Welcome to the first article of the YouChoose series, “Breeder’s Voice.”

In this series, we’ll illuminate the wisdom and experiences of breeders across a range of species, ranging from chickens to lizards, snakes, cattle, horses, dogs, and more.

Until now, breeders lacked a dedicated online platform to share their invaluable insights, expertise, and accomplishments. While Facebook groups offered a semblance of community, seasoned breeders know that the experience could be better.

Accessing the firsthand knowledge of these breeders, honed over years of practical experience, is a priceless asset. The disparity between textbook knowledge and the realities of breeding emphasises the need for a way to capture this knowledge online and link it to each breeder’s profile. 

Through this series, we aim to showcase the stories behind each breeder, adding depth and authenticity to their experience and expertise. It’ll help us all understand more about what they do and why they love it.

Join us as we dive into the heart of breeding, where passion meets expertise, and where every story is as unique as the animals themselves.

From humble childhood breeding beginnings in Tasmania to now being settled in on the NSW North Coast – Medowie. Julia offers over 20 years of experience in running hobby-sized chicken farms and has grown over 25 breeding yards. 

Julia is a dedicated chicken breeder, and in this article, she shares her insights and experiences with various chicken breeds. Stemmed from a childhood fascination to adult passion, her experience with breeding is a testament to the joy of raising and breeding chickens. 

Sit back and enjoy Julia’s story, delving into her background, breeding practices, and aspirations for the future.

Growing up around specialty breeding pens, Julia discovered her love for chickens at an early age. With grandparents who had a military background, her mum, influenced by her army family, began breeding chickens ensuring every detail of their environment was well implemented. 

Despite not being directly involved in chicken breeding, Julia’s grandfather’s presence and work ethic on the farm left a lasting impact on her. His love for hands-on work and maintenance shaped Julia’s perspective on the role of commitment and care in breeding.

Reflecting on her initial foray into breeding, Julia recalls her first venture with chickens. The versatile and entertaining nature of chickens, beyond their egg-laying capabilities, captured her heart. From Pekins to modern games, and Orpingtons to French Maran, Julia appreciates each breed’s diverse offerings. She emphasises the significance of a mixed flock, creating a balanced blend of characteristics.

Julia emphasises the importance of selecting breeds based on personal preferences and experiences. Drawing parallels between choosing a dog and selecting a chicken breed, Julia highlights the unique personalities and characteristics each breed brings. 

Stressing the need for compatibility, she recommends starting small and gradually expanding to different breeds, avoiding overwhelming challenges. 

Good breeders to start with and will work well together when you are ready to expand include Polished Aracan, New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock, Australorp Pekin, French Maran and Sussex Orpingtons. 

Discussing heritage breeds, Julia sheds light on the New Hampshire breed’s uniqueness and the challenges it faces in Australia. Concerned about the decreasing prevalence of certain breeds, she expresses the hope that YouChoose will unite more breeders, ensuring the preservation of diverse bloodlines. 

Her commitment extends beyond personal success to the broader goal of safeguarding rare breeds.

Having faced challenges on mainstream platforms like Facebook and Marketplace, Julia shares her frustrations with restrictions and scammers. The inability to freely advertise, coupled with the risk of scams, prompted her to seek alternative methods. Julia sees that YouChoose with its security features and breeder-focused environment offers a promising solution.

Having faced challenges on mainstream platforms like Facebook and Marketplace, Julia shares her frustrations with restrictions and scammers. The inability to freely advertise, coupled with the risk of scams, prompted her to seek alternative methods. Julia sees that YouChoose with its security features and breeder-focused environment offers a promising solution.

“It’s allowing breeders to connect without the drawbacks of conventional platforms. Finally, the animal and breeding industry has something more suitable”

Julia also has a passion and drive for educating the next generation. Julia actively engages in workshops and educational sessions. From one-on-one tutorials to hands-on incubator experiences, she imparts knowledge about chicken care and breeding. 

Visit Julia’s YouChoose profile to connect with her and her offerings.

Her focus on the next generation emphasises the importance of passing down expertise to ensure the well-being of chickens and maintain the tradition of responsible breeding.

Addressing the reluctance of some older breeders to share knowledge due to competition concerns, Julia expresses hope for a shift in mentality and thinks YouChoose could facilitate this shift. 

She believes that the newer generation, driven by a passion for chickens rather than accolades, will encourage a more collaborative and supportive breeding network. YouChoose’s role in connecting like-minded individuals may contribute to breaking down these generational barriers.

Julia’s journey as a breeder reflects not only her dedication but also a broader commitment to preserving and promoting diverse chicken breeds. 

As she navigates the challenges of the breeding world, her aspirations for the future align with the YouChoose mission – to unite, educate, and celebrate the collective passion for chickens. 

In nurturing the next generation’s love for these feathered companions, Julia contributes to a legacy that extends beyond her success.

Thank you, Julia. Your expertise and experience is recognised and appreciated.

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