Here are a few other little auction tip's.
Carefully inspect any items and birds you like or plan to bid on, look at the cage it's housed in condition, poop residue, are the birds crowded in the cage to hide imperfections, Comb & wattle color & condition, feather sheen, foot condition, sign's of over breeding, all signs of a well care for or uncared for bird.
Know the price as best you can of the items and decide what your limit will be, and stick to it, there is no worst feeling than realizing you payed too much after it's loaded in your truck.
If the bidding is in increments of $1.00 and you see it's slowing, bid in a smaller amount say .50 cents or .25.
Never start the bidding at the callers price until someone else starts it lower, don't be afraid to stop bidding and watch it progress, remember you can always jump back in when you feel it's right, this is a good tip and will give you a chance to take a step back and ID the other bidders.
Sometimes the seller will bid on his own stuff so ask around as to who's birds they are, if you see the seller bidding on his own items get out fast.
Pay attention and be shrewd that is your best protection.
Write down what you have bought the # of items and the price on the back of your card, so you know everything at check out time, to avoid getting taken for a few bucks here and there.
AL
