There is an "exotic auction" going on this weekend. It's a 35 minute drive, but Tony has this weekend off. I'm sure duckling and goose prices will be at a crazy premium for the day before Easter. I've bought rabbits at exotic auctions before with mixed results. In the past we've brought home some rabbits that have done very well (our own Snowflake, Caduci Mook, and Sushi were all auction purchases). I've also had a few bad purchases, rabbits that have died shortly after they got home, and Caduci came to us starved nearly to death. Buying at auction is always a risk. You don't know where the animals are coming from, if the seller is honest in labeling them, if they've been exposed to diseases or illnesses. Quarantine is definitely required when bringing home critters from an auction.
Another problem with exotic auctions is that they often last all day, they're loud and crowded, and for someone with Asperger's, that can be a nightmare. It's also set for the coldest day in the 15-day forecast (high of 20-degrees). This will mean that Tony and I will have to bring #5 and try to entertain him during the auction, because we'd be gone too long to leave him home with his siblings. Maybe I could just have Tony bring #1 and I so #5 and Tony can stay home with the other kids. More driving, but less leaving kids alone.
We are still not 100% sure we will be attending the auction. I love going, I like seeing all the varieties of critters. In years past when I've gone I've always gotten bored watching all the bird sales because we lived in town and couldn't have them. But it was at an auction that I fell in love with African geese and decided I'd have some one day (and now we have Josh). I know we're getting a box of mystery chicks soon (still no date for delivery or word from the hatchery), but it might be nice for the two roosters to have more than a single hen between them. I don't know. I'd love to pick up some more rabbits too, but I also don't want to go overboard and end up with a million farm critters I have to feed over winter (when finances are tighter). I told Tony I'd have to sit on my hands if any bottle goats came through. They're adorable, but I haven't done my research and we aren't fenced for livestock.