Pips 'n Chicks

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Seymour, WI
Pips 'n Chicks

Striving for genetic excellence and poultry education
Agricultural Engineering
Industrial Poultry Research
ACBA President/WI District Poultry Judge
(1)

11/17/2024

All of the known plumage and structure genes in Coturnix Quail
https://www.pipsnchicks.com/quail-genetics
This is a scientific look at every single plumage, structure, and skin gene known in Coturnix quail. From the lab mutations that aren't in public hands, to the backyard mutations that science hasn't caught up to yet. This is quite literally the most complete and accurate list of coturnix genes in the world, some blood mutations notwithstanding. Complete with pictures, descriptions, references, breeding outcomes, and breakdowns.

Thank you to everyone who helped fact-check it, and provided images and information. From breeders to geneticists to professors. I've been working on this for a long time and will continue to update it as information changes. I also have some videos I'm working on with various professors to hopefully break this down and explain it nicely. If all goes well, it will come out as a print copy and possibly publication in a journal. I am still working on the whole animal list for chickens, ducks, swine, and cattle.

For now, if you see any outdated information or ways I can improve the website, please let me know. I'm always happy to answer questions or chat about genetics and quail!

All the best,
Breanna

11/17/2024

Alright, you all asked for these...
Ugly Duckmas Sweaters!
Runner ducks didn't exactly work out, so I ended up using a wood duck and pekins. Not going to lie, the back is probably my favorite 😆
At this point, I may just start a collection... You can order any of them here: https://www.pipsnchicks.com/category/all-products
I tried to cut as much of the price off as possible, but each design is custom knit into the sweater.

11/16/2024

I was playing around with the Print-on-Demand through my website and made an Ugly Chick-mas Sweater... It's kind of hideous, but I kind of love it 😅 I may work on a quail and duck design yet if there's people interested. I figure it would make a good gift for the holidays! It's completely knit too, so the design will be knit into the sweater, not printed.

https://www.pipsnchicks.com/product-page/ugly-chick-mas-sweater

11/14/2024

Today's little soapbox:
The more I work in the industry and showroom, the more I see so many things start to overlap. I feel far too many backyard breeders are disconnected from the industry, and far too many industry professionals overlook the work backyard breeders have done.
-Cross Beak
-Broken/crooked keels
-Crooked Backs with uneven muscling of the legs
-Weak and runty birds
-Crooked toes
All of these are culls by USDA standards for commercial broilers and layers, and they should be the very first thing breeders should be cutting in the show ring as well. Keep your fun colors, keep the neat and heritage breeds going. But don't forget the foundation of all of it and why the APA Standard of Perfection exists in the first place.

11/11/2024

Thank you to all the men and women who worked to keep us free.
Your dedication is the reason so many of us are able to have our own land, grow our own animals, and put food on the table for our families and others.

Let's all do our part to keep growing a community and a country worth fighting for. Happy to everyone.

11/11/2024

I didn't make Ohio Nationals this year.... Because I was off in Iowa!

From poultry to beef production with UWRF Beef Management Team. We got to see one of the biggest feedlots in the Midwest- T&M (10,000 head), Trans Ova Genetics, which does gene editing and cloning of cattle (look at the cloned Zebu cross), Upper Iowa Beef, where we saw the whole process from slaughter to sale, and Hawkeye Breeders, which is a stud service for some of the most well known club calfs and producers in the nation.

Other notable stops include farm to table Grand View Beef, Little Cedar Cattle with their feed efficiency breeding program, and the Amana colonies that generate their electricity from their beef manure.

It was so neat to deep dive into every aspect of beef production, from the show industry to the production side, and everything in between. Gives you a lot more respect for the work behind every piece of meat on the table.

11/10/2024

First auction set is ready for bids! https://www.pipsnchicks.com/auctions - This is the perfect time to plan for the holidays and level up your breeding program for spring show season.

Here's a short preview of what we have up for auction:
-Celadon quail hatching eggs (3 dozen hatching eggs); this is from one of the top coturnix breeders in the US: Thieving Otter Farm
-Largefowl BBR Pheonix Hens (2 proven layers); from Valerie Rodriguez. Start your program off with established layers that have already placed at shows.
-Isabel Brahma Hatching Eggs (1 dozen) from Bumbalough Hollow Farm ; a beautiful project color with size and vigor. Hatch in time for the holidays.
-Partridge Brahma Chicks (10 chicks) from Bumbalough Hollow Farm; have the fun of raising birds without worrying about incubation. Gorgeous nonstandard color and well-bred Brahmas.
-Buff Laced Brahma hatching eggs (1 dozen) from Bumbalough Hollow Farm; this nonstandard color is not one you'll find elsewhere. Rare, flashy, and bold with the size to match.

