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The DoneDeal guide to buying poultry
Poultry
- Whether buying a couple of chucks to lay your breakfast each morning, or commercially buying poultry for agri-business, there are some pitfalls you can avoid.
Research
- Before you buy poultry, consider why you want them.
- Do you want chickens for egg production or for their meat?
- Leghorns and Rhode Island reds are popular layers; Ross are good for meat.
Visit
- Visit the supplier and look to see where the birds are housed.
- If it is a clean environment there’s less chance of disease.
Examine
- If buying chicks, look and see if they are active?
- Look for bright, clear eyes.
- Remember one sick chick can infect your whole flock.
Feathers
- Chicks that aren’t fully feathered will need somewhere warm to live.
- A heat lamp may be required to house them until they feather fully.
Health
- Remember to quarantine all new birds being introduced to your existing flock for at least two weeks.