Etiquette for buying at poultry show

[TwistedTayy]

I haven’t been to a poultry show since I was a child and am planning on going this weekend to my first one. It’s a smaller show (400 entries) over 1.5 days and a one day poultry swap on the Saturday. I’m looking for some good quality stock (not necessarily show quality but could breed show stock from them).

I’m wondering what to expect. I’m going to bring some small dog crates (for transport) and will set up a quarantine coop today. But other than that what should I do to prepare?

Also, is haggling appropriate? I’m not that kind of person but when I buy things on Facebook marketplace I’m not above it. I’m sure if the actual show bird is for sale that would be firm but I know some people bring extras to try to get rid of, especially now heading into winter. Is it appropriate to offer to buy birds that aren’t explicitly for sale? Or to ask at least? Are there cards on the cages that say if they are for sale if they’re not in the sale section?

I’m ok with mystery but I don’t want to offend people or be unprepared.

 

[theoldchick]

I usually ask if the exhibitor has business card., email or website. Sometimes at a show an exhibitor simply may not have time to answer a lot of questions, so I try to be brief.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It's really a person by person basis just like with anything else. Some people don't mind striking a deal and others will get offended that you think their birds are worth anything less than what they say they are. I find it's best to strike up a conversation and go off of their cues. If they say something like "Yeah it's been a great year, but I need to thin it down for winter" then there's usually room for negotiation. If you hear "I put all my time and effort into my birds" then usually they're going to want full price. It can also depend on what you are looking for. Is it a breed or color that is easy to get your hands, hard to find, extremely rare etc. I would also be well aware of the SOP for what you're looking for and see if you can find pictures of birds that are good examples of the standard. Someone could have a bird that's won "several shows", but I mean our local fair only had maybe 10 birds total including chickens, ducks and geese. So yes there was a first place, but it was more of a participation trophy at that point and they could say at the next show or swap that they have a "champion". As for what's for sale and what's not if they've been asked too many times about a bird that's not for sale they will put up a note/sign on their cage usually. If there isn't a note/sign it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[TwistedTayy]

It's really a person by person basis just like with anything else. Some people don't mind striking a deal and others will get offended that you think their birds are worth anything less than what they say they are. I find it's best to strike up a conversation and go off of their cues. If they say something like "Yeah it's been a great year, but I need to thin it down for winter" then there's usually room for negotiation. If you hear "I put all my time and effort into my birds" then usually they're going to want full price. It can also depend on what you are looking for. Is it a breed or color that is easy to get your hands, hard to find, extremely rare etc. I would also be well aware of the SOP for what you're looking for and see if you can find pictures of birds that are good examples of the standard. Someone could have a bird that's won "several shows", but I mean our local fair only had maybe 10 birds total including chickens, ducks and geese. So yes there was a first place, but.... I mean it was more of a participation trophy at that point and they could say at the next show or swap that they have a "champion". As for what's for sale and what's not if they've been asked too many times about a bird that's not for sale they will put up a note/sign on their cage usually. If there isn't a note/sign it doesn't hurt to ask.

Ok thanks those are some good points to consider!

My SO has been obsessed with our two MF d’uccle pullets (hatchery) so I was leaning towards d’uccles/d’anvers etc (it’s a bantam show). We get plenty of duck eggs so chickens would be more of a project. Breeding for color/type/show/traits. I found one breeder that was doing a sort of lemon blue project but she stopped this year (after I found out of course) to focus on others but won’t be at this show anyways.

 

[Cecisflock]

Is it appropriate to offer to buy birds that aren’t explicitly for sale? Or to ask at least?

I don't especially appreciate it in the moment. I have so much stuff I'm trying to do, if the card doesn't say FOR SALE, please don't ask. I have probably won a couple of shows with that bird and don't want to let it go. But that's my personal opinion.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I don't show at APA or ABA shows, but I was a huge competitor at the 4H Fair show (The birds were mostly hatchery, but there was still decent competition for most of the categories).

I was always open to people asking if birds were for sale, or if I sell birds (We weren't allowed to put sale signs on until the show ended, and pack up started during the last show, so, yeah....). I also usually offer deals when people took more than one, especially if they were taking males. BUT I offered those deals. I personally don't haggle, just find it weird and uncomfortable to do, but I would be open to it if someone offered a fair offer (Not 5 bucks for something I'm wanting much more for). Worst case scenario imo, the seller says no.

But if they're doing something at that moment, don't interupt them

 

[ColtHandorf]

@Amer @The Moonshiner @Overo Mare @JacinLarkwell @cmom - Any thoughts for the OP or tags of other people who actively show?

 

[ColtHandorf]

*sigh*

 

[ChickenLeg]

When I go to shows I try to find breeders ahead of time to line up a sale, sometimes weeks or months before. Larger shows usually have a sale area which is nice, and like other posters said usually as the show is ending people put cards on their show cages if the bird of for sale. Some shows have breeder directories so you can look up an exhibitors number and look on a sheet to find their name and phone number. You can shoot them a txt during the show, or call but I typically just txt incase theyre busy. I dont haggle if I reach out to them but if its in the sale coops haggling is fine, but if someone else could be eyeing the bird too. Also like said above, if you meet the breeder get their contact info and ask if they ever have stock available to sell, if they have any at they show theyll let you know, if not youll have their contact info in case you need it Best of luck!

 

[Amer]

Haggling is fine, people get rid of birds for less if you buy them in groups. You can ask if they are for sale in show cages (I have been asked and don’t mind) but just expect a no, those are often what they are breeding out of next year.