Arizona Chickens

[maggiemooscluckers]

Have a simple question. I live in Apache Junction and haven't found my local feed store to be very helpful. The sales staff don't seem to know their products. Do you have a favorite store that has been the "best" when it comes to a first time chick owner full of questions? I'm willing to drive for the "right" store. Thanks

 

[squeakyballs]

I don't think there is such a thing as a helpful feed store. They all think they are helpful, but most of the advice goes against what you'll read if you do your own research.

Now I just go to the one with the feed loader who flirts with me while he puts the stuff in my trunk.

It is somewhat cheaper than having a cute pool boy, albeit the work uniforms aren't as entertaining.

 

[NoSkiveez]

Quote:
ROFL!!!

 

[Mahonri]

I just can't wait to see what comes out of Noskiveez incubator in 3 weeks...

oh, and Tucson Tofu, if we weren't already married, I would have flirted with you when you came up here to get eggs.

ROTFLMhO. (h = hiney)

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
ROFL!!!

That's what DH used to say to me about the hunks working at Higley Feed!

As for Apache Junction, I can't give any recommendations as I haven't been to any of their stores. The Feed Barn is NW Phoenix is pretty good about giving helpful advice; problem is they know far more about horses than chickens, at which they are also relatively new at raising; but they are very willing to learn, do carry a wide variety of supplies and will order things they do not carry or have in stock on request. Rays Feed in s central Phoenix is also pretty good. The problems is that most feed stores provide chicken feed and products as a very small portion of their business; horses and other livestock seem to be the areas in which they are most knowledgeable. There are a couple of feed dealers in Tucson that raise and exhibit chickens, so I would expect them to be knowledgeable; offhand cannot remember the names of the stores, though. Vaquero? that may be the one--not positive.

On a good note, most of the feed stores in Arizona are mom & pop owned, so chances are that whoever you deal with has some knowledge of raising animals, and it is pretty easy to speak directly with the owner. In other areas they have large corporate big box types of stores and the workers may not know a sheep from a goat or a chicken from a guinea.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I think we need a picture of this cool repurposed cabinet/nest box thing. I'm a visual learner and while I don't have a need for that now...prevention is the best solution!

Not to mention that when opportunity knocks (such as finding a decent cabinet in a bulk pickup pile or thrift store or garage sale), it is best to open the door then, because the opportunity probably won't be there later.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
What kinds of questions do you have?

Consider joining the Arizona Poultry Organization; we meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Next month will be NPIP training by Dr Noon from the State Vet's office. We're not certain of the location yet, but I will post when we do know.


I, too drive for the right store; have since we first got chickens. I live in south Tempe and drive to NW Phoenix to The Feed Barn.

 

[Mahonri]

I've found that if given a choice, my chickens actually prefer the egg maker products from the Feed Barn over the Layena...

It is SO icky hot out there. I know it's only 105 out there, but with the humidity at 20% and the Dew Point at 56 it seems much warmer.

Went to Tempe Feed (since it's closest) and bought some "Just One Bite".... not cheap, but hopefully I'll get rid of some rodents.

Anyone want some roos? I'm putting them up on Craigslist.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Sure I'll take some roos; but you have to take two of mine for every one of yours

I can't go outside without pain--have an eye infection and bright light is a killer. Doctor gave me heavy duty antibiotic drops yesterday--a drop every hour and another appt 1st thing Monday; plus his cell phone number in case things get worse

please NO! Had to resort to my son driving today--he wants his license SO bad, and frankly is far, far from ready.

How close are you to Tempe Feed? I thought you were in central Phoenix?

 

[Mahonri]

I'm in East central Phoenix... not far from the 202... then down to Priest, to University and East to Tempe Feed...
Much closer than jumping on the 51, up to Greenway, to 32nd street and Paradise Ln.

I need to make it to one of those 2nd Saturday meetings...
that or we should all have a get together sometime, I know lots of folks...still haven't met a few though.