Selling some birds, but need help with reasonable price?

[Back2MyRoots]

Hey y'all! Chicken math has attacked our little backyard coop and we are

over-run

with chickies! There is a flea market on Wednesday that my father-in-law sells junk at and says there are lots of folk there selling lots of birds for all different prices, depending on breed/age/etc. My husband and I were thinking we might take a few birds up there to make a little room. I have never sold a chicken before (only ever bought day-old chicks), so I have NO idea what would be a reasonable price. I was hoping some of y'all experienced people could give me some idea of what I should ask...? It's a flea market, so I'm sure people will want to haggle a bit, I just would like a ball-park? (I have hand-raised these birds, so to me they are price-less. Though the hubby sees it a little different, and I understand. Room has to be made!)

We will be taking (2) Golden Comet pullets, 5 months and just starting to lay pretty brown eggs, (2) Buff Orpington cockerels, 12 weeks and starting to crow

; (6) Rhode Island Red cockerels, 4 weeks; (2) Rhode Island Red pullets, also 4 weeks. They are all very fat and healthy---and I'm not just saying that! Our local vet was out here to vaccinate our dogs and he checked out the birds while he was here---They all got 2 thumbs up, though the RIRs were only a week old then.

Anyway, a little practical advice would be greatly appreciated! The hubby is gonna kill me if I don't sell some of my babies!

 

[mnferalkitty]

Depends on how bad you want them gone the cheaper you go the faster they sell, especialy the roos. I will sell young birds anywhere from $3-$5 so they are sold quick and the roos I have mostly traded or sold for a couple of dollars

 

[Back2MyRoots]

What about the golden comets that are just starting to lay?

 

[donrae]

Look back a while on your local craigslist or similar and see what birds are selling for in your area. That's a good place to start.

Since you're needing to sell, I'd put the point of lay pullets at fifteen dollars each, and deal down to both for twenty five. Your red pullets I'd ask five dollars each or so. The cockerals--if you can get money for them good on you lol! Depending on the ethnicity of your flea market, sometimes young cockerals can sell well. I'd start them at ten dollars each and be willing to practically give them away, esp the young ones.

Good luck. Maybe take some eggs from the comets to show what they're producing, and be willing to throw them into a deal.

 

[mnferalkitty]

I am in a different state then you and everyone and their mother are thinning out flocks etc. around here, so this time of year here in MN I would still sell a just laying pullet for $5 if I wanted to sell them quick.

 

[Back2MyRoots]

Thanks y'all! Appreciate the advice. I was thinking I would have to practically give the roos away, and not ask much for the RIR pullets. I do hope I get a bit more for the comets. They are great layers (good idea about taking eggs--thank you) and total marsh mellows.

 

[Back2MyRoots]

Ok, my husband just said something that scared me to death....... No one would buy the roos to fight would they? Oooomigosh----I'd rather them be eaten than fought!



Oh dear heavens.... I can see me turning into one of those hoarder ladies that won't give her dogs and cats up because something bad might happen to them, only with chickens! I'm in trouble!

 

[donrae]

No, that's like an urban legand as far as I know. Your roosters would be totally useless to serious fighters. Just like no one is going to take your black lab and throw it in with their fighting pit bulls.

 

[what did I do]

I'm going to try to get $10 for my pullets that my husband advertised today. LOL I'm in the same boat as you.

My kids sold some in the 4-h sale and got a little over $100 for each bird. That is a bit steep for most people.

 

[Back2MyRoots]

Whew! Ok, not freaking out now. Gosh, I'd flip if I sold a chicken for $100-----I'd settle for $15 for each of my comets!