Is it ok to buy a chicken from a flea market!

[chickenmama109]

I have a rooster that is lonely! And I can’t find him a hen anywhere! No body is selling any in my area!? I was thinking about buying one from a flea market! I would check them over really good and separate them for a while! And treat her for worms and stuff like that! But is it a good idea! I can only get one hen so I’m not sure where else to go!? What are your thoughts?

 

[azygous]

Sure! You can always get chickens at a flea market. Do you know why they call them "flea markets"? Because you buy something and when you get it home, you find it has "extras" such as real fleas.

In the case of a chicken, you could be bringing home not only fleas or lice or mites, but more serious diseases such as avian viruses that the otherwise normal looking chicken could be carrying that could infect your flock for years into the future. I advise against acquiring a chicken in this way.

The better, safer plan would be to get a few baby chicks and raise them along side the hen so she will look at them as her flock. They will then be a unit as the babies grow up. Here's a way to brood them with the hen in proximity. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...oor-brooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-out Feed stores should be ordering chicks right now.

 

[chickens really]

All birds carry diseases. They become immune to what they have and if stressed the symptoms show. You can get a Hen from the flea market. Just understand disease transfer happens even if You bought a Hen from a nice lady down the road.
Good luck getting a Hen..

 

[Ridgerunner]

You only have one rooster. You can only get one hen. I don't understand that but I don't have to. Those are the boundaries you have set.

How old is he, by the way. Might have some suggestions a to what to look for age-wise. I'd suggest staying in the same maturity level.

People bring home chickens from swaps and auctions, they take chickens to shows and bring them back home. Bad things can happen but that doesn't mean they always will. It is possible you could bring home something that would kill him, but pretty unlikely. You might bring home something that is an inconvenience but that can be treated. You may have no problems at all. No matter where you get a chicken there is some level of risks. Swaps and auctions are more of a risk than some other ways.

You are in Texas. You might try finding an active Texas thread in the "Where am I? Where are you!" section of this forum and chat with your neighbors.

My first call would be to your county extension office. Tell them what you are after. They may know of a chicken swap or livestock auction that has chickens in your area. Or even better, they may know of someone that could sell you a chicken. They should know a lot of farmers.

You can talk to people at the feed store. They might know someone that can help or they might have a bulletin board where you could put a notice.

 

[chickenmama109]

thanks! I cant find the texas thread! where is it located? thank you for your info!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I can' find it either. I am not a fan of the search feature on this forum. I did see your post in that forum so maybe it will work. Nice title, at least you mentioned location. That's a lot better than just saying "help".

You might try also posting in this forum. It can't hurt.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/chickens-8-weeks-older.35/

 

[thumper650]

Petfinder sometimes has chickens. I got my ducks from there, at a farm rescue that treats animals as well.

 

[Douglas Colman]

Egg farms only keep their chickens until their production drops off.
If she's just a companion to your rooster then only a couple of eggs per week is a bonus

 

[BloomBunny]

Outdoor brooder article

Texas state folks.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Sure its ok, but there's risk involved. Bringing Mareks disease into your flock from a strange bird with questionable background for example.