Here's a how-to walkthrough on how to bid and buy:
https://youtu.be/0j-X_v-oCqw
We have an example auction that you can "practice" on to make sure everything is working smoothly for you.

11/08/2024

First auction set starts November 10th! We have chicks, hatching eggs, and laying show birds.
https://www.pipsnchicks.com/auctions

If you want to consign, you need to get the form in before 5 pm tomorrow. Otherwise, see some of the lots we have consigned and sign up for a buyer's profile. There's an example auction you can try out, let us know if you have any issues.

Let's support our small time breeders striving for quality stock!

11/07/2024

Even a car accident, a tornado, and a flash flood couldn't keep us away from Arkansas...

We had a great time judging poultry with Kansas State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and other poultry science programs. I got a near perfect score on one of the layer sets, as well as on the broilers and pullets. My friend Jada took top eight overall in the national competition!

The USDA Standards Committee was there and talked with us on commercial standards-they use this competition as a way to test some of their grading methods. We also got to see Tyson Food's Research and Development Center, and went through the whole poultry genetics FLOOR at the University of Arkansas talking about research. We met with a professor there that is helping us track down a long-forgotten gene discovered in the 1990s too...

Overall, a fantastic time. I learned so much, made some new friends, and have so many new stories!

11/03/2024

Alright, let's just say I'm slightly roadblocked and have a long drive yet to go. Ask me anything!
Chickens, quail, business, raising birds, showing, livestock, genetics, personal, random, whatever goes. Help me kill the time!

11/01/2024

Introducing... Pips 'n Chicks Auctions! A new way to buy and sell quality poultry.
https://www.pipsnchicks.com/auctions

I've been working on this for a bit. I wanted something simple, straightforward, and focused only on top-quality, good birds. It's easy to bid, and free to create a profile and consign. We vet all listings to make sure they're accurate and worth buyer's time. For our sellers, we handle all payments and disputes as well as promotions, they get a fair check at the end of the month for 90% of the final bid. Simple and straightforward.

We've got some great breeders so far including Thieving Otter Farm, Brandon Taylor with J&B's Illini Cornish, Southern Biophilliac Urban Farm, Stellar Gamebirds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, Blake Bell with Bell's Conservatory, Ryne Crosthwait with Champion Row Chickens, and Cindy Rusk.

We would love to have more sellers. There's no cost to create a profile for all bidders, buyers, and breeders, nor to consign anything. Hatching eggs or live birds, any poultry species allowed.

The first set of auctions starts November 10th, just before the holiday rush! Check it out - we'll be posting consignments on there soon. You're welcome to place a "practice bid" on the example auction as well to get a feel for it.

10/30/2024

"You've got your sheep stance going..." Sassy could pass for a sheep, right?
She puts up with so much of our shenanigans 😅

Sassafras went from not being worked with at all-it took four people to get her in a halter- to this, in just a month. True to her Hereford nature, I was dragged and then stuck pulling and pushing a 600lb animal that doesn't want to move at the start. We aren't allowed to use machines to pull or any food to bribe. Just time and patience. And it paid off!

Both of us have come a long way and I'm excited to show her off this weekend at the Royal!

10/29/2024

Proud to be a new sponsor for the Coturnix Kids program! This program gives dedicated kids everything they need to start up their own flock, including incubators, hatching eggs, cages, gift cards, and more.

I don't make much with Pips 'n Chicks but I've always been adamant about giving back. I didn't get here all by myself. It's the least I can do to help the next generation fall in love with the birds.

So go give Coturnix Corner some love for everything they do for the community and if you get the chance, spread the kindness around ❤️

10/27/2024

Hi! There's a lot of new , so I figure now is a good time to reintroduce myself.

My name is Breanna Patz, and I'm the person behind the page. I've been focusing on the poultry industry for about eight years now, with a strong interest in genetics and breeding for excellence. Here's my website with even more info: https://www.pipsnchicks.com/

I am a current student at UW River Falls, studying Agricultural Engineering, and doing several research projects with Coturnix quail. Basically: my goal is to incorporate technology--including AI--to help farmers both big and small. I've built satellite prototypes for NASA and worked on a laser spectroscope at MTU that could detect prediabetes from a single breath. I bring that same level of precision and drive to the barn, whether it be making breeding decisions with the Beef Management Team or going to national judging competitions with the Poultry Club. I also run the American Coturnix Breeder's Association, dedicated to bettering the industry for quail across the nation.

I've been so blessed with amazing family and friends to be able to have gotten this far, and can't wait to see what the future holds. I'm excited to have you join me on the journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out at all - I always love to talk about birds and never mind answering questions, no matter how silly or serious.

