StephenW Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Anybody planning to go to poultry fairs to get young stock? Im hopeing to go to a big poultry sale on 12th March as I am looking to get another banty or two that I would be able to show. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Buying from a sale can be a hotbed of problems - males listed as females, old stock and poorly stock The specialist sales that some auction houses hold are not as bad as the regular auctions Is the one you refer to at Melton Mowbray? At their twice yearly graded sale they grade the stock by giving the show quality birds and breeding quality birds cards which is very useful, everything else is pet quality. The show quality lots are few and far between and sell for high amounts usually A safer way of getting show quality stock is to find breeders of your chosen breed and approach them to see if they have anything for sale - no good breeder will sell an ill bird and the bird should be the age and sex that they say it is - often the stock will be cheaper too - everage prices per pullet is £15 - £30 Another option is to buy from the sales pens at a show If you do decide to go to an auction research your breed and make sure you get a quality example Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'd also quarantine any birds that you purchase for a minimum of a week to ensure that your existing hens don't become ill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted January 29, 2011 Author Share Posted January 29, 2011 Good idea. Its the only way for me but to have a selection of poultry but thanks I will be careful. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Good idea. Its the only way for me but to have a selection of poultry but thanks I will be careful. Do you mean its the only way for you 'cos of the selection to choose from? You can get the same selection at sales pens in shows (and generally better quality that sales), if you did. Where abouts are you? Maybe people could suggest a local breeder/show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 If you could keep boys or have arrangements in place for them, then hatch your own from eggs from a reputable breeder / supplier. Of course you would also need the correct equipment & to read up on hatching - but it is extremely rewarding & you can choose your breeds properly. It is best if you can see what the adult fowl look like ( size & quality). Other than that buy your pullets & cockerels from a specialised breeder. Wernlas collection are extremely good, as are their hatching eggs. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Hi is Good idea. Its the only way for me but to have a selection of poultry but thanks I will be careful. Do you mean its the only way for you 'cos of the selection to choose from? You can get the same selection at sales pens in shows (and generally better quality that sales), if you did. Where abouts are you? Maybe people could suggest a local breeder/show Hi Ilive in Northern Ireland and I am not aware of any special sale shows. Thanks Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Try the practical poultry forum - there seem to be a free breeders in N Ireland selling birds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Ahh ok. Most poultry shows will have have a sale section, and if theres no sale there, you can speak to breeders who are showing, or the breed clubs, and get birds that way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Yeah thats a good idea. Sometimes even at shows on some of the cages you see advertisements for that breed. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
