Tips for ⛏️ ng up chickens from craigslist or other such sites

[LordEvan5]

Recently I have seen what paper to be nice looking birds on Craiglist but I fear I don't know enough not to get Duped into a looser that is to decrepit to lay anymore and is on her way way to becoming soup ( not that I would) can anyone give me some hints on how to keep this from happening

 

[aart]

Don't buy them.
Get chicks from a hatchery.
Takes some real experience to be able to look at a bird and know it's age and condition.
Not to mention the risk of bringing home birds that are carrying bugs or disease.

 

[Offshoreorca]

It's time and practice that allows you to know ages and conditions of birds - not something learned quickly. Basics include bright eyes, normal behaviour (which takes experience to know), checking for parasites, etc. As suggested, it is best to buy from a reputable source if you don't have this experience. Less heartbreak and disappointment involved. Remember that quarantine is a must for any birds, no matter where you get them from.

 

[LordEvan5]

If I should take the risk not saying I will seems like too much of one how long does one quarantine a bird for

 

[Offshoreorca]

If I should take the risk not saying I will seems like too much of one how long does one quarantine a bird for

30 days

 

[aart]

If I should take the risk not saying I will seems like too much of one how long does one quarantine a bird for

Pretty hard to do effectively in a backyard situation.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

 

[LordEvan5]

Pretty hard to do effectively in a backyard situation.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

Thank you, you guys are great and it looks like you have saved me a lot of trouble it really looked like a great way to cheaply increase my flock with a minimum of work. Thank you for showing me the danger of taking the easy way out.

 

[LordEvan5]

Also is there a way of safely getting older birds I work a busy schedule I don't know that I have enough time to mind baby's

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Also is there a way of safely getting older birds I work a busy schedule I don't know that I have enough time to mind baby's

I know Murray McMuray sells “started pullets”. and also 4 week old birds. Check out their website. I have only purchased day old chicks from them but they have great customer service.

 

[aart]

I know Murray McMuray sells “started pullets”. and also 4 week old birds. Check out their website.

They won't be cheap tho.