Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Livestock Auction

If you live in the boonies, most likely you've at least seen an auction sign.

Livestock auctions can be kind of fun. They can be smoke-filled, hot, smelly, sweat boxes too. This weekend we went to one. I think it was the best layout I've seen. They do an excellent job of moving the animals smoothly and keeping things moving. The auctioneers tried their hardest to get good prices for the animals being sold, but no one seemed to want to spend much money. Weaned calves went for $60, registered Tennessee Walker yearling horses went for $30, a pot bellied pig of about 30 lbs went for $5, rabbits went for $2-10 (even the pedigreed Flemish Giants), and large koi went for $1.50 each. It was quite a place to buy whatever farm animals you wanted that night. It was not a night to sell. We groaned when our full grown peacock went for $15 instead of the $50 we're used to. We'll be back again to buy, but I'm not so sure about going back to sell.

Many things influence the price of an item: the time of night, the number of buyers, the quantity of like items present, the area economy, the appearance and behavior of the animal, and the condition of the cage.

We did learn a lesson... whenever going to an auction, always come prepared to bring someone new home with you. We bought 2 additional rabbits and 2 ducks, Sweedish Blue Crosses. We had ducks several years ago and lost them thanks to hawks and dogs. We're  hoping for better luck this time.  The ducks weren't planned, but they went so cheap, we thought it was worth the buy for the meat if nothing else.

Oh, there were 2 animals that went for more than anyone expected. The Silver Laced Wyandottes went for $45/bird and the Gold Laced Wyandottes went for $100/bird! That's a whole lot of money for a chicken that doesn't lay golden eggs! Guess I know what type of chicken to raise for money now.

There are usually kids at the auctions and this one had lots of kids. They had a great time playing in the shaded, grassy field just outside the bidding area. They were away from the animals, cars, and bidders, but within sight of parents. It was perfect in that regard.

Livestock auctions can be fun. It's always a good idea to checkout the auction before selling or buying anything.

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