Loss of a well known Breeder

[G Williams]

I a sad to inform our members that Bill Braden passed away on April 10. He was a breeder of several breeds of turkeys and Chickens. As well he was an accomplished breeder of swine and Cattle. A true farmer right to the end.

[Killerbunny]

The loss of another original. A Beltsville breeder too and well known at The Royal.

[lolotsung]

This is sad news. He was friendly and showed us his turkeys, chickens, and hens. This was the first HUGE white turkey that I ever saw. Oh my, he looked like a compact peacock exploding with white feathers. I remember him saying a silkie will try to hatch a door knob if you put it in a nest. LOL. I had two of my nephews remaining black australorps RIP. My first two hens. They looked so beautiful and the sun would shimmer off their feathers. They were friendly and laid a kabillion eggs. Much to my nephews disappointment between his neighbours dogs and the predators he was not able to keep his flock safe so he asked me if I wanted his last two of his original 4. If I hear a pin drop, I'll wake up. I put the coop right on the other side of the wall to our bedroom and many a raccoon had things thrown at them by my husband. LOL. We managed to keep them alive! I forgot to mention the australorps had this greenish purple sheen in the sun and people that visited said they were beautiful and my nephew and I were at Bonnie Boyne Farm and we probably met Bill Braden... This was 14 years ago there were not many australorps Heritage poultry breeders. Probably fewer now. I'm not sure why. They are so friendly and gentle...