Solitary chicken - need advice

[Lorax]

I went to a breeder that is meant to come highly recommended but frankly I found him a bit rude. I really didn't ask that many Qs but I asked about them being vaccinated against salmonella (I'm preg) and he was really miffy and said "they are but you're being over cautious" to which I miffed back saying "well that's as may be but it's my baby". Am I being over cautious?

 

I felt really stupid, in fact I was slightly sweating on the phone talking to him he was so rude. I'm really polite too!

 

Anyway I ordered a Bluebell, a Sussex hybrid and a Calder Ranger. Thanks to all those who helped me make my mind up but I think next time I may go with another breeder as there's no point having one who has no phone manner!

[Mel (& Paul)]

Poor you!

What a shame he wasnt very "user friendly".

 

Are you able to go and see the chooks at his place - that's the most important thing - are they kept in a clean safe environment?

 

Some people may not have a good telephone manner but reallly care for the chooks - others might appear really professional but not actually care for their birds.

 

Remember - you are the customer, you are always right - and you are right to ask those questions.

[Lapinou]

Oh how annoying! Can't stand rude people. I stormed off in a shop once when I asked a middle aged woman who was stacking a shelf for help, and she didn't even look up as she said 'hang on a sec'. hope you find a different, more helpful and kind breeder for next time!

[redfrock]

there's really no need for anybody to be rude like that, and you have every right to ask such questions. I must admit the first breeder I rang had a bit of an 'attitude' on the phone, so I found Ben instead and have never looked back. I have had three sets of girls from him now and will continue to use him for as long as he keeps chooks.

 

If you feel this uncomfortable now you could always consider another breeder. You want to be able to ask as many questions as you like, and also feel able to ask him questions after you have got the girls if necessary as well. I am regularly in contact with Ben.

 

It takes nothing to be polite....

 

PS - just read Mel's answer and I agree with what she says too

[Lorax]

Mel (and Paul) you're very right actually. I haven't been to his yet, it's quite a drive from here but my friend's just got some from him and I do think he's a good breeder. I asked around and he's been recommended (including on here) so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I have found - and if I put this badly please forgive me - that sometimes men who have worked in the country all their lives/with animals do lack something with their phone manner. It doesn't make them bad people, far from it, their skills lie elsewhere. I'm sure my dad (from farming stock) could be the same!

 

Lapinou, I see you're pg too! Did you walk out when you were pg? My husband says I'm really intolerant already. Of course I don't see it...I just felt really silly like chicken-keeping is a club I don't really belong to.

[TAJ]

He probably has dealt with chickens for years and knows that since the Edwina Curry thing back in the 1980s that vacination for salmonella has irradicated it in commercial chicken flooks in the UK - probably just dosen't realise someone new to chickens wouldn't know this.

 

We had a vet once who was fantastic with animals - but no people skills what-so-ever - lets hope he is the same - good with chicken, just people a problem.

 

Anyway a fine selection!

 

Tracy

[Mel (& Paul)]

Mel (and Paul) you're very right actually. I haven't been to his yet, it's quite a drive from here but my friend's just got some from him and I do think he's a good breeder. I asked around and he's been recommended (including on here) so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I have found - and if I put this badly please forgive me - that sometimes men who have worked in the country all their lives/with animals do lack something with their phone manner. It doesn't make them bad people, far from it, their skills lie elsewhere. I'm sure my dad (from farming stock) could be the same!

 

Lapinou, I see you're pg too! Did you walk out when you were pg? My husband says I'm really intolerant already. Of course I don't see it...I just felt really silly like chicken-keeping is a club I don't really belong to.

 

 

You are absolutely right - not everyone likes dealing over the phone or indeed dealing with people. Although he is providing a "service" he is probably in the business because he loves chickens, rather than loving people.

Now, if he were like that and worked in Customer Service department I would be much more worried.

And play the pregnant card as much as you can - you can get away with anything - you only have to as Em The Herd

[Lapinou]

Hi Lorax

 

It's not pregnancy that makes me grumpy, but looking after the children all day long My DH is fab and takes over everything whenever he's home so I can put my feet up. DD1 is very, very excited about the chooks. DD2 isn't phased. DD3 is too young to have a clue what we're talking about I think they'll all be chuffed to bits when they come though