pharmchickrnmom - Not squeamish. I actually hunt. I just admittedly get too attached to my birds.... Maybe if I could keep them in a different pen and interact with them less...
I've seen, in person this fall, the difference between my hatchery birds and someone's well-bred birds. The vigor, size, and overall constitution of her birds really impressed me. The cochin rooster I got from her is a very fine animal and I am convinced that I don't think I will get hatchery birds again unless someone needs to rehome them.
I have room for 8 birds, realistically, and don't want to overcrowd them. I've got 8 right now so all this is hypothetical in case I lose any.
I am nervous about auctions as disease vectors. What do you think? There are none nearby but if I had to drive a few hours I could.
Well this is the way I see the auctions and I know I may step on a few toes. When I go an auction and "some" people are sitting in there who look like they haven't bathed in a month, I have to wonder just how clean their animals are kept. There for I don't buy at auctions. No if's and's or but's.
The one and only time I bought a dozen eggs to hatch? Two were all covered in poop and had to be tossed. I don't wash eggs for hatching. Some do but I don't.
Yes we all run into a problem now and then, but if you are losing bird after bird after bird then it's time to see what's what. This is where BYC comes in handy.
IMO simple is best. If you can I'd try to find someone going to the auction and give them your extras. I'd venture to say the price you'll get won't be enough to cover your gas. I personally am not set up to process my birds at this time. YET. Not to mention having space to grow them out.