With that, let's hear a bit about you! What brings you to the page, and what you keep/raise/want to learn more about? Bonus points for some farm/animal pictures as well :)

10/26/2024

Not too bad -- Ms. Daisy (Cap x Sunshine, ID I73PI24) doing pretty good despite the molt and minimal prep. Fourth generation Pips 'n Chicks Fawn line.
Thank you Adam Tyznik for the good little fun show today!

10/22/2024

Final Broiler Update, 10/22/24

The last one, with the full story, next steps, and a bit about why I pushed this so hard. It's long, it's late, but it's thorough and accurate. Let's not let the momentum of this issue die out here.
https://www.pipsnchicks.com/post/statement-pure-prairie-poultry-crisis-in-wisconsin

-The Background -
Pure Prairie Poultry declared bankruptcy on September 26th. They had hoped another company would buy them out and solve most of the problems. That didn't happen. They contracted with six farmers in WI, and more throughout MN, and IA to grow out meat birds for their processing plants. When their bank pushed them to liquidate, they stopped sending feed to these growers.

On September 30th, Pure Prairie Poultry reached out to the states for help. Iowa and Minnesota Agriculture departments were able to step in and take control of the situation. This email below was Wisconsin's DACTP response on October 7th.

Farmers in Wisconsin realized what they were doing wasn't sustainable. It was suddenly costing them about $20,000 per week, per farmer for feed alone. Some could afford to feed them. Some couldn't. Even if they could, they had nowhere to go with these birds - the processing plants were all taken care of and contracted by Pure Prairie Poultry. They decided they couldn't watch their birds starve to death, so they decided to give them away.

It is thanks to everyone here - all of the families, friends, colleagues, farmers, backyard processors, truckers, and more - that an estimated 150,000 - 170,000 broilers got out and processed in less than 4 days. Everyone stepped up and in and it was amazing to see.

This is why I pushed the issue so hard. The USDA and WI DATCP knew this was going to be a major issue weeks ago. I don't want my anger to be misinterpreted - they had their hands tied legally - but that doesn't change the fact that this is unacceptable. If they legally can't do anything, laws need to be changed so that they *must* do something in these situations. They are here to protect farmers, and in this situation, they failed. Pure Prairie Poultry knew they were headed for bankruptcy and still left farmers high and dry. They need to be held accountable.

-The Next Steps -
That's what I've been working on the last week with the WI Farm Bureau, USDA, and Congressmen Derrick Van Orden. There are three major concerns: the here and now for the farmers, the long term effects for the farmers, and the actions needed to make sure this never happens again.

Here and now:
These farmers are out lots of money. Some hundreds of thousands of dollars they were supposed to get. There is a GoFundMe one of them has started. Please donate if you are able. https://www.gofundme.com/f/filla-farms?attribution_id=sl:e60d0d1f-b281-453d-9aef-8f88b7b5d5b9
If you got birds from anyone, whether it was through transport or directly going to pick them up, please let me know below how many birds you got, and from what farm. We are trying to get a very rough count of just how massive this effort was. Please also consider sending these farmers a card or letter thanking them if you can. They could use the support.

Long Term for the Farmers:
The WI Farm Bureau and USDA has been working to make sure that the other quiet half of the equation - the breeder farms in the Midwest with an additional million birds - are going to be okay. They are arranging contract buyers from other poultry companies so these farmers will not have to disperse their flocks.

There is a lawsuit in the works that the WI Farm Bureau is arranging to help get the growers and processing workers together with lawyers. Like everything in the legal world, it will take time. They may not see the money back, but they aren't going to let them walk away from this without trying.

Now, to make sure this doesn't happen again:
That's where Congressman Van Orden is stepping in. He reached out to myself and the Farm Bureau, and together we are working on pushing policy for Wisconsin State Legislature and Congress to make sure that if a situation like this comes up, our state and the USDA is able to handle it. We are working with Iowa and other states to put a better framework in place.

Like everything, this takes time. It will likely be years before there are solid results across the government systems. But it is a step. And you absolutely can help. If you would like to get involved beyond just donating and sending cards, please reach out to the WI Farm Bureau at [email protected]. They need more help.

You can also call and contact additional representatives and senators to make sure they are aware of the issue. The more voices, the better. I've got contact information and emails in the top link in the post. Please, do not let this situation fade out. We came together to do something pretty miraculous. Let's do it one last time.

10/16/2024

10/16/24 Update: PM
All birds are gone!!! There are no words that can properly put the sheer magnitude of everything.
From 150,000-175,000 broilers to none. Thank you to everyone that liked, shared, commented, picked up birds, got the word out, and helped. You are truly making the farming community that everyone is proud to be a part of.

I'll put one more update out tomorrow morning with some more information and next steps. Thank you again to everyone.

10/16/2024

Broiler Update 10/16/24 AM:
The Fillas has someone bail- 10,000 birds still available. Free, get them NOW please. Open during daylight until about 6:30-7:00. Today is hopefully the last day for any birds.

W474 Richards Road, Mondovi, WI

They have too many messages to keep track of (and I'm getting to that point, but trying to stay on top of it). PLEASE stay respectful of their time, birds, and facility. If you can transport, comment here with your route (screenshots), number of birds, and way for people to reach you.

You do not need to call ahead or ask. If this post is not updated, the birds are still there. Just show up with things to transport - a mask and headlight is encouraged. These are free, but if you would like to donate or help out, here is their GoFundMe! They are out over $100,000 in feed and other costs from Pure Prairie Poultry, this money goes to them directly. https://www.gofundme.com/f/filla-farms?attribution_id=sl:e60d0d1f-b281-453d-9aef-8f88b7b5d5b9

This photo is from the Richard Roads site yesterday morning, the barn has about half of that now.

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Seymour, WI
54165

Website

http://www.pipsnchicks.com/

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Videos

Alright, let's just say I'm slightly roadblocked and have a long drive yet to go. Ask me anything! Chickens, quail, business, raising birds, showing, livestock, genetics, personal, random, whatever goes. Help me kill the time!

Some of the best waterfowl at WI Internationals! All birds places best of variety or higher.

You already knew it was coming 😉 Pigeons are so weird, but you've got to love them! See some of the champions from WI Internationals! #weird #birds #pigeons #animals

Just because I've been a reel kick lately... And this audio lined up so well. Showmanship shapes a kid's future. #poultry

A teaser from the WI Internationals show today... More shots to come tomorrow!!

Congratulations to everyone at the Northwoods Double Show this past weekend! Here were some of the pictures of the champion bantams. I had a great time clerking and taking photos. #champion #poultry

Evaluating Quail: Beyond Perfect Curves Virtual Show Snippets 2024 Going beyond just the picture to evaluate coturnix quail with Michael Rose, breeder at Southwest Gamebirds. Watch the full Open Quail judging and placements at https://ourpipsnchicks.wixsite.com/poultry/2024-virtual-show or on our Open Quail live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/JwODZFhXWVA?si=iYKZd_422WHarw6M

Fun facts about showing ducks! Did you know that in the APA standard, runner ducks are supposed to be ring judged instead of in cages? Pips 'n Chicks Virtual Show Snippets, 2024 #runnerduckss #ringjudging #duckshows #funfacts #apastandard #UniqueInsights #waterfowl

Open Largefowl Judging - 2024 Virtual Show

The wait is over! Watch as Mr. Bart Pals judges over 500 birds in our open largefowl portion of the Pips 'n Chicks 2024 Virtual Show. Tune in on August 14th at 10:30 CST to see the real-time placings, all of the judge's comments, and ask questions about exhibition poultry and chickens in general as we go!

Winners Announcement: Fun Show & Showmanship | Pips 'n Chicks Virtual Show 2024

� Winners Announcement: Fun Show & Showmanship | Pips 'n Chicks Virtual Show 2024 � Get ready for an exciting live stream as we reveal the winners of the Fun Show and Showmanship portion of the Pips 'n Chicks Virtual Show 2024! Join us live to celebrate the amazing talent and hard work of all our participants. What to Expect: � Announcement of Fun Show Winners � Showmanship Winners Revealed � Live Commentary and Insights Don't Miss Out: Engage with fellow poultry enthusiasts Get expert tips and feedback Celebrate the achievements of our amazing community Stay Connected: Visit our website: Pips 'n Chicks Poultry Follow us on Facebook: Pips 'n Chicks Follow us on Instagram: @ourpipsnchicks Set your reminders and join us live! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates and future events. Tags: #PoultryShow #VirtualPoultryShow #FunShow #Showmanship #PipsnChicks #PoultryCommunity #LiveStream #PoultryAwards #ChickenShow #PoultryLovers

Open Waterfowl Judging - 2024 Virtual Show

Going live at 10:30 CST on July 11th, Bryan Shelton will be judging the Open Waterfowl portion of the Pips 'n Chicks 2024 Virtual Show. Tune in to see the real-time placings, all of the judge's comments, and ask questions as we go!

Youth Waterfowl Judging -2024 Virtual Show

Going live at 5:00 PM CST on July 15th, Austin Noah will be judging the Youth Waterfowl portion of the Pips 'n Chicks 2024 Virtual Show. Tune in to see the real-time placings, all of the judge's comments, and ask questions as we go!