I was disgusted and sad

[bethandjoeync]

We went to the "dirt mall" yesterday (aka the flea market) and started going in the area where they have chickens. and right before we went in there I looked at dh and said, "hey let's see how many breeds we can name!" lol because we both have learned to much from byc, we wanted to test our knowledge. well after getting in there, we started looking at the chickens.....most of them had their beaks either filed down or the ends were clipped off like you would do the toenails. they looked aweful and they were all hot. and some had cross beaks and the rest had hardly any beaks left. by the time we got to the end of the aisle I was disgusted at the sight. and the last 2 cages that were way overcrowded, I did see something that I have never seen before...the scaley leg mites problem. ugh, their legs looked terrible and they must have been miserable. I understand that these are probably only sold for food purposes, but I guess it just made me think of my girls and how good they have it. and made me want to come home and spend some time with them. I just had to share this, because it made me so sad to see those birds in such misery, and I am thankful there is so much information on this site that I can give my birds the best I possibly can for their well being and ours.

 

[trilyn]

Oh that's so awful! I mean, come on, they're live animals...take care of them! I know that they're probably for production, be it either eggs or meat, but grrrr, that's awful!

I'm so glad we made the decision to raise chickens for eggs, next year we'll be doing meat birds also. I know we won't make a dent in the amt of birds used in production. I'm a little more realistic than that-but at least I know where my food is coming from and that my animals are happy!

That had to be an awful sight to see and I am sorry you witnessed that!

 

[hen-thusiast]

Quote:
Me to. I don't know what I would do without BYC. I'm a beginner and went to a beginning urban chicken class. I should have just stayed home and lurked on BYC, I would have learned 1000% more.

 

[meriruka]

We have the same thing at a flea market near us. I just want to rescue them all & give them a better life, but I know if I buy them, I just encourage those people to breed & sell more and I can't risk endangering my own flock. It makes me so sad I don't even look anymore.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It would not surprise me if most of these were older hens from commercial laying flocks. It does make you want to take care of your own.

 

[speckledhen]

Wouldnt surprise me what you'll see at a flea market. I've had a few encounters with folks over their sad chickens.

 

[Tonopah Pati]

OMG! I don't know how anyone could do that to the chickens, that just makes me sick to think about the poor chickens.

I hope no one buys them. My girls and boys really have a good life, I am always looking for things to make them happy, special treats, fresh water, the best food, housing, shade and cooling, (I live in the desert). I also have learned so much from BYC, and check in each day. Thank You all.

 

[Kesta]

my dad has a booth at the flea market where he sells jewelry.i like to wander but thankfully have never seen this due to the fact that this particular flea market prohibits living animals to be sold there.if they didnt well i would not ever wanna wander that flea market

 

[English Chick]

Glad I was not there, the owners whould have gotten the very very sharp end of my "beak" (tongue!) no holds barred........ arghhhhhhh .........

 

[Sillystunt]

my first 2 were flea market rescues. i had no money and ran to the car. Scraped up 4 dollars in change, pennies, nickels almost no quarters and bought 2.

here's Pokey

and Gumby

funny thing is there was one duckling. My sister calls me 2 hours later and was like, heather i had to get this duck. he was so small and i was scared for him. hence , she dropped him off at my house

and here's Gary