I just don't get it

I have been participating in local swaps for a few years now. Recently at a local swap a family stopped at my tent to look at my chickens. They told me I did not have what they were looking for however they wanted to "commend" me. I asked what they meant. They replied that I was the ONLY vendor that has water bowls in my birds cages and had water in them. That comment troubled me. So after selling my last chicken I looked around. I never realized how many cages had no bowl in them or was just allowed to go dry. Not to mention how many cages were GROSSLY over populated. We talk about how much we care for our birds, yet this is how we show our care to the public. It made me ashamed to be a part of such an event. There have been swaps since, and I see the same time and again. This needs to stop. I know we want our swaps to be a success and have buyers and vendors come but we NEED guidelines and if vendors bring STUFFED cages or no water ask them ONCE to FIX IT or LEAVE! To me this seems like something that should not need saying. As a buyer if you saw a bird being cared for like that would you want to buy it??? If this post offends anyone, oh well! People who care for an animal like that shouldn't have them!!!

I would definitely buy birds that are well cared for but birds that have no water or food in cages with them and cages that are filthy and dirty I would never buy them

I noticed the same conditions at the poultry exibit at the fair. I said something about it and was told that all of the birds are fed and watered every evening. This person was one of the workers there and saw nothing wrong with that.

Later that day I did see one teenaged owner filling the food and water dishes of her birds. She was also sneaking some to the other birds.

Quote:
That shows how much she cares and loves them

Are the swaps where you're from longer then a couple of hours? I don't know that I've ever seen anyone here at our local swaps with water dishes in their sale cages. I have never taken water with me for mine either. Nor had my father ever when I went with him. Do I expect water dishes in the sales cages. No. Why? Because I realize that they're not fish and can survive a few hours without access to water. For example I myself often go hours without drinking anything. Should I constanly have a water dish with me as well?

some people just don't care about their animals, be it a dog, cat, or even our chickens! Makes me so mad!!!

I bought a rooster at the beginning of summer, at an auction. There was no water in the cage, and I don't know how long he had been in the cage. I gave him water as soon as I got him home, but it was too late. I had no idea he was in such bad shape or I would have put water in before I headed home. Now I keep a big mug wired in the corner of each cage. I carry a big jug of water for my birds . It is not hard to do , and the mugs I picked up cheap at goodwill. You never know how hot it is going to be, or whether the birds will have shade. So it is a simple thing to put water in. I take drinks for myself and my birds, and I take food for them as well. It's just the right thing to do.

I have seen the same thing. Even at shows some don't feed their birds till they have been judged. Like some food in the crop is really going to take points off. I don't give mine enough to fill up the crop, but they will eat everytime I go past. I ain't starving my birds for nothing.

When I go to a swap/sale I make sure I have enough cups for water for each cage plus a couple extra and plenty of food for them. I don't care if they are only in that cage for 10 minutes, they will have water and food. Maybe I spoil my birds too much, but that it my choice.

I also never crowd my birds or let 2 stay in a cage together if they are fighting. I have seen birds get beat down by another while the owner completely ignores them. When you say something they say it will be alright or completely ignore you too. Those are people I would NEVER buy a bird from.

Matt

I don't always water and feed my birds at a sale, it makes the cage and birds messy looking. They don't need access to food and water 24/7 and won't die if they are without water for a few hours.