Swaps

[Cheryl]

What opinions do you have on swaps? Having never been to one, will I find reliable breeders (what is a person called who raises chickens?) and healthy birds? I would like to find 2 cochin bantam chicks to add to my 5 standard chicks I got on Wed...seeing as it is fall and I'm in New England...will I find chicks at all? So many questions...so little time!

 

[Standard Hen]

Hi Cheryl,,,there are still chicks around here and there but going into winter it is alot more work so the availability is not huge. I have been to a couple of swaps and you can find reputable breeders derfinately. There are always auctions too and I would be a little more careful at them. Try posting an add on www.craigslist.org for your area and see if you get any bites. Also most feed stores have a bulletin board so you could put up a little card. You might not find exactly what you are looking for in breed but might find something! Good Luck.

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I have had some problems adding bantams to regular size chickens!

they drill their heads unmercifully!

If they weren't brooded together!!!

the ones I have that brooded together are fine with each other!

 

[Cheryl]

I get the impression that anyone who is added to the flock gets picked upon!

 

[lurky]

There is a poultry show at a fair in Mass tomorrow. The lady that told me about it said that there are usually chickens for sale too. I am going to "look" at all the birds. Since i have never been, i cannot say for sure what you will see....or anything.......but i am going to check it out. I figure there will at least be fried dough

So it is bolton mass.....which is somewhere near worcester on the map if you are interested in taking a drive. You can do a search for the bolton fair and see the web page for more info. You never know what you might find. I am secretly hoping to come home with a white silkie.

BTW cheryl.....that looks close to you.

 

[Cheryl]

Thank you, it is a shame I did not look sooner, but have since seen your post, not too promising! Tomorrow, there is another at the Bolton Fair Grounds in Lancaster, MA I just may go to that!

 

[lurky]

I'll be there too. I hear its a great event and this is the 6th year for having it there. Hope to bring some new silkies home

 

[Cheryl]

not many silkies...seemed like more ducks and geese than bantams...I too was hoping to take either 2 silkies or 2 cochins home, but needed youngsters, I am not set up for a pecking war. My girls are almost 2 weeks old now and can't believe how much they have grown. Other options, Deerfield in 2 weeks and the Topsfield Fair through next weekend!