Bulk Ordering for Bedding

[CraziChknLady]

I am interested in trying to do bulk ordering possibly online. I have 3 farm stores near me, but the cheapest for pine bedding is 30 mins away. Another is 45 mins away. Unfortunately, the closest store is often the most expensive, so I use it only for emergencies. And its very troublesome and irritating that ALL of them don't always have supplies in. Between vitamins, food, bedding, etc, I have to wind up using 4-6 stores in town and 2 online stores. It's to the point I almost want to start a business myself!
I have 43 chickens now (used to have 60). I have also recently added pelletized bedding as well. Has anyone done any bulk ordering and if so what sites have you used? Any recommendations or advice?
Thanks!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Have you talked to these stores about buying a pallet? Every farm store I have been too will sell you bedding or feed by the pallet and usually give a 5% discount. I buy bedding by the pallet, pull my truck up to the loading dock and they load it with a fork lift. I get home put some tow straps on the pallet then use my tractor to lift it out and put it in the barn. If I didn’t have the tractor I would have to unload by hand, but the store can load it for you with the fork life.

 

[nuthatched]

How much do you go through? What litter method do you use?

 

[CraziChknLady]

I am using the deep litter method in my coop. Outside in the run its unfortunately open air on the top, even though fenced around, but its under a tree. I am trying to keep it from turning into a muddy mess. I used the pelletized bedding in my "nursery" coop ( Producer's Pride Flock Defender coop, large) and it has helped out so much. The nursery run is only 8'' x 8''. So I thought I might do that in my regular coop run as well. It is a much larger area, but I am trying to be as proactive as possible before the bad winter weather hits. Unfortunately, we don't have soil here but red clay...makes things interesting.

 

[CraziChknLady]

Have you talked to these stores about buying a pallet? Every farm store I have been too will sell you bedding or feed by the pallet and usually give a 5% discount. I buy bedding by the pallet, pull my truck up to the loading dock and they load it with a fork lift. I get home put some tow straps on the pallet then use my tractor to lift it out and put it in the barn. If I didn’t have the tractor I would have to unload by hand, but the store can load it for you with the fork life.

No, I didn't know that I could buy by the pallet! That is very helpful! Thank you!