Information Sheet for Buyers?

[MinxFox]

After selling Crooked Beak, I got to thinking it might be a good idea to make a general information word document that I can print off when I have someone buying a peafowl so that I feel better selling to someone who has no previous experience with owning peafowl. Sure you can talk to them and tell them how to care for them, but having it down on paper will be much more easier for them to remember and reference.

In addition to general care info, I think I would add a few helpful links such as a link to this forum. Also at the top of the page would be some of my contact info so they could call me if they have any questions. Oh and I would also give them a paper saying what variety their bird is and who its parents are.

So do any of you give first time peafowl owners an information sheet? Can you tell me what you put on it or show a photo of the sheet?

 

[SunBaked]

I don't print a sheet, my stupid printer is always out of ink, but I do hand write a sheet to give them usually. On it I write down to feed chick starter for the first year then gamebird feed. I list some of the best snacks for them, boiled egg, fruits, catfood, mealworms etc and I list foods not to feed them avacado, coffee, chocolate etc. I also list this website and the unitedpeafowlassociation.org one. I write down how long to leave them with a heating light also and my phone number and email address. Sometimes I email them the info also if I have their email address. That's a good idea about putting the info on what variety and the parents info, I hadn't thought of that.

 

[DylansMom]

I generally print out Hopkin's page that lists all the different medications we can use. I always explain that it is from a large breeder, not from me, but it is what I use, "credit where credit is due". I have found that sheet to be invaluable. I always put my phone and email info. on the sheet, so if they questions or concerns they can contact me. I really have never bothered with feeding info. other than verbally letting them know what we recommend. I've never had anyone purchase who had NO experience with poultry, if not Peas they at least had chickens or pheasants, etc.... so they had a rudimentary idea of what they were getting into. I keep good records of who bought what chicks, the hatch dates and who the parents are, that way if they come back in the future, I won't be selling them brothers or sisters.

 

[MinxFox]

On it I write down to feed chick starter for the first year then gamebird feed. I also list this website and the unitedpeafowlassociation.org one. I write down how long to leave them with a heating light also and my phone number and email address. That's a good idea about putting the info on what variety and the parents info, I hadn't thought of that.

I hadn't thought about putting info on how to care for the peachicks. So far I have been selling yearling to almost yearling peafowl and I sold a young adult peahen. I don't know if I will get into selling young chicks but it couldn't hurt putting chick info too. I started writing the sheet and I put a short list of different peafowl terms.

I generally print out Hopkin's page that lists all the different medications we can use. I always explain that it is from a large breeder, not from me, but it is what I use, "credit where credit is due". I have found that sheet to be invaluable. I always put my phone and email info. on the sheet, so if they questions or concerns they can contact me. I really have never bothered with feeding info. other than verbally letting them know what we recommend. I've never had anyone purchase who had NO experience with poultry, if not Peas they at least had chickens or pheasants, etc.... so they had a rudimentary idea of what they were getting into. I keep good records of who bought what chicks, the hatch dates and who the parents are, that way if they come back in the future, I won't be selling them brothers or sisters.

That is a good idea about using the Hopkin's medication page. I really haven't had to deal with much in the way of sickness (knock on wood) so I don't feel that knowledgeable on that subject. The lady I sold Crooked Beak to told me that they have chickens so that did make me feel better about selling him. I must be the only person who got peafowl without any experience with poultry! I read about them for years and wanted peafowl since I was a little girl, but as for raising any kind of bird previously, I hadn't. I was just worried because when I mentioned worming, she was not sure if they worm their chickens, so I told her about worming the birds. I am going to keep and also give the buyer records on the bird just for the reason you stated - that way I won't give them related birds like you said. As far as I know they still just have Crooked Beak. I told her when she bought him that I might not have a peahen available for her when they need one, but that I can help them find a peahen when they are ready for one.

Thanks for both of our replies, they were helpful! I can't wait to see what others say too.

 

[AugeredIn]

I have one but I don't have it with me right now. It is a two pager. Remind me sunday night.

 

[MinxFox]

Okay I will try and remind you.

I think mine might end up being around two pages.

Hey this is off topic, but do you think Josh would sell me a young green peachick? I don't care what sex it is. I really wanted a young imported pair, but after lots of thought and talking to my parents, I shouldn't get into spending that kind of money for peafowl. Not until I have a better handle on everything. I was thinking maybe he could make a deal with me to where I get a very young green because that would be the cheapest option.

 

[casportpony]

I've been thinking about supplying the same sort of thing as well as a five metronidazole pills with each bird. I think giving a list of medications is a good idea, but I have yet to see one that's correct. Baytril, for example, comes in many forms and strengths and should be given based on weight in mg/kg (or mg per pound). Liquid Baytril is available as 2.27% (22.7mg/ml), 5% (50mg/ml) and 10% (100mg/ml). Not sure what mg the pills come in.

Metronidazole (Flagyl, Fish-Zole and Meditrich) and Safeguard (fenbendazole) should also be dosed by weight... a 3 month old chick should get less than a 6 month and a mature cock should get more than a mature hen.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Forgot to say that I would give metronidazole pills with birds big enough to take the pills I have, which are 100mg, 200mg and 250mg... Still need to figure out a way to do this for safely for chicks.

-Kathy