What questions should I ask when buying 1 yr tom and hen?

[Arielle]

A local breeder has 2 burbon reds for sale, a tom and hen. WHat should I ask about before buying the birds. It s P. . . .tested flock. ANd the hen is laying. I'm feeling very stupid here. I would like disease free birds, that represent the breed, But I'm such a newbie I could get led down a merry path . . . . Suggestions on what I should know BEFORE I buy???

 

[jimmythechicken]

were in mass are you buying them we bought some little ones from a woman on the mass rhode island boorder.if you say the town i will know it if it is the same woman she was selling her breeding pair she was great very nice hens were a little beat up from breeding but it is one of the nicest houses/farms i have seen.we have had 4 of her birds here for a week or better an doing great very healty.she also has blue slates good luck the tom was real nice size bird if you put him in a pen alone with his girls he would look great.

 

[Arielle]

What questions should I ask specifically?

If I get these birds I will definitely follow the advice of "It's better to ask forgiveness than permission." DH is not ready for long term turkeys. WOnder what I need to do to make it ok . . . .

 

[ColbyNTX]

Ask how she is laying and if he attacks. Make sure they look in good shape and don't limp. Does it really matter, you know you will get em anyway!

 

[Arielle]

You are right on. Trying to reel in the emotions.

I received a PM that put the breeder in a good light! Just not the breed I preferred; it's my second choice. Have an email in to a Narri breeder in VT or NH, cant remember. Waiting for a reply. Anxiously.

 

[49erjohns]

Ask if they have been housed with chickens. good luck JOHN

 

[Arielle]

Good question. From my digging, Massacusetts doesn't have a problem with blackhead, so chickens and turkeys can go together here. I'll ask any way, as maybe some of the stock may have come from another state. Thank you!