buying chickens from stock yard?

[big red chicken]

There's this man who sells chicks and chickens at the stock yard. Wonder how ever1 else feel about buying from the stock yard. I'm a lil uncomfortable about it just don't know how healthy the chicks are.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you have doubts, I'd stay away. Why risk your whole flock to something that you may never be able to cure?

 

[big red chicken]

I'm beginning a new flock mine was killed by 3 stray dogs. But I was worry about eating there eggs and having worm and other health problems.

 

[silkiechicken]

Even if you are starting new, if they were carriers of something or were sick, you would have to deal with that issue. If the stock yard seems clean and kept up, then go for it, but if you have any doubts, find someone who you can see their stock or can trust.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I would be very hesitant, and i'm also not exactly sure what is meant by the term 'stock yard.' I'm a little pickier than some of my friends, but i want to know where my chicken has been before i bring it to my land. The more i read, the stricter i get. So i would say follow your gut. You don't want to rush into something bad just to be disappointed again after having lost your original flock.

edited to add: If i were starting over (which i have recently also done) i would either get chickens from someone i know - and know how they care for their chickens - or i would get them from a hatchery.

 

[big red chicken]

PunkinPeep that is what my gut feeling told me, I guess I'll wait until Tractor Supply have some next spring.

 

[big red chicken]

silkiechicken I think I'm going to stick with the 6 chicks I have and buy more from a place I feel comfortable with.

 

[Julie_A]

The stockyard near our home allows poultry folks to set up and sell in their parking lot. Usually most of the same people every week. If you have an issue, you can see the same person the next week or visit his farm, etc.

Pretty high number of culls, though. Seems like the old timers take advantage of the suckers who don't know what they have and sell them for nothing.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
Thanks for the explanation. I definitely wouldn't buy there.

Here, there is the occasion chicken fair at the fairgrounds. To me, that seems like a recipe for disaster. I won't go near it!