going to my first swap may 1st. any tips? what do i need to bring?

[backdoorchicken]

i will be getting 4-5 new chicks. should i bring a carrier? how much money should i bring? how long do these things go on?

 

[Marie1234]

If you are planning on 4-5 chicks a shoe box with some bedding in it should be adequate for the ride home unless it is very far. If you have a long drive bring something that will hold water and bit of chick starter. Most important thing is to have brooder ready to go for when you get home. Also, look them over well before purchase for bugs, foot problems, etc...
As for money....that depends on what you are wanting to purchase and what you are able to spend. If you are looking for chicks from show quality birds or rare breeds you will pay more, but if you are looking for "barn yard mix" a few dollars a chick is typical for this region.
It also wouldn't hurt to get some photos or a book to take with you for helping with selection. If you are looking for buff orpington's specifically it might to be nice to have a pic of a male and a female so you can have more guidance on selecting.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
This goes for any breed for a first timer.

 

[backdoorchicken]

Quote:
This goes for any breed for a first timer.

barnes and noble should have that i guess

 

[muddstopper]

You can download some pretty good info, including pics off the net. Do a little research into the breeds you think you might be interested in before you go. Chicken books can be bought at places like tractor supply and farm and garden centers. Mostly, just be prepared when you get your chicks home. They cant stay in a shoe box forever and they grow pretty fast.

 

[backdoorchicken]

Quote:
it's not my first time with chickens. just my first swap.

and i bought a book on chicken breeds today at the bookstore.

 

[wegotchickens]

Take a friend and make them hold you2 $ and cut you off when you get to 6 chicks. Otherwise you'll come home with 12 chicks

And a rabbit

 

[backdoorchicken]

Quote:
we don't really have enough room for more than 10.

but i do have an APB out for a used one of these:

once i find one and modify it we will have 20 chickens.

 

[muddstopper]

Those portable carports are great coops. You might also want to keep a eye out for one of those portables with the canvas covering like you sometimes see at flea markets. They are lighter metal poles and the tops dont last long, but they are also only about $100 new. I got two gave to me that the covers had ripped away. I took the poles that seperated the uprights and cut them in halve to make one shed with double upright supports. I covered it with plastic and used it as a green house the first year. I am in the process of scroungeing up some used metal to make a roof and plan on making a 20X14 size coop. I box frame one end for nest boxes and roost and the other end will be framed for a door, add a little wire and its coop De'ville.

 

[bantiesrule]

If you are looking for something in particular, get there early. The good stuff sells fast. Of course, you might find better bargains toward the end of the swap. I don't know about your area but most swaps I've been to are usually over in about 3 to 4 hours.

ETA: You need to take lots and lots of cages for everything you just can't resist.