[slowef]

Went to our local market today, the  Rare Breeds Event which is on 4 times a year.  I could not believe the birds they had there, I have been before and seen some problem birds but today colds and snotty beaks were everywhere.  I could see no vet in attendance and the local girl (think from DEFRA) wasn't there either.

I cannot beleve they were allowed to stay for sale

A lot of people(if new to chickens)  buying problems, poor things.  :?

[Foxy]

Hi Slowef,

Good job I didn't go -how disapointing! They aren't not supposed to allow unhealthy birds I guess its all money at the end of the day!
Anyway, the reason we didn't go went to the "Sodbury Sortout" instead brilliant fun - now don't you have a an old Landy?  

[Aunt Sally]

I would always advise new chicken keeper to buy from good private dealer/breeder.  Go to their place,  look at the conditions there,  look at the birds, ask questions.

If the place looks clean and tidy, the birds look healthy, the breeder/dealer seems keen and interested in the birds and they (the birds, not the dealer) have been vaccinated the buy the ones you fancy.  If not - walk away and go somewhere else.

A new keeper who buys a load of problems can be put off of keeping chooks for life  :cry:

And if your not sure what you are looking at, try to take an experienced keeper with you (if you know one)  

[slowef]

Hi Slowef,

Good job I didn't go -how disapointing! They aren't not supposed to allow unhealthy birds I guess its all money at the end of the day!
Anyway, the reason we didn't go went to the "Sodbury Sortout" instead brilliant fun - now don't you have a an old Landy?  

Foxy hi, whats a Sodury Sortout?? calling my baby landy old what a cheek, she is lovely and whats she got to do with this sort out thing?

[Foxy]

hi slowef!
 Sorry bout my confusing post!The sodbury sortout is held at the Newbury showground twice a year. It is jammed packed full of delightful Landrover goodies and amazing bargains an absoultely fascinating experience, great for people watching...  
Anyway, how are your chicks coming along?

[slowef]

Multiplying by the day, don't know how much longer I can convince OH that I haven't bought anymore its just that they are growing     Don't see him moaning when tucking into fresh free range egg sandwiches though :?

I was selective today and after examining cages beside the birds I wanted got 3 Silkie cross bantums they are lovely and one laid an egg for me in the car.  A novelty as I have only had duck eggs for weeks lovely Small but beautifully formed Banty egg

Supposed to be good broodies so when your ready let me  know and I will put some ducks eggs under when they go broody.  Next year now I suspect.

[Aunt Sally]

How many birds have you got now Sandra  :?:

[slowef]

a lot    

Yumm and 4 chicks
3 Buff Orpington
2 Lace Orpington
2 Welsummers
5 Black Rocks (had 6 but 1 went AWOL)
1 Rhode Island
2 Polish
3 Silkie cross
11 Aylesburys
2 Saxony Ducks
2 Geese
38!!! blimey didn't know it was that many but seems a lot more some days  :oops: 4 Cockerals I love them and not too noisy...yet  

OH pretends he has no interest but caught him feeding Gary his sausage roll today :? and he seems to know all their names. hmmmm

[Aunt Sally]

Wow - can I come and live with you    

[slowef]

Think OH might notice that  :o    

You can have the caravan or a stable thats going spare  

[Aunt Sally]

Perfect - He won't even notice I'm there.  He'll just think I'm and old fair ground doll  

[slowef]