For over 2 years I have been helping my friend locate birds she could purchase. She doesn't have a computer,nor long distance phone service or credit card.
The frustration(for both of us) is worse than pulling hen's teeth. I am on BYC many times a day, checking posts, checking birds for sale, etc. She doesn't have a car and isn't going to suddenly show up at anyone's residence and bring germs, steal birds, pull out feathers or commit vandalism. She would like to add a pullet or two of some different breed and wants something of better quality than feed store or hatchery stock.
I make the initial contact. I explain what my friend is seeking, provide her full name and address and phone no. If they don't care to give out their address . so she could write them directly, I ask that they contact her. No one does. Snail mail is a dirty word.
In all this time she has only gotten 2 serama pullets, that were shipped and fully paid for in advance by money order. She wanted a frizzle pullet - we gave up on that after many dead ends. Now she's hoping for showgirl pullet and the trail is just as cold. She lives in a suburb of Chicago, and has had chickens (usually 2 or 3 at a time) well over 20 years. The senior bus doesn't go out of the local area so she can't attend swap meets, fairs or Poultry shows.
If I ask about pullets, people will try to unload roosters on her (not permitted). If they are desperate for sales they will offer their entire flock - no go for a small suburban lot. Maybe it's better to have no response than being considered as a dumping ground.
By the way, I don't drive either - we got acquainted on the senior bus, so apart from using the computer, there isn't anything more I can do. I just feel very badly for her because she loves her birds. she subscribes to Backyard Poultry but, can't connect with approachable breeders .
I feel badly for her because it reminds me of the time I was a young kid and wrote all the Cocker Spaniel people I could find in the dog magazine and asked about puppies. In those days all we had was snail mail. Only two breeders replied, obviously 35 cents allowance per week wasn't enough but, they sent pictures and encouragement.
I did end up breeding and showing champion Cockers, writing for dog magazines, running a grooming salon, etc. etc. But it's a different world out there now., all tech and instant on- line sales -.You fit in or your don't. If you need shipping that's another 'pox" on you. Yet some people complain on BYC forums they can't sell their chicks, or layers, or starters. I';m sure there are compassionate chicken people but, we aren't connecting.
Okay off my soapbox.
The frustration(for both of us) is worse than pulling hen's teeth. I am on BYC many times a day, checking posts, checking birds for sale, etc. She doesn't have a car and isn't going to suddenly show up at anyone's residence and bring germs, steal birds, pull out feathers or commit vandalism. She would like to add a pullet or two of some different breed and wants something of better quality than feed store or hatchery stock.
I make the initial contact. I explain what my friend is seeking, provide her full name and address and phone no. If they don't care to give out their address . so she could write them directly, I ask that they contact her. No one does. Snail mail is a dirty word.
In all this time she has only gotten 2 serama pullets, that were shipped and fully paid for in advance by money order. She wanted a frizzle pullet - we gave up on that after many dead ends. Now she's hoping for showgirl pullet and the trail is just as cold. She lives in a suburb of Chicago, and has had chickens (usually 2 or 3 at a time) well over 20 years. The senior bus doesn't go out of the local area so she can't attend swap meets, fairs or Poultry shows.
If I ask about pullets, people will try to unload roosters on her (not permitted). If they are desperate for sales they will offer their entire flock - no go for a small suburban lot. Maybe it's better to have no response than being considered as a dumping ground.
By the way, I don't drive either - we got acquainted on the senior bus, so apart from using the computer, there isn't anything more I can do. I just feel very badly for her because she loves her birds. she subscribes to Backyard Poultry but, can't connect with approachable breeders .
I feel badly for her because it reminds me of the time I was a young kid and wrote all the Cocker Spaniel people I could find in the dog magazine and asked about puppies. In those days all we had was snail mail. Only two breeders replied, obviously 35 cents allowance per week wasn't enough but, they sent pictures and encouragement.
I did end up breeding and showing champion Cockers, writing for dog magazines, running a grooming salon, etc. etc. But it's a different world out there now., all tech and instant on- line sales -.You fit in or your don't. If you need shipping that's another 'pox" on you. Yet some people complain on BYC forums they can't sell their chicks, or layers, or starters. I';m sure there are compassionate chicken people but, we aren't connecting.
Okay off my soapbox.