USPS embargo on live animals (chicks) through Feb 26, 2021!

[U_Stormcrow]

As inconvenient as this is, I bet it will make a profitable season for selling chicks locally, so get those broodys going, fill up the bators, call local feed stores and offer to sell them chicks. It’s a shame for hatcheries who’s livelihoods depend on this, but for enterprising backyard poultry keepers, it could be a welcome bump in profits.

Looking up NPIP and licensing requirements for my State now. Not that I'm selling purebreds, or in volumes that TSC would demand. But as I'm already breeding for my own project, being able to legally convey in commerce the majority of birds which don't move my breeding plan forward would be a "nicety".

/Edit and I live near a state border, so there is at least potential that some of my "local" buyers might cross state lines with their recently purchased from me property, which seems to require NPIP and a 9-3 form or similar to import poultry across state lines in every state I've checked.

 

[FloorCandy]

Don't you have to be NPIP though to sell to feed stores? Or does it jist depend on the store?

I think technically you probably do, but I’m not sure. Some small time setups buy chicks locally with no certs as far as I know. I’ve been told by others that they sell to local feed stores, but who knows what’s what online. You can probably easily just sell thru craigslist. With covid it’s been hard to contact any government agency. I called fish and wildlife for 3 months before i got a message back, and I never heard back from the number they gave me for dept of ag.

 

[springvalley123]

Reading all this makes me wonder if I should exercise the legal option of keeping a roo....here....in town....maybe just borrow one for a few weeks from a trusted friend.....

I agree!
I was just reading @U_Stormcrow 's response regarding the logistics of replacing USPS with a private logistics company, and I agree! We need true permaculture--we all keep our own roosters, raise our own birds, exchange amongst each other to maintain genetic diversity etc. It's just a hard switch to make overnight, and most of us have barriers too, like neighbors who make horrified facial expressions when you mention you even have laying hens etc.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I think technically you probably do, but I’m not sure. Some small time setups buy chicks locally with no certs as far as I know. I’ve been told by others that they sell to local feed stores, but who knows what’s what online. You can probably easily just sell thru craigslist. With covid it’s been hard to contact any government agency. I called fish and wildlife for 3 months before i got a message back, and I never heard back from the number they gave me for dept of ag.

Hmm. I suppose I could always ask. Gives me an excuse to hatch more

 

[NatJ]

As inconvenient as this is, I bet it will make a profitable season for selling chicks locally

If the embargo goes away after next week, the hatcheries will be able to ship again before you could get any eggs hatched, even if you started them today.

 

[springvalley123]

Another option......drive to Cackle.
It would be a 2 day trip. One day to get there and another to get back.


I can legally have one actually. Of course that is provided there are no complaints (noise ordinance).
Was more joking than actually thinking of getting a rooster.....but.....it IS a legal option.

what was once a joke becomes a necessary reality huh? I've thought the same about Privett in new mexico, a day there, a day back. But in my **county** roosters are not allowed. That said, I used to hear some in my old neighborhood, just not where I'm at now.

 

[FloorCandy]

If the embargo goes away after next week, the hatcheries will be able to ship again before you could get any eggs hatched, even if you started them today.

We were supposed to be locked down for 30 days. I have little faith in any freedoms, privileges, or conveniences being returned to us once we let them be taken away. I hope this embargo, whatever it’s for, passes quickly, but I’m soured on government promises.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Don’t forget we send aid to China! We borrow money from them, then send them aid which we pay interest on!

I try to forget a lot of things, lol!

Don't you have to be NPIP though to sell to feed stores? Or does it jist depend on the store?

Not AT all.. KNOW YOUR STORE..

Two of my local NON COMMERCIAL. aka privately owned smaller feed stores are guilty of taking roosters back ON site and also chicks from others without caring or even knowing about NPIP.. which is how I got mt first decent quality Silkies for $5 each.. there were only 3 mixed with dozens of other hatchery chicks. One of them told me they didn't have much luck selling another local's heritage turkey poults last season.

TSC and other large corporations will have WAY less of this stuff going on.. may also have their vaccines better stored during transport or after arrival, etc.. I love and support my fellow small timer.. but also hugely value SOME of the safeties that get built into more liability.. equaling more reliability!

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Reading all this makes me wonder if I should exercise the legal option of keeping a roo....here....in town....maybe just borrow one for a few weeks from a trusted friend.....

Rather than rent get some fertilized eggs from the friend with the rooster and stick them in the incubator or under a broody. Plus the odds are you will get a rooster from the hatch. Lot less risk of disease since you can’t quarantine.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree!
I was just reading @U_Stormcrow 's response regarding the logistics of replacing USPS with a private logistics company, and I agree! We need true permaculture--we all keep our own roosters, raise our own birds, exchange amongst each other to maintain genetic diversity etc. It's just a hard switch to make overnight, and most of us have barriers too, like neighbors who make horrified facial expressions when you mention you even have laying hens etc.

I totally know what you mean. I still giggle about the folliwing....

I was outside building a new privacy fence. The gal next door came up and was being chatty. She mentioned how much she hated the rooster down the road. I offered to put my dogs out in the yard. Then I pointed out that a crowing rooster is far quieter than a barking dog. She shut her mouth and walked away.

Just to be super clear why this was so funny to me....
We have 2 malamutes, a bloodhound, a coon hound mix, and a pitsky. All 5 can and do bay or howl.