2010 MN Swap Dates

[kayla_sayswa]

We're from Wisconsin, so maybe 4H is different here, but junior class 4H can take birds hatched before Jan 1. If the odds are slim I'd find any fair-worthy birds, we'll probably just wait for a show, like you said. Thanks for the advice!

 

[destiny_56085]

The one this weekend is the MN Game Breeder's Swap. This one is usually oriented more for the peafowl, pheasants, quail, ducks... You do see some pigeons and chickens, but none of the breeders are at this one with babies really yet. The March and April ones in New Ulm are alot bigger for the chickens. The one in Zumbrota used to be really good, but they never held it last year. Is there a certain breed you are looking for? Maybe some of us would know people that raise them locally.

 

[lorieMN]

there may not be alot of chickens at Hutch,lots of waterfowl,sense it is a MN game breeders putting it on..if I where you I would just get silkies from Amy and your kid will clean house at her shows..

 

[kayla_sayswa]

Quote:
Silkies are on our "must get" list... can someone point me to where Ms. Amy is?

We're also interested in cochins, buff brahma, polish, and ameracauna (not ee's). but open to pretty much anything, actually.

 

[lorieMN]

Quote:
Silkies are on our "must get" list... can someone point me to where Ms. Amy is?

We're also interested in cochins, buff brahma, polish, and ameracauna (not ee's). but open to pretty much anything, actually.

well..miss Amy happens to be Destiny_56085..you have allready been talking with her..you cannot go wrong with chicks from her,,..

 

[destiny_56085]

I'm Amy and I live over in Sleepy Eye. If you want some of the top bantam cochins around here talk to Connie Bergquist of PremierSilkies. She also has some of the best silkies up here. I'm just lucky enough to have alot of her birds in my breeder pens. Mark Peterson from Amboy has some of the best too. John Ulvin from Forest Lake/North Branch has awesome bantam cochins and bantam buff brahmas too. Roland Doerr from Shakopee has awesome standard cochins. Madison Wright (Rick's daughter) had some show stopping bantam white cochins last fall too. Duane Urch from Owatonna has many varieties of bantam cochins, standard white cochins, bantam brahmas, and ameraucaunas in black & silver duckwing.

 

[kayla_sayswa]

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[vpeterson]

I have never had chickens tested for a swap before. How does it work? Does every chicken you plan to sell need to be tested?

 

[destiny_56085]

Every chicken, pheasant, peafowl, etc have to be pullorum tested. At some swaps they will have a testor present and they will charge you per bird done. They need a numbered band on their leg or wing. A quick blood sample is drawn under the wing. They swirl it around with a drop of antigen on a glass plate and done. The hassle is catching the birds, getting blood out of each one, and filling out all the paperwork. ***They highly prefer you get this done ahead of time because it holds everyone up at the door.*** I know my mom and brother are both certified testors. They usually charge $0.50 a bird if you bring them to them and mileage if they have to come to you. At our BCPPA swaps, if you want it done that day, they are going to charge you $2 per bird.

To sell anything under 5 months of age, you need a 'statement of origin' form that certifies your flock is pullorum free. You need to register with the state to get a 'hatchery permit'. They get all your info, you get involved with the NPIP, and the state vet makes a few visits to your farm. I am currently undergoing this right now so am kind of familiar with the paperwork.

To sell turkeys, a certified testor must send in a vial of blood to the lab in Willmar. It takes a few weeks to get the results and paperwork back. Can't expect to just get them tested that day and take them to a sale...

Does this sound like fun yet? I am being highly sarcastic....

At our first swap in St. James, the state vet was the first through the doors. He was very nice, but he laid down the law as to what had to be done if we wanted to continue hosting the swaps. Every chicken or gamebird through those doors HAVE to be PT tested or on young birds have the statement of origin from a licensed hatchery. Turkeys have to have been already tested for MG & MS. If they don't have the proper testing, they PAY to get it done right there or they don't get in. No random people can just bring in a load of chicks or older young birds to resell the extras without the government monitoring their flocks. Here's the number for the MN Poultry Testing Lab & State Vet.... (320) 231-5170 Got any questions, gripes, concerns, etc feel free to call them.

 

[vpeterson]

Wow! I am really bummed because I am one of those persons who enjoys going to swaps to sell extra birds and newborn chicks. Is it a one time test or does it have to be redone every swap you go to? I am interested in hearing about your experiences in becomming a hatchery. How much is this ultimately going to cost you? I also wonder if they will then be cracking down on local swaps up here and craigslist.