California-Southern

[kmmp]

I did talk to the feed store and returned the uneaten feed (the sheep would not touch it...I knew something was wrong then). The representative from Krauses said the feed was tainted and something got into it at the plant. I called Krauses and they are just the distributer, they don't produce the feed! I called the mill, emailed them and attempted to get some recourse, they wouldn't even return my call. After awhile, I just gave up, I mean, I had a bunch of eggs in storage and chicks are cheap. Then I had another one die and was afraid to bring chicks into the mix. I am just now starting to think about replacing the flock as no more have died in two months. I gave up because I couldn't get a response from them. I work full-time and run a farm in my spare time, so it just got to be too much of a hassle..know what I mean? Anyway, be careful when you buy Krauses and realize they are only the distributor of their chicken feed.

 

[dovecanyon]

The store where you bought the feed is responsible for refunding the $ for the feed, but that is about it. The distributor is where you should begin to get satisfaction for the loss of your flock, they are just giving you the runaround hoping you will finally just give up. They get their money back from the mill, so they are not out anything. Too bad no one wants to take responsibility for their mistakes... I would write a very strong letter to the mill, threatening to sue if you do not get some satisfaction for your loss. Tell them about the runaround you have been given by the store and the distributor. Send a copy to the distributor and the feed store as well. Keep a copy. If you are like me, you wouldn't actually follow through on the threat, but they do not know that, and I'm sure you will at least hear from them. I know you are busy, but it doesn't take long to write a letter and get it in the mail. Hey, it's worth a shot.
I am so sorry for you losing so many of your chickens like that. I must be really scary. We have only lost one, and it broke our hearts.
I wish I could take one of your roo's. I live in Chula Vista, and hens are allowed, but no roo's. Good luck finding homes for them! I have met some great "chicken people" here in SoCal!