Pricing of chooks

CJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:51 am

How do I know what price to sell my chooks at? It's not difficult to find what other people are pricing theirs at, but what if I have a colour that is harder to find? or I can't find what other people are pricing their different breeds at? for example, what is the right price to put on a black araucana hen? I know their not the most common colour and I can't find anyone else's price.

lifeinthenorth · **Joined:** Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:24 pm **Posts:** 2

Its a difficult one because the price for chickens is different in each state and auctions gives a different price than private may be if you can find some auction results for you state and work off those or contact a club in your area and find a breeder that has the breeds you have and ask them for a guide

CJ · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 5:40 am

Thanks, I never thought of looking at the auctions. I'll have a look now.

OakA · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 6:17 am

We have had this discussion before, there is an extensive correspondence on the subject when it was suggested that a price list be established which is just not practical.
The important question is "What do you want for them when you sell", not what someone else is charging.
You can only charge what the market/purchases are prepared to pay.
There are many factors that come into what you charge or what someone is prepared to pay you.
Just being a differnent colour is not the only concideration.
Are they quality birds or just back yard pet quality?
Do you show and if so what success have you had?
How long have you been breeding?
Are you a respected breeder or specialist in that breed/variety?
Whare are you ?? This can have an effect in that it could cost a lot in additional costs to get fowls transported to a new owner.
I don't wish to offend but your question immediately raises a question with me, Are you in it just for the money and what you can get out of it or are you a true breed enthusiast or poultry fancier who like most of us are only in it for the betterment of our chosen breed or variety, in which case the selling price is secondary to all other considerations.

wickedwings · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 6:52 am

Is it neccesarily a bad thing having an eye for a dollar? I mean if someone is considering a business selling poultry then this is a consideration. Whether you are breeding for show or to sell then a long term view of your venture would suggest to maintain a good healthy stock with view to improving the quality. You probably could make a few dollars selling some crappy birds to the unsuspecting but it seems to me you would soon go out of business once word of mouth gets around. I would suggest it's not too important what motivates the care of your stock, so long as they are cared for.

OakA · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 7:11 am

You are right Wicked wings in that whatever your motivation to keep poultry thier care and well being is of the first importance.
However if it is a business to buy and sell or breed and sell poultry then volume is essential to the success of a business venture.
When volume enters the equation quality and attention to detail goes down the list of priorities.
No person with say 5 yrs experience can breed top quality fowls across 20 or more breeds or varieties and produce top quality and maintain and care for them like a longer term breeder of say one or two breeds or varieties.
Unfortunately with the increase and availability of the internet and online selling opportunities the general quality in some breeds has declined.Proof of that are the posts here bemoaning the fact that breeders are often disappointed in trying to find pure lines and/or colours in some varieties.Often the motivation of some sellers is a quick dollar and no second thought to the future of any particular breed or variety.
In saying that I do not suggest this is the case with CJ in asking the initial question, please do not think that.
We have got a little side tracked here and discussing a different slant on prices than that of the initial enquirer.
The true breed enthusiast will more likely give away free a fowl if it is to another who is genuinely interested in that particular breed.
The selling price does not come into my considerations nor does profit or loss, I will keep my chosen breed if I make nothing from them, I keep them for my own pleasure as I have done for over 40 years, my main consideration is that my chosen breed is thriving long after I'm gone and that it is better for my devotion to it in my lifetime.

Petite Poulet · **Joined:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 pm **Posts:** 5219

With the availability of the internet research the prices that are relevant to your breed. There are many honest and genuine breeders out there who don't "rip off"

the general public. I have found that these breeders are only too happy to help newcomers as their reputations and honour have to be upheld. This will help find a fair and median price for your birds.

The chooks shouldn't end up like "puppy and kitten farms" where making money is more important that the welfare of the animals concerned

Animals have feelings and rights too! [smilie=a_cookiemonster.gif]

CJ · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 6:53 pm

Ok let me set the record straight, the reason I am asking, is because I don't want to rip people off. I just thought that someone might be able to help me out, seeing as this is my first time selling araucanas. And yes we are a business, and at the moment our chickens are costing a fair amount to feed and we won't be able to afford to keep them if we can't cover the cost of their food. I love my chooks and if I could keep every single one that hatched I would.

I'm sorry if I have offended anyone, but this is just what we have to do and I want to make sure that I am doing right.

wickedwings · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 7:55 pm

I don't think you've offended anyone CJ, we're just discussing the merits of the case. I think you asked a very valid question though one that is hard to answer definitively. As oaklands said, there was an extensive discussion held about price lists a little while ago, I'll see if I can find it and post a link.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2011 9:05 pm

Actually, it was one of my topics on a price guide for chickens:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12847

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