So you have come to the decision to take up keeping poultry, a decision which many have made and have not regretted and our still enjoying today. A rewarding hobby and project that always rewards you in some way or another. 

Maybe you our getting a couple of hens for eggs in the garden, expanding you flock, a breed has caught your eye and you would like to add to your collection or perhaps you would just like to go and have a look and see what is on offer!

What ever reason it is that you are looking to buy some poultry you need to find some where to buy poultry and or places where poultry are for sale and this is not always as easy as it sounds.

So why not try these different places/suggestions for where you can find poultry for sale:

Windows, notice boards and areas in shops and businesses which offer people the facility to display adverts - These can be great places to find poultry for sale and even wanted birds especially in the local area Jot down the details and then you can contact them to enquire about what they have to offer.

Breeder’s Directory’s - These can be great as many poultry keepers who know their stuff will advertise in these. You can find them online, in related magazines and clubs/associations often have their own as well. You can then contact them about the breeds they have listed as they should provide details on the breeds they have and how to get in touch.

Classified Ads -  Online and offline in magazines and papers these can be great places to find bargains and local stock!

Auction/Sale -  If you go to an auction you should be able to pick up a catalogue on the day or even before via the post or online. You can then see what is available and if anything catches your eye you can mark it and check it out on the day. This may well help you to limit what you buy as many poultry enthusiasts are often tempted and come home with more than they planned!

What to do next.

So you have found your birds, now check ask these questions if you are able to contact the seller.

If you are at an auction you will simply have to go with what you know already, the look and appearance of the birds and the information given for the pen of birds.

Ask these questions....

When were they hatched? You don't want to buy old stock, young stock will lay you plenty of eggs when they start laying and will be more suitable for breeding.

Have they been vaccinated? Many centres and breeders now vaccinate birds to protect them against diseases either at day old, on a regular basis or only once sometime during their life. Ask them if they have been vaccinated and if so what for and how long does it last for. You can then continue vaccinating them or vaccinate them if you choose to -  this is recommended.

What have they been fed on? specific diet? It is good to ask this so you can continue the same feeding programme or so they don't get a sudden shock and you can get them use to a new diet by gradually changing their diet.

Have they been free ranging? This is more important when buying younger birds in so you can find out if they have been outside yet. If they haven't you will need to be cautious and choose a warm day to do it.

What light pattern have they been on? Especialy if they are younger birds so you can adjust their light accordingly.

If you are not satisfied with the answers you get ask them again, word them differently, explain you are not sure about something, go away and research it more or if you the answers are not what you want to hear then simply don't buy them as there are plently more available.

Make sure you check for....

Mites and fleas. You don't want to start off with birds which are covered in these horrible little creatures and you don't want to bring any back to your existing flock so don't buy them if they have any mites or fleas.

Respiratory problems. It could mean the bird is ill or suffering from something so listen to their breathing and check that it sounds normal and they are not making any unusual sounds or having difficulties with breathing.

They look health. You can usually tell straight away if a bird is unwell. Have a look and see if it has  nice bright big eyes, its feet has flat and smooth scales, fluff/feathers are smooth and not dirty or in a mess. It is behaving normally, active and not falling asleep, bright comb, dry break and nostril area and that it is not underweight.

Once you have checked them and found them satisfactory then you think about if you really want to buy them, if you are not happy with what you have found or the birds enquire about them or simply don't buy them as you may only be doing something which you later regret.

Just make sure you are not pressured into it or forced into doing it. Take your time and make your own mind up as later on it may only be a decision you regret, a waste of money and buying stock which is not needed will ofton get neglected, sold again or limit your much needed space.

Buying and Selling at an Auction.

Many livestock markets will hold weekly poultry sales as part of the different auctions they have for livestock. Often they have a different day for each type of livestock or similiar. They may then hold a special poultry sale every few months aswell.

In weekly or the "non-specialist" sales you will find that there are less restictions on pens. You will find that you will be able to take birds on the day, find a pen and put them in it to sell and then inform the auctioneer of your lot details and your contact details, this can vary so check with the market before going. The bidding may also be different for each auction so find out before hand so then you are not left paying more than you wanted.

Specialist pure breed sales of poultry will have catalogues of all the entries with vendors names and details of each lot. You will then be able to buy these, may have them sent to you if you have entered lots in and sometimes you can find them online. If you are going to enter birds into these you will need to get an entry form before the auction and fill it out with the details and then send it off to the auctioneers. You will be able to obtain one by ringing the market and asking for one or you may find that you can print them from the internet.

Each pen should have a clear pen number displayed on it and your birds will have to be penned by a cetain time on the sale day. You should provide bedding and a container of water and another of  food. Both attched to the pen to prevent them tipping it over.

The sale of each catergroy of birds will start at a different set time usally but check for the information for each auction on the day or before.

You will need to get a buyers number/card from the sale office so you are able to bid on lots if you want to. Even if you don't plan on buying anything it is safer to get one in case you are tempted during the auction. When bidding you can bid with your card and if you have manage to get the lots you need to show the card and number clearly to the auctioneer. You will then be able to pay for your birds at the auction office and get an a receit for them so you can take them. There will probably be someone to check your receit and make sure you have paid for them once you take your birds.

