I handle every bird that takes my eye and if they fit my hand as well I'll take a chance on it. A Never read pedigrees before purchase and as a rule of thumb i avoid studs preferring to buy from racing lofts. Did however relent and bought 2 off Louella about 3 years ago and one of them bred the yearling hen I timed fae Ypres last year, so they're not All bad out of stud lofts.