a href="/myfiles/Images/2013/06/25/ki04_big.jpg" title="Indigenous chickens are sold in bulk by vendors at "Souk ul Hammam." — SG photo" Indigenous chickens are sold in bulk by vendors at "Souk ul Hammam." — SG photo
Faisal Aboobacker
DAMMAM — “Souk ul Hamam (Pigeon's Market)” is the oldest and famous livestock market here, which comes alive early morning every Friday, attracting citizens and expatriates alike. The market, set in an open area and located here near Seiko building in downtown, sells hens, parrots, Belgium-origin birds with special feathers, imported cats, dogs, turkeys, roosters, various types of love birds, sparrows, Saudi desert lizards, hamsters, and pigeons — the most sold item in the market, and after whom the market is named. People usually throng the market every Friday not only to buy pets, but animals like hen and birds for fresh meat. Usually hens and roosters are sold for SR 30, rabbit SR90, a pair of cats for SR700, of which the female cat is for SR600 and the male cat is priced at SR100. Prices, however, are not fixed; it depends on your bargaining skills — for how much you can convince your seller to sell you your preferred animal. Once a seller quoted SR1300 for a beautiful African parrot to a buyer, but sold it for SR800 after much negotiation. Most animals, which are sold by local sellers, are bred in farms in nearby cities like Saihat, Qatif, Jubail and Rastanura. “I bring turkeys and hens from a local farm in Saihat area. There are dogs and other animals available in the farm. I sometimes buy rabbits as well to sell here. “It is a good business because lots of people come to buy and they are ready to pay good money also,” said Yemeni national Ahmed who has been in this business for about three years now. Indian national Mohammed Sageer, who works here and resides near the “Pigeon's Market” area for the past 30 years, said that he has been seeing this market ever since he came to the Kingdom. “All these years I have seen the market run every Friday morning in every climate. I believe this will go on forever.” Abu Ahmed, who was standing next to a cage with small brown birds, said: “You get to buy everything live and that is what attracted me to this place. I try to come here almost every week, if I am awake on a Friday morning. Usually I buy turkey, rooster or rabbit, but today I am here to buy a pet bird for my son.” Pakistani national Adnan came to the market with his children. He said: “I came here today to buy fresh eggs which are smaller in size compared to eggs you buy from the supermarket. “It is very good for children and occasionally I buy ducks and turkey when there is a get-together of friends and family at home because I prefer fresh meat over frozen ones.” A Nepalese strolling in the market purchased four kilograms of chicken worth SR45. “This will be fried for lunch today (Friday) and will have a good lunch party with my friends in my room. It's a good experience to have fresh chicken and roosters, as they have a good taste,” he said. Some expatriates bring their children to show them different kinds of birds, and talking parrots. Females, however, are rarely seen at the market. An old livestock seller, Abu Ali, from Saihat, said: “I have been selling hens, roosters, and eggs here for the past 35 years. “I sell minimum 50-75 homegrown chickens; the price of one chicken falls between SR15 -20.” He added: “This was my father's side business earlier, but now he is no more. Now I look after this business, and from its earning I make a living. “On other days I work at my poultry farm, feeding them proper food and water.” “Friday mornings are not the same for people like me without coming to this market,” said Aboothalha, an Indian expat. — SG
