How does a livestock auction work

So I found a poultry auction about an hour away from me but I have no clue how it works I'm wondering if I can bring my kids or do I need to find a sitter sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place but I figured random was as good a place to start as any any help is appreciated thanks

I've never been to one, but from what i have heard from other members, buying birds at an auction is a bit of a lottery. I'm not suggesting all, but some rather unscrupulous people off load sick or less than perfect birds and you may get a little "more" than you bargained for.

If i had a choice, i would not buy at auction but rather go to a reputable hatchery or breeder (if you join your state thread other BYC members close to you will be able to point you in the right direction for the breeds you desire) - just type your state in the search box.

All the best

CT

From someone who spent four hours at an auction sitting on a bleacher getting pushed/jabbed/kicked/poked by the kiddos on the seats behind me, I'd say get a sitter. Please. Their momma wasn't having any fun, either.

Seriously, I'd say plan on going yourself the first time. Check it out and decide if you want to go back, and if it's appropriate to bring your littles. How long are you going to spend there? What are your kids' tolerance for sitting quietly? How bad are your kids about whining or begging you to buy them something? Are they going to be nagging you to bid on every cute bird that's on the block?

I love going to my local livestock auction, but I won't as a rule buy birds from there. I'm not usually a germaphobe, but since there's no way to tell what some birds are carrying, I just don't want to risk it. There is one local breeder who sends culls to the auction I would possibly buy, but that's only cause I know of the person and they run an NPIP facility. I had to really talk myself out of buying a pretty gold laced Cochin hen last weekend....she was gorgeous but I don't have quarantine facilities set up and don't want to risk my new chicks.

donrae when you get home from an auction do you have to be -decontaminated ? I get a image from Star Trek