If I could re-write my Backyard Poultry Magazine article…
It would be this. I’d asked to revise my article before publishing, but the below revision didn’t make the cut. Enjoy!
Since childhood, my love for animals has been unwavering. Growing up, I cherished the time spent at the farm sanctuary where my aunt worked, knowing deep down that my path in life involved working closely with animals. In the summer of 2021, I embarked on my poultry journey.
When I decided to start keeping chickens, I really wanted to have black bantam silkies. I remember being enamored by the fluffy little chickens I saw on social media. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any locally and ended up purchasing layer pullets at my local Tractor Supply, hoping that would suffice.
Despite loving the layer pullets, my heart remained set on silkies, leading me to source them from a hatchery. Unfortunately, I encountered setbacks, losing most of my initial silkies to illness before they were coop-ready. However, fueled by determination, I immersed myself in research, committed to doing better the second time around. Shortly after losing my silkie brooder babies, I was lucky enough to find silkies locally from a couple who I still cherish as dear friends. My first silkie flock was all named after coffee beverages – Chai, Mocha, Pumpkin, Spice, Latte, and Affogato the rooster.
In October 2021, I officially established Rainbow Acres Farm, home of Lavender Lane Exhibition Poultry. Initially focusing on mixed-color silkies and bantam cochins, I dove head-first into the hobby. Like many crazy chicken ladies, I eagerly explored various breeds, including Cayuga Ducks, Dutch Hookbill Ducks, and Muscovy, alongside my silkies and cochins. The fall of 2022 marked my debut as a poultry show spectator, igniting a desire to exhibit my own birds. With determination, I entered the show circuit, achieving notable success with my Cayuga Ducks and Dutch Hookbill ducks from fantastic bloodlines.
A pivotal moment occurred in November 2023 at the Ohio National, which hosted the 150th American Poultry Association’s Annual Show, where my black bantam cochin hen earned 4th place in her class of 25. This was my first “big” win with my poultry and ultimately prompted me to shift my focus from waterfowl to poultry exclusively.
Presently, I concentrate on lavender (self-blue) silkies and bantam cochin, drawn to their unique color and my love for each of these breeds. Guided by the standards set by the American Poultry Association (APA) and American Bantam Association (ABA), I strive for excellence in my breeding programs.
From humble beginnings, I have evolved into a breeder sourcing stock from top breeders nationwide, constantly striving for improvement. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to share it, eager to continue documenting it through my blog and contributions to poultry publications like this one.
Thank you for accompanying me on this adventure – I hope you’ll stay tuned for what lies ahead.
A huge thanks to those of you who visited my website after my article in Backyard Poultry Magazine was published. I hope you choose to follow me on social media and my website!
Peace, love, and chickens,
Adrianne
