What to look for and what to "watch out" for when at a swap/auction

[gocrow77]

What should I watch for in a good healthy bird of laying age? I know the obvious signs of ill health etc, but what does an "old" hen look like, how can you tell she is "past her prime". There will always be people looking to unload older hens etc at these things and I am new and thus probably an easy target. What are some things to watch for to be sure I am getting a young true POL pullet or at least a young hen with some eggs to give me? I am really wanting a few girls that are already laying ( and have some time left ) so I don't go bonkers waiting for this years pullets to start later this summer/fall. Any tips for the pros????

 

[gocrow77]

Anyone - please help a noobie not get taken, lol

 

[lux_interior]

I'm newish too, sorry, I wish I could help... but I hope someone knows, because that is a very good question! Too bad you don't live closer, I have some young hens I need to get rid of

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

An older bird will generally be larger, but that's not always the case. I've noticed that some of the older ones will get thick legs and feet.

If you can get your hands on the bird, check her vent. If it is pink, large, and moist, she is laying. If it is light, tight, and dry, she's not laying. I say this because I've seen with my own eyes a person "plant" eggs in their hens cages at auction to make it look like they had laid the egg in the cage.

The main thing to look for is respiratory illness, or any sign of illness at that. Listen for sneezes, coughs, strange droppings.

Be sure to wear shoes and clothes that can be disinfected easily. Also quaranteen any birds you buy just in case. Have fun!

 

[tamsflock]

I agree most the time a larger bird is older BUT I had someone who came and looked at my birds and he looked at 2 of my hens and said ohh they are old. I told him no they aren't all my birds I hatched at the same time they are all 8 months these are mutt birds some sort of cross but these girls lay X large eggs they are awesome. But they are huge they are the tanish colored in the picture with the lorps one up close the other in the background. He wanted to give me 5 bucks for them I would never sell them because of the size of their eggs!!

I have noticed the legs on alder being thicker and they look rougher than a young hen. Hope this helps.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

We usually go early enough to have time to really look the stock over. You can generally tell when a bird looks tattered. I have a rule of thumb I don't buy older birds. I worry about bringing home diseases. I usually buy day olds or eggs. Even thouse can be harmful but the risk is lower. I saw some really nice cochins a few weeks ago but just couldn't bring myslef to bid. Another thing if they are young laying hens the bidding starts off high. At least I find that laying age hens are at a premium all of a sudden and the auctioneer knows it.

 

[ChickenCop]

As for swaps and auctions there is always reason why the person is getting rid of them. (keep that in the back of your mind). Not many people are willing to get rid of good layers, as goes the same for show birds. Good Luck!

 

[Pine Acres Peeps]

look for tiny bubbles in the eyes and IF I buy one from a strange place as stupid as I may look I pick her up and smell her beak if it stinks, leave her alone and go wash your hands with antibacterial soap, it means it has coryza. Always change clothes and disinfect shoes and yourself after going around other peoples chickens. I would also quarantine it for a few weeks.

 

[onthespot]

I got a deal of the week today. A splash ameraucana roo, a splash ameraucana hen and eleven easter egger hens, just at point of lay, for $25 for all of them! Some had started picking butts so they are a little tattered in the rear, but in front they look nice and they laid five eggs while I was gettng them situated, four were blue. Woo hoo!

 

[Brindlebtch]

Lucky you, onthespot!