You will need to check the buyer's and sellers preiums and read sale terms and conditions before bidding on lots to make sure you know exactly what you pay and what rights you have.

Pigeions in pens at an auction. Photo coutesy: TAZ Bantams.

When transporting your birds make sure you transport them in specialy designed carry boxes/crates/cases which are designed to keep the poultry safe and secure during transport. These can be bought from  Arigulture shops, shops and centres related to poultry. They come in a range of prices and are made from different materials including cardboard and wood. Shop around though to find the best deal.  Remember also to keep them secure during transport aswell.

Put some bedding in the base of the carrier (perferbly shavings which are absorbant and easy to clean, hay can cause breathing problems). Providing food during transport is ok but ofton it will get spilt and tipped around and end up in the bedding of the container making it dirty and pointless so there is not much point in providing food as long as the journey is short they can hold on till they are removed and get to their loaction.

The same can happen with water so make sure if it is a long journey if possible you provide some so put it in a secured container attched to one end of the carrier but again on shorter journeys this is not needed and will only -usally be spilt making a mess and it uncomfortable for the birds.

Plenty of air holes should be in the carrier or made to allow a free flow of air and this will also stop them getting to hot. Free flowing air of course is needed. Rember to place your carrier on a level surfacde during transportation, check them on journeys if you can, becareful with them and by keeping them in dark will help to keep them calm.

In hot weather to keep the birds cool by allowing lots of free flowing air and making sure their boxes are not in direct sun light or heat.

Rember to provide food and water when they are taken out of their carriers and arrive at their location.

Selling Poultry.

If you are selling your poultry you need to first decide which ones you are going to sell and advertise so people are aware and you will hopefully get a sale. You could try advertising in the list of places and things above for where you could look if you were wanting to buy some.

When you have advertised you may get contacted and asked questions so make sure you know what to say and know their relevant background and details. They may wish to view them and it is a good idea to let them do this as you could get a possible sale from it.

Remember you may wish to create some terms and conditions to protect yourself but make sure they are useful and you make the buyer aware of them. Tell them their relevant details, what light pattern they recieved, what they were fed, if they were kept inside or out and any other details and give them contact details which they will usally ask for anyway.

The birds you are selling must meet the decription you have put and called for them, if you sell them something which is not what you said then you should and most good poultyr keepers,breeders and the seller will refund/exchange the birds and this comes into the case of sex, breed, size or anything like that so make sure you get your details correct and the buyer is aware.

Only proceed with the sale when you have carried out the above, checked it and are happy with everything.

When you get your birds home.

When you get your birds home you will need to understand they will of been a bit stressed from new surroundings and new people and if they have been at an auction it can be very noisy and different for them. Stress can start and trigger illness and problems with birds so it is best to let them calm down and give them so vitmins and a supplement to perk them up and make sure they stay fit and healthy.

Birds that have bought should be quarintened aswell. Even if you know who they came from or they were fine at the show/auction they can still get illness/mites and fleas and pick them up from cages and during transportation so quarentining them when you get home is important so you can then quickly see any problems and act upoon them and you also will not be spreading it to any other birds you already have. Make sure this is done away from other birds and you should use a fit dip and different clothes to prevent spreading diseases or anything.

Giving them a dusting of mite/flea powder is also recommened as a precautionary measure and this will treat any that are already on them.

Your birds should be put in a clean pen with a fresh clean water and food. Make sure they have enough light and it is best not to have other birds near them and make it as peaceful as possible for them as this will help them to settle in.

Monitor them and keep their supplies topped up. If you notice any problems you can then treat them. Once you have quartined them for a month and you are happy that they are fit and healthy you can then introduce them to your other birds.

A Maran hen getting perching. Photo courtesy: Fair Orchard Birds.

Good luck in your selling and purchasing

Further information and links panel.

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Discussion.

If you wish to discuss this on the forums, ask questions, post adverts, ask or offer advice or anything else that is related then try the General Poultry forum or another realted section on the forums.  Go to General Poultry Forum.

Buying/Selling.

To look for breeders selling birds or others, poultry adverts of items for sale/wanted visit these areas for more details.

Classified Adverts. Breeder's Directory. Buying and Selling Forum.

Calendar.

For dates of poultry auctions, events, shows and other related poultry events aswell as special dates, hoildays and other occasions visit our special Poultry Calendar where you can even post events, view ones we have ourselves included and get reminded for different events via email sent straight to your inbox, all for free!

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Events, shows, sales and auctions.

Find about about Events, shows, sales and auctions in the forum where you can post events, see what happened at different events and more, because we like to porvide a choice this is another area where you can tell people about events and more aswell as the Calendar!

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Don't forget to add these events to your diary or spread the word about others so get your diary out or you could choose to get notified by emailed aswell!

Related Links:

www.hatchingeggauctions.com

www.ebay.co.uk

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