Poultry specialist Fabian Eagle began his journey in December 1985, aged just 14, when he was offered the chance to sell two Flemish Giant rabbits while working a Saturday job at Tyrone Roberts’ auction in Swaffham marketplace.

When his boss stepped back from selling poultry and small livestock in 1991, Mr Eagle took over the auctions and relocated them, firstly to Lynn Road and again in 2015 to Swaffham Racetrack.

Norfolk poultry auctioneer Fabian Eagle pictured in 1993 (Image: Newsquest)

The weekly auctions of live birds have been curtailed since 2021 due to national bird flu restrictions, which he said have hastened the decline of traditional poultry sales.

But Mr Eagle's expertise has remained in high demand.

He is recognised as one of the UK and Europe’s leading valuers of poultry and avian species, advising Defra and the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) on poultry valuations since 2006. He was also made a fellow of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association in 2011.

The 54-year-old also serves as a

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