Following her daughter out to the car and carrying three of her
daughter’s five new hens, Margaret Graham congratulates 10-year-old
Caroline on starting her first 4-H project.
”
Caroline you’ve got your ladies.
”
Caroline Graham of Morgan Hill bought her first chickens
Saturday at the Gold Coast Poultry Fanciers show at Bolado Park
near Tres Pinos while visiting the show with other San Martin 4-H
students under the leadership of Jayne Perryman.
Following her daughter out to the car and carrying three of her daughter’s five new hens, Margaret Graham congratulates 10-year-old Caroline on starting her first 4-H project.
“Caroline you’ve got your ladies.”
Caroline Graham of Morgan Hill bought her first chickens Saturday at the Gold Coast Poultry Fanciers show at Bolado Park near Tres Pinos while visiting the show with other San Martin 4-H students under the leadership of Jayne Perryman.
Graham bought two show hens and three egg-laying (called “layers”) Rhode Island Red pullets from Erin Reid of Contra Costa County. Reid helps operates a rescue organization for poultry called Evening Travel Rescue.
Dealing constantly with birds in need of rehabilitation and being a responsible owner, Reid was more than happy to go help Caroline get a running start on her new flock.
“In general the poultry people tend to be extremely open and sharing and they are more than happy to impart knowledge on people, especially when they are beginning,” said Reid.
She gave Graham and her mom poultry raising tips such as which water additives and worm medicine to use and what are healthy fecal colors and textures. Reid even helped Graham put leg bands on her chickens.
Graham wasn’t alone in her purchasing exploits as dozens of other chickens, pheasants, ducks and pigeons changed hands. Some, like Reid, have altruistic reasons for selling their birds – 4-H students can always get a good deal at the Gold Coast show.. Others are trying to make space for new projects, or getting out of old ones. Still others are just trying to make a quick buck.
“That’s why you bring something to sell,” said Bob LaMar of San Bernardino who was loitering around his cages hoping to fund the 720 mile round trip. LaMar positioned his sale birds close to the door to improve his chances of making gas money.
The trick, according to veteran chicken raiser Parker Padilla, is to wait until later in the day to buy when the sellers get a little more desperate to unload their animals. Padilla purchased a pair of fantail pigeons for a third of the asking price by waiting and because most sellers give students a break to encourage the hobby among young folks. A senior at Gilroy High, Padilla will be joining FFA as he ventures into the world of pigeons.
However, by all accounts, most of the “good” birds are sold first thing in the morning. After all, the early bird gets the worm.
For more information on rescued birds visit etrescue.org or ask for Michelle at 209-772-9876.
