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Peak District Farming > editorial and features > event reports > Never Look A Gift Horse (or Hen) In The Mouth

Never Look A Gift Horse (or Hen) In The Mouth

Visit, Stay & Save Peak District & Derbyshire
It was time to take something to market and, regrettably, failing to get any pens at the region's Rare Breed Survival Trust Sale at Chelford, reluctantly loaded stock for sale.  My grandfather used to say "there's no sentiment in farming".  Great attitude to adopt when you're selling something - even if it is a pet chicken.

Taking to market, or virtually giving them away is the penalty you pay for not dispatching cockerel's humanely at home.  Neither option suits me so I'll be adopting a 'no cockerel' flock next year.  They shall be a grumpy Melli of fluffy bottomed females. Or at least that was the plan.

Anyhow, 3 of my poultry were sold for much more than oven-ready chicken or fighting cockerels so they are destined for a longer life and someone, thankfully, recognised quality.  The proceeds from the sale are going into a 'farm animal fund' to demonstrate how you can turn a chicken into a pig.

However, just as I was checking where the sale was up to a large feathery thing was being sold in a box for a remarkably low price.  Without any information and not being able to view the box it was knocked down to me for £2.50 - or £5 as apparently there were 2 chickens couped inside.

Handing over the cash and taking the box with the other hand 'what am I doing?' hit me.  It wasn't until taking them back home to a quarantine area there was time to have a closer look.  It's difficult to know what they were at the outset but undeniably they were a very rare coloured soft feathered bird.

The poultry were sold without any detail on the box; they went so cheaply.  It was an exceptionally good deal so it gets me thinking what if they were stolen? 

It's very common for poultry breeders to have their entire stock taken overnight.  After an hour's research on the internet a family lost their collection of 2 month old chicks a couple of months ago in Lichfield.  Most of them were found dumped in a box except for 2 - the same variety as my two.  About the same age too.

Feeling guilty at such a good deal I contacted the officer about the birds and now have peace of mind that I've been responsible and the chances are they are not the missing cuckoos.

Key advice: Buying or Selling at Registered Livestock Markets

Get there early

Get a buyer's/seller's number sorted out at the market's office - this means you're 'in the system'.

Sellers are called Vendors

Check out costs of the sale - per box/lot and commission rate looking at auctioneers terms and conditions of sale

Put information on your box - free range, grain fed, wormed regularly & any exhibition lines may help

If you see something to bid on stand nearby.  It's a crushing experience but you'll get spotted!

Best to go with another person if you have young children - there's a lot of waiting & can be unsuitable for younger ones - language and barging.

Caveat emptor - Buyer beware!  You'll bring back more than livestock - bugs, mites, lice, scaly leg mites, bronchial diseases will be lurking around.  Ensure you isolate new stock & be careful introducing them to established bird flocks because of the pecking order.
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