Selling chickens on Craigslist can be a fantastic way to find new homes for your extra birds. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Unlike social media platforms like Facebook, Craigslist allows you to sell farm animals on their site. Best of all, it’s free, easy, and anonymous. But, it does come with some drawbacks. I have personal experience with Craigslist and believe it has a higher-than-average chance of encountering no-shows or flaky users. But don’t worry, I have some fantastic tips to help you make the most of Craigslist and successfully sell your surplus chickens or chicks.
Why Choose Craigslist to Sell Chickens?
Most poultry keepers will eventually need to sell or rehome surplus chickens for various reasons. Craigslist, despite its simplicity and lack of bells and whistles, successfully rivals eBay and Amazon when it comes to the number of online users wanting to buy and sell. It provides an excellent platform for posting quick advertisements in a targeted location or city, giving you exposure to a large audience.
If you’re considering thinning your flock and wondering where to start, check out this post for considerations and various methods of selling, rehoming, or culling birds.
Tips for Successfully Selling Chickens on Craigslist
Are you thinking of selling some of your chickens on Craigslist? It can be a great way to rehome your extra chickens, but it’s important to remember a few things to make the process go smoothly. Here are eight tips to help you sell your chickens quickly and easily on Craigslist.
1. Make Sure You List in the Farm & Garden Category in Your Local Area
To ensure the right people see your ad, it’s crucial to list your chickens in the appropriate category. While it may be tempting to list them in the pet category to find them a good home, ads for poultry and livestock will perform much better in the Craigslist farm and garden section.
2. Include Specific Keywords in the Post Title
Your post title is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make it count. Be specific about what you’re selling and include key information such as your chickens’ breed, age, and gender. Instead of a generic title like “Free Roosters,” try adding a few keywords that people may be searching for, like “Docile Mature Orpington Roosters.”
3. Use Great Photos
When it comes to photos, avoid using stock images or ones you found online. People want to see actual photos of the birds you’re trying to sell, and using stock photos can make your listing look suspicious. Craigslist allows you to upload four photos per post, so make the most of them. Take advantage of your phone’s camera to capture clear and attractive pictures. Ensure the lighting is good, the chickens are in a clean environment, and try to include close-ups of unique features.
4. Price the Birds Right
Research the going rate for the same breed of chicken in your area to determine a fair price. It’s wise to price your chickens slightly lower than the competition to attract buyers, but avoid going too low that potential buyers become skeptical.
5. Decide on the Absolute Minimum Amount You’d Take
Once your listing is created, be prepared to answer potential buyers’ questions and handle negotiation and counter offers. Determine the lowest price you’re willing to sell for even before communicating with potential buyers. This way, you’ll be prepared when negotiations arise.
6. Write Clear and Accurate Descriptions of the Chickens
Avoid leaving potential buyers with more questions than answers. Include clear descriptions of each chicken in your listing, including their age, weight, vaccinations, personality traits, health history, and egg-laying abilities. The more details you provide, the better. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and think about the questions you would ask as a buyer. Try to answer those questions in the description.
7. Meet Buyers in a Public Location
When it’s time to meet the buyers, opt for a public place. Personally, I prefer not to invite strangers to my house. Instead, meet in a busy parking lot or other safe locations. Some towns have designated meetup locations near police stations or grocery stores with video-monitored parking lots in high-traffic areas. Choose a location that makes you feel comfortable and safe.
8. Ask Them to Text You When They Are on Their Way
To avoid no-shows or last-minute cancellations, ask the buyer to text you when they are on their way or nearby before they leave. If you don’t receive that text, it’s likely they have lost interest, and you can save yourself the trouble of preparing the chicken for transport and going to the meetup location. If you don’t hear from the potential buyer, send a courtesy text or email asking if you’re still on for the agreed-upon time.
So there you have it, eight tips to help you successfully sell your extra chickens on Craigslist. With a little effort and common sense, you should be able to find good homes for your chickens. Happy selling!