Families in Arivaca and Tucson discovered a cool way to find new homes for their animals through Facebook. The Alvarez family and Ivone Anjos were super happy after joining this swap.

Isabel Martinez-Chavez, a 16-year-old from 4H, spent her Saturday not only selling pigeons but also having fun with her friend’s Angora rabbits.

It was the first time the Tractor Supply Co. in Green Valley organized an official livestock swap. People from all around the country have been meeting up at their local Tractor Supply stores for a few years now. They bring rabbits, chickens, pigeons, goats, lambs, kittens, and puppies, hoping to sell or exchange them.

During this swap, the Alvarez family brought chickens, sheep, a goat, a ram, and three Queensland Heeler puppies. Anjos had several ISA Brown Chickens that lay lots of eggs each year.

Concepcion Alvarez and her family came with animals they’d raised, except for the chickens. They had been trying to find new homes for their critters by putting up flyers but thought the swap would be a better chance to connect with interested folks.

Anjos, who had previously sold some chickens during an informal swap, plans to bring her Indio Gigante Brazilian chickens next time. These roosters are huge, reaching up to four feet tall, and she’s excited to show them off.

One visitor, Josefina Gayibay, was glad to find someone interested in breeding and showing her Polish Roosters instead of eating them.

Kathy Martinez-Chavez was thrilled when her friend suggested adding the swap to the monthly Farmers Market at Tractor Supply. Kathy, along with her kids Isabel, Peregrine, and Griffen, is part of 4H.

Martinez-Chavez explained that many 4H families have lots of animals like chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys, and pigeons. Sometimes they want to trade because they might have the wrong type of breed. These events allow them to sell their animals, use the money to buy new ones, or fund other activities.

The Martinez-Chavez family and two other 4H families attended the swap. Some of the animals hadn’t been sold at the Arizona State Fair, so this was another chance for the kids to find new homes for them.

Isabel Martinez-Chavez has been showing hens and pigeons in 4H events since she was 8. These shows require handlers to present the animals in a certain way for judges to decide if they meet standards.

But the livestock swap is different. “I love it,” Isabel said. “I love all the people, and it’s a fun event where we don’t have to compete, just enjoy.”

Martinez-Chavez mentioned that around half of the animals brought to the swap found new homes. She thought it was a big success, and everyone had a great time.

Tractor Supply Manager Rebecca Baillargeon took a chance by hosting the swap and received positive feedback from vendors. She’s open to organizing more in the future.