This swap was my 1 year anniversry of swapping in the monthly swaps and I haven't missed a swap yet. I took over the swaps I think in January. I enjoy running them as long as we are all getting our eggs shipped and if not, keeping an open line of communication. Yes, there are times I've had to vent to a friend, but all in all, things are going well. When I'm not having fun or if I ever find a job that prevents me from running the swap, I'll pass the torch. I guess until then, you're all stuck with me and the way I do things, whether they are good or bad. I've made some really good friends on the swaps.
So, the next few months, there are some things to remember:
1. Have fun
2. With it getting warm, the hens slow down laying or stop. Then we run into molting season. Some swappers may need to delay sending eggs because the pen they planned on sending all of a sudden quit laying. Remember, it could be you. I hate to start the sign ups too early for July because of the weather. My advice, if you want to sign up for 4 swaps and you only have a couple pens, maybe sign up for 2 swaps and closer to the dead line, sign up for more once you are sure the girls are still laying.
3. Life happens. If something happens that your partner cannot follow through, there are always others that have volunteered to ship eggs so everybody gets their eggs. Thank you.
4. I need to know, with the warm weather, we lose swappers because of the added risk of shipping in the heat. Last year, Betsy had us sign up just pure or mix and had us send to swappers close to ourselves to limit the amount of time the eggs were in transit. I found I can ship eggs to California in 2 days but Missouri and Arkansas in 4 days. Now if I'm shipping to Sonew123, it is 5-6 days with priority mail. When I ship on Saturdays, I have the shortest shipping time. 9 times out of 10, the package is delivered on Monday. With that being said,
Do we want to continue with the categories we have had or go to just Pure and Mixed for July and August? I'd like to hear from at least 10-1d of you that plan on swapping next month. I need to know soon, though.
5. With less swappers, there will be less of a chance of getting eggs from your first or second choice if you are too picky. During these months, those of you who sign up at least for your secong choice to get anything will be my best friends, though I do try to pair you with somebody sending in the same category as you if you choose the option anything.
Disclaimer: Please don't think this long winded message was directed at any swappee in particular. Heck, eggs I planned on sending haven't been sent yet because the hens wquit laying. This is in general.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled program.
