Royal Oaks Farm

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James Konecny Bugsy                       My first experience with Waterfowl began at the age of 3. The neighbors raised poultry and my days were filled with feathers and friends. When I turned six, my father surprised me with a crate of 6 bantam chickens. In the following years, ducks, geese, chicks, and all sorts occupied my backyard. I began showing at our local county fair, which was not your typical county fair, when I was eight.  Exhibitors of top exhibition poultry were showing, and my eyes were open to a whole new world. Heading into my teen years, I acquired some top exhibition breeding stock from the local breeders.  Getting a drivers license unleashed a new face at the major poultry shows. Breeding stock from other parts of the country was now available to me, and I took advantage of the opportunity. In the 1970's Junior Shows didn't exist, my exhibiting was competing against the masters. This experience I believe, got me to where I am today. In the following years, I was breeding and exhibiting a top flock of waterfowl. Mentored by some of the best waterfowl specialists, I gained the knowledge to become a respectful waterfowl Judge. Adulthood came around and at the age of 24, I had dispersed my flock of waterfowl, and moved forward in life without birds. I would continue to judge, consult, and visit with poultry enthusiasts. As the end of the 20th Century was neared I realized that the missing piece in my life was not having any birds. Getting started again isn't always easy, a lot of sacrifices and responsibilities were on the horizon. Once the birds started arriving,  it was amazing how everything started to fall in place. My approach to this hobby, the second time around, is to specialize in only a few breeds; the Aylesburys are the "Royals" of Royal Oaks.   I was well known for top exhibition Grey DewLap Toulouse in the 1970's, and the Toulouse are once again part of the breeds bred and exhibited. They truly are a majestic bird.