what is a chicken swap and where can i find one?

[newchik715]

keep hearing about this 'swap' thing and have to know when and where in case i need to rehome my dominant hen. so far has led the attack and killed one bird and i have four more coming in in a few months so i might need to remove her but do not want to cull. she might just need to be in a bigger flock. anyway...how do i find out about this swap?

 

[MustLoveHens]

The best way I can explain it is a chicken swap is like a chicken garage or yard sale. Actually more like an Estate Sale. This is where breeders other chicken type folk go to sell off their stock for either, show, meat, or for addition and subtraction purposes. Some swaps will have rules for birds entering the sales/swap. Like NPIP certification. Depends on the state I would imagine. Some swaps will also allow ummm....."companion" birds like parakeets and finches and the like. Oh! Hello Caged birds!!! Duh!!!

You can ask around your local feed stores, or local chicken clubs or 4-H clubs. I have seen a few listed in Backyard Poultry Magazine and there is a section on this forum you can look at.
In your case, you might want to list an add on craigslist or post a flier at your local feed store since your only dealing with one chicken. It might be easier for you to do.

 

[CathyM]

Also, check this forum - under "Social" then "Chicken stocks, meetups..." that topic lists all the swaps around the country. There's one in Oregon coming up, but that might be far for you...another way might be to "private message" some of the other Washington BYC members near you (look under User list) and ask if they know of any. Good luck!