've mixed age groups & have already sold some - it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the pullets & cocks - so I would need to check to see if I actually do have any available 
They are reasonable examples of the breed - I've been very careful about the birds that I have kept & their provenance - so they would be a good starter................ BUT I'm in the Highlands! 
Good layers and the meat is the best I think.
Maybe it will work out that we can organise something, but if not I will have hatching eggs in the spring.

good luck please keep in touch about this 

I'll definitely keep in touch, it may be a bit far to travel  I'll have some hatching eggs from you in the spring though, I want to build up some breeding stock so if I can source some good quality pullets and a few cockerels then it makes sense to get some eggs in too and have a range of ages. I'd be grateful for any tips or advice you may have too, I've raised some Orpingtons and Maran but I'm new to rare breeds