flytire 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 From Charlies website For 42 years I've been raising hackle chickens, and enjoying every minute of it. Then, on April 23, 2022 my life changed. Medical issues arose in my family that would require my full attention. No longer would I be able to spend 3-5 hours a day in a chicken barn & still deal with the issues at hand. What I thought would be one of the hardest decisions I'd ever make became one of the easiest. On April 24, 2022 I walked downstairs, unplugged the incubators, put roughly 2,300 eggs in buckets, and dumped them in the back field. And, just like that, I was done raising hackle chickens--amazingly, without a single regret. No, I am not out of business yet. I have a huge inventory of capes to sell that should last at least 3-5 years. But, when those are gone, that's it! I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you that patronized my business. From the tyer who purchased just one cape to those who purchased hundreds over the years, THANK YOU!!! I hope you will continue doing business with me until my supply is gone. I've had a good run. Beginning the day I picked up my first birds from Doc Fried in 1979 to the day I unplugged the incubators, I've been totally fascinated by it all. The friends I've made along the way have made the whole journey even more special. So, again, thank you and may God bless you all. Charlie Collins Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SalarMan 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 Thanks for the update. He impressed me when he was a guest speaker at my fly tying club and I have admired him along with his work ethic/dedication for many years. He will be missed!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 It' a shame he dumped the eggs and didn't sell them to another breeder. But, everyone has their reasons. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 Mike He sold a lot them to Sidling hackle. So the strain will continue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 👍 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cphubert 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 Charlie has always been a straight shooter it was sad to see him leave the shows and now leave the business. I wish him well with his family issues. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redietz 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 Sad news indeed. His feathers were the best by far. I wish him well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salmobytes 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2022 How do I find out more about your necks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poopdeck 0 Report post Posted May 26, 2022 I’ve been doing the same thing for 35 years and have enjoyed mostly all of it. I can tell you without a doubt that I will not be doing it for 42 years. I wish him well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shmang 0 Report post Posted May 27, 2022 Wishing him all the best Great fellow with a great product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScienceGuy141 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2022 I'm thinking about placing an order as he sells off his stock. What specific colors have you found to be unique to Collins Hackle? I'm thinking maybe the barred duns? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SalarMan 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2022 From experience...his barred duns are GREAT as well as the light ginger and barred cream. All of his stuff is of superb quality, these are just colors I use most often. Don't hesitate to order any color you need...and you probably want to do so SOON!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScienceGuy141 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2022 Deleted. Answered my own question 😅 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swamp Fly 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2022 I've been trying to get on his homepage for a few days without success. Has anyone else been on the page lately? Swamp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2022 works for me New Page 1 (collinshacklefarm.com) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites