Buying hens in person

[TeresaW]

In a couple of weeks, I'll driving to a neighboring state to purchase some Japanese Quail adults. I'm thinking 14 hens and 3 males. I've never done this before and not sure what to expect.

Will they choose for me, or will I get to pick which ones I want? What do I look for to make sure I'm getting healthy birds?

Any other advice for me? I have a couple of cat carriers to use to bring them home in. Should I add a layer of sand in them? Or is a towel better? I'm not driving a very long distance, maybe 2 hrs. each way.

 

[Nabiki]

How the choosing goes depends on you and the seller. Personally, I would do the choosing.

Things to look for:
Cleanliness - if the place is filthy, go buy from someone else.

Health - look for clear eyes, shiny feathers, active and paying attention, no sores on their feet, no sign of lameness. Check the keel. If it is prominent, the bird is too thin, which is a danger sign.
You may see some baldness on the back of the head, but that is from breeding, so not a cause for alarm.

Crowding - if the birds are packed into small cages, it may or may not be an issue. The cleaner it is, the more likely they are to be healthy.

I would put towels down for a short trip. They will give the birds decent footing.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Some people will let you pick them out, some won't. I personally never let buyers on my property for biosecurity reasons. When I sell, I'll bring the birds they're buying. Sometimes I'll bring an extra or two and let them pick depending on what I have (like if they're buying 2 and I have 5 for sale of whatever it is), but generally I'll just bring the number of males and females of whatever they're buying

 

[TeresaW]

Some people will let you pick them out, some won't. I personally never let buyers on my property for biosecurity reasons. When I sell, I'll bring the birds they're buying. Sometimes I'll bring an extra or two and let them pick depending on what I have (like if they're buying 2 and I have 5 for sale of whatever it is), but generally I'll just bring the number of males and females of whatever they're buying

I'm curious. Do you let the potential buyer hold each bird to check their health (feel the keel, etc.) What if they then refuse the purchase? What does that do to your biosecurity? Or do you insist on no touching?

 

[Shadrach]

A good breeder will let you see the parents. There's your marker. If they won't let you see the parents then walk away just as one would do making any serious purchase of any livestock and dogs in particular when looking for a pet.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I'm curious. Do you let the potential buyer hold each bird to check their health (feel the keel, etc.) What if they then refuse the purchase? What does that do to your biosecurity? Or do you insist on no touching?

There isnt touching since if the bird gets loose it will not be able to be caught again, but honestly, I have yet to have anyone refuse a sale. My area is mostly people people for eggs and meat though,

 

[TeresaW]

A good breeder will let you see the parents. There's your marker. If they won't let you see the parents then walk away just as one would do making any serious purchase of any livestock and dogs in particular when looking for a pet.

Thanks. I've never purchased any livestock. I would have never thought to ask to see the parents.

I'm also autistic, so I don't automatically know how to do "just as one would do" in certain situations. This is why I ask these questions. I don't like to go into the 'unknown' without first researching and finding out as much as I can beforehand.

I've owned cats, fish and mice, but quail are new to me. My husband is going with me, but he's autistic too. We'll be fine.

 

[Shadrach]

Thanks. I've never purchased any livestock. I would have never thought to ask to see the parents.

I'm also autistic, so I don't automatically know how to do "just as one would do" in certain situations. This is why I ask these questions. I don't like to go into the 'unknown' without first researching and finding out as much as I can beforehand.

I've owned cats, fish and mice, but quail are new to me. My husband is going with me, but he's autistic too. We'll be fine.

At the bare minimum you should be allowed to inspect the birds.

 

[Nabiki]

How much you are allowed to inspect each bird will vary from seller to seller. When you do inspect the birds, don't spend a lot of time on each bird. You don't want the seller to feel like you're wasting their time. Just a quick glance over and gentle feel if they let you. Make sure that they will take back or refund if any exhibit health issues within 24 hours. That will allow you time to really inspect them when you get them home.

I wouldn't spend more than 2-3 seconds inspecting each bird. That's enough for any obvious issues to be seen. A lot of it is just being observant as you are presented with the birds.