Dizzy-Deb Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 I am off to West Midlands Game Fair in a couple of weeks as a visitor this year, not working it so get to have a good mooch around. Last year I remember there were chickens for sale and am so tempted to take a large cat carrier just in case there are some this year. Has anyone ever bought from a similar event ?? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 West Midlands Game Fair - what's that and where is it? I live in the WM and have never heard of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 After some bad experiences, I am now reluctant to buy at sales pens (although i know others have with no issue). I think a reputable breeder is always the best option if I'm honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted September 1, 2011 Author Share Posted September 1, 2011 Hi its at Weston Park, just off the M54. Its not the bigges one held in uk but think its the last one of the year so if you are free worth a visit. http://www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/midland-game-fair Oh no Spacechick can I ask what happened ? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 I have bought 4 hens from sales pens... 2 have died prematurely (1 due to Mareks, the other unknown cause) and the other 2 I had to rehome due to behavioural issues. I have (personally) taken the logic that its reputable breeder or home hatched from now on (with the exception of ex batt rescues, as I always keep ex batts in my flock). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 If you do buy from the sale, please, please, please quarantine them for at least a week to see if they are harbouring any illnesses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 Having been to a lot of shows where there are sales pens I'd say some shows are more of a lottery than others On the whole birds entered in to the sales pens attached to a poultry show/tent are restricted to those people who show their birds in the main show who are mostly people with good husbandary skills so on the whole they are very nice chooks Unfortunately there are always some rogue lots in sales, some where the birds have problems bubbling under the surface, young cockerels sold as hens and old hens sold as POL, although in most cases your chances of getting a bad deal are low they are still present Auctions are worse with more bad lots Unless you really know what you are doing (and even then you can get caught out) or are attending a proper graded sale then I'd recommend finding a good local breeder Apart from anything the prices on birds at shows are often much higher than you'd pay normally as the price to use the pen is usually £5 or thereabouts and these shows are full of 'pester power' kids so anything cute normally commands a premium Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted September 1, 2011 Author Share Posted September 1, 2011 Hi thanks for the advice and experiences, I had never thought of some of the things mentioned. Glad I posted the query now as it has put me off getting any from the show. I will resist. Will have a looksee for some reputable breeders near me. Any recommendations for the West Mids / Shrops area. I know there is Wernlas but have heard they are selling up or retiring. I admit am torn between some different breeds or some more exbats. I was out with my exbats tonight and thought have had them 10 months now and feels so right to have given them an extra lease of life. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 Wernlas are selling up this saturday, the auction starts at 11am if you are interested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted September 1, 2011 Author Share Posted September 1, 2011 ooooh nooo am working this weekend. My last weekend working too, if it had been weekend after would have been ok to go. So just my luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 That's so sad. It's a place I always wanted to visit but never managed to. Do you think the chickens will be knocked down or will they go for silly money? I have a weekend sans husband Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted September 1, 2011 Share Posted September 1, 2011 I hadn't heard of it either, looks good I agree, buy from a reputable breeder or supplier. Some do attend shows and take birds with them for sale. Have been at lots of shows where reputable suppliers (inc Omlet) have taken hybrid pullets with them to be on their stand and sold them at the end of the show Think they'll go for silly money Dani! Some of the best birds around and a really good reputation though so may be worth it. If I wasn't at Moreton show I'd go just to have a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
