WARNING cockerels in freeads

[Cliodhna]

You guys probably already know this, but I thought I would post it any way.

I was talking to my vet over the weekend to ask for assistance in culling any males chicks I may have. Mainly because I dont have the confidence to do it and I am concerned I may cause distress and pain without assistance.

From there we were talking about rehoming, and he was very concerned that I might have any ideas about advertising cockerels in preloved or any of the freead sites.

He made it clear that there has been a huge increase in cock fighting in the UK and these people (if you can call them that) scour the freead sites looking for "free to good home" or cheap cockerels to either use as fighters or to use as bait to "train" their fighters. These people come across as caring and may even keep chickens themselves, so you may even be able to visit their home to reassure yourself that they will look after your baby.

He said any reputable vet will euthanise at low cost to prevent people advertising their male chicks. My vet is charging me £10 for up to 5 chicks and will be using anaesthetic gas.

I guess inexperienced people like me are thinking they are doing the right thing by trying to rehome, when in actual fact the bird will be living a reduced life of misery and pain.

 

[chrismahon]

Your vet is quite right Cliodhna and I have been telling people this for some time. There are illegal cock fighting rings everywhere and I know first hand of Asians who participate in them. Any cockerels are in danger of being stolen to use as 'confidence builders'. I spoke to a steward at the National show who had 20 bantam cockerels stolen the night before. The Police were notified and were totally disinterested. They know about these cock fights but are too scared to go near them.

We advertised our cockerels at £20 each, delivered only and made it clear there would be a follow-up visit. This made sure the cockerels were not going for a cheap dinner, nor was it likely they would be used for fighting. Both ours did find good homes, but in retrospect we should have despatched rather than take any risk with their welfare.

 

[dinosaw]

Good post for those not aware Cliodhna, that's why I have always killed my excess boys even though it was such a shame to do so.

 

[Marigold]

It also happens on poultry forums such as this one. Because we are nearly all so friendly and helpful on here, we tend to think that others are as genuine as us. There was somebody posting on here a while ago, offering just the sort of home Cliodnha describes, but wanting 'cockerels only' to live a happy free range life on his smallholding. I was very concerned, it just didn't ring true, but as I couldn't publicly accuse him of ulterior motives, I just sent pms to the people who seemed to be responding to his requests, advising them to reconsider. I also pm'd him myself, asking what was going on. Nothing was heard of him after that.

 

[dinosaw]

I remember what your talking about Marigold, was very suspicious wasn't it.