At Thornfield Heritage Farm, we raise and sell birds only of a quality that we would purchase. We value honesty, integrity, and fairness and try to realize these values in everything we do, especially with our customers. If you choose to purchase from us, you become part of our extended family and we will do everything in our power to provide quality poultry at a reasonable price. And as one family member should always try to help another, we will do our best to provide help with: predator issues, containment, feed, watering, poultry resources, and anything else that pertains to our birds and yours. It is so important that we share our experiences and help each other.
There are a lot of 'breeders' out there that are scammers and liars . . . people who really aren't 'breeders' at all. They certainly aren't good representatives of the breed or dependable resources to whom you can turn. Please RESEARCH before you buy!! How long has this person had a social media page? Check out the dates on their last 10 to 20 posts. Were they all on the same day? NEVER pay someone DIRECTLY through PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or any other immediate financial transfer system. Have they ever posted in one of the more well-known Marans social groups? Will the breeder give you a telephone number where he/she can actually be reached? Ask for references!! Make sure they have a well-developed website!! Is there anything suspicious in their written communications, such as odd grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Ask questions. If the 'breeder' is not willing or to answer questions or becomes provoked by you asking questions, RUN!!
Not everyone is courteous, but you are about to spend a lot of money. If they can't be kind and helpful to you in their communications with you, make sure you want to purchase from them. What if something goes wrong? Do you really think this 'breeder' is going to be helpful if you go back to them with a problem?
If you are new to owning chickens and/or Marans, specifically, please educate yourself. Use common sense. Don't get nervous or over-excited in your efforts. Take your time in deciding from whom you want to purchase. Not all 'expensive breeders' have birds or eggs of a quality that justifies the expense.