Buying chickens from a buy/swap/trade

[andreanar]

I'm going to a buy/swap/trade this morning. What am I looking for in picking healthy birds? Questions to ask the seller?

 

[BYC910]

I'm going to a buy/swap/trade this morning. What am I looking for in picking healthy birds? Questions to ask the seller?

Fully feathered bright eyes nice combs . Make sure they have good feet. And this will help you sort out the good sellers from the bad do you guarantee this chicken will live at least two weeks and replace it if it doesn't . Also did you raise this chicken from a egg ? Are you local ? carry your phone and take someone pictures and post them and ask . Some will answer . Good luck have fun shop wisely .

 

[centrarchid]

Look at birds very closely. No sleepy birds. Ask to handle birds. Discussions will be a function of your people skills and reputation of seller.

I have so purchased game chickens only twice that way and spoke to many more than I bought from. Not my first chosen approach to buy at such events.

 

[andreanar]

Not my first choice either, but I want to be prepared just in case I come across something I really want.

 

[centrarchid]

I would get there early and be among first people to look birds over.

 

[BYC910]

Nothing wrong with buying at swaps . I sell at swaps /flea markets. Like I said look for local producers . If you buy remember quarantine is a must . that holds true even if you buy from your best friend or your next door neighbor . There again at least two weeks . Four is better but you should know by two if you have a sick chicken

 

[biophiliac]

Not my first choice either, but I want to be prepared just in case I come across something I really want.

How did you find the swap? What fun to go look at the birds! I've never been to one.

 

[andreanar]

I found the advertisement on Facebook. I am planning to be there as soon as it opens. My chicken coop is at my sisters house out in the country and I plan to keep any new birds here at my house until I'm sure there is no illness. Even if I don't find anything to buy, I think it will be fun to go. Just in case I do find something, I have put a couple small dog crates in my car. Usually, I use the crates as broody breakers. I lined the bottoms with newspaper then doggie pee pads. I'm prepared. Id like a cochin and my sister wants a silkie.

 

[andreanar]

No idea on how to tell sex of silkies or polish. Any tips on what to look for in telling the diff between male/female?

 

[centrarchid]

Nothing wrong with buying at swaps . I sell at swaps /flea markets. Like I said look for local producers . If you buy remember quarantine is a must . that holds true even if you buy from your best friend or your next door neighbor . There again at least two weeks . Four is better but you should know by two if you have a sick chicken

I tried to hit like multiple times. Going to an animal swap is like going to a dive bar looking for mate. Disease issues to be picked up need not come from who you are looking at. A lot of birds are being brought from all over and the bugs a bird you acquire has may be new to bird because bird picked up bug at swap. You will be a potential vector as well owing to handling birds.