Sooo much pooping

[jam]

Hi all,

Thinking about going to a poultry auction to see what its all about. Could anyone give me some first hand advice on poultry auctions, because to be honest I havn't got a clue how they work! Can you just turn up to watch the show, or are they a bit more serious than that?

Thanks, Scarlett

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Tom123 is a pro at auctions

 

I've been to one auction in Salisbury & couldn't understand a word the auctioneer said , I didn't dare to show my card in case I ended up bidding silly money for something I didn't even want I'd say definitely go to at least one, more if you can manage it, just so you know the system...good luck

 

Sha x

[tom123]

Thanks Sha

 

You need to visit a few before even considering buying. After you have then here is my checklist for an auction:

 

- Take a notepad and pen, write down all the lot numbers you are interested in

- If you are intending to buy something take a few small padlocks and lock the cage of the birds you have won are in asap so they aren't stolen before you can take them home. It happens.

- Don't impulse buy. Get there as early as possible and wander around checking the birds you are interested in. Are they healthy and lively?

- Do not get dragged into bidding. You know what you will pay for a bird. It is very easy to just keep bidding and then end up paying loads of money for something you could pick up for £20

- Don't look the auctioneer in the eye or nod or sneeze or wave at someone. We've all done it

 

If you are just going to buy then you turn up, collect your lot number and fill in the form with your details on. Then have a wander around and check out all the lots. They usually start at 9.00 with two auctions running at the same time. One auctioneer on one side of the hall and another the other side.

 

Good luck and PM if you have any other questions

[Redwing]

The most valuable advice I can give on this is choose your auction carefully!

 

Some are better than others and some are terrible

 

Salisbury monthly auction (next one 12th June) is normally pretty good, melton Mobray twice yearly rare breed sales (they are pure breeds rather than rare breeds) are usually excellent, Melton mobray standard twice weekly auctions are not so good

 

Look at the birds to see how alert they are, avoid anything hunched up, sneezing or ones that keep closing their eyes - do not whatever you do buy something because you feel sorry for it!

 

Go to one or two to get the hang of things

 

When you do go to buy take a good strong box or two to bring your chooks home in and a padlock for the cage after purchase. obtain a bidding card on arrival - sometimes there is a charge for this but you cant bid without a number

 

Quarantine any new arrivals for at least a week and if they came from an auction a couple of weeks would be more prudent

 

If you can absolutely avoid it dont buy at an auction as it really is a lottery

[Jools]

Redwing is spot on. If you have other options, avoid buying at auction as the unwary often end up with more than they bargain for.

[Christian]

I once read that "Ooops, word censored!"ody sends their best birds to auction.......!

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on. The advice above is great Maybe go to one first to get an idea of how it all works before you start bidding.

[Mollie333]

Well well well.

I think Redwing and Tom has just basically cleared you question! Well done!

[jam]

Thanks guys, i dont think I could have asked for any better advice!