Donald Shaver search widely for diversified breeding stock. Local breeders, knowing his reputation were reluctant to sell to him for fear of competition. In 1946, there were 256 registered chicken breeders in Canada. Shaver Poultry became the 257th. By 1958, only Shaver remained, along with seven other major poultry breeders worldwide. The principle of hybrid vigour had been well established for corn, but the costs and time required to test chicken crosses were higher. Small breeders (as Shaver was at the time) could not afford permanent scientific staff, so Shaver obtained assistance from geneticists conducting research at universities and government institutions. Shaver
George Washington Shaver the "G.W. Shaver", named after George Washington Shaver, and the "Sarah Dixon", named after his wife. Shaver Transportation Company was incorporated in 1893 and took over all the assets of the People's Freighting Company. The stockholders were George W. Shaver and his sons, Captains James W. "Jim" Shaver (1859–1922) and George McClellan Shaver (d. January 11, 1950). Shaver had another son, Capt. Lincoln "Link" Shaver (d.1922). Capt. Delmer "Del" Shaver was another son. George Washington Shaver was the president of Shaver Transportation Company, while his son James M. Shaver was secretary and treasurer. Jim and Lincoln Shaver were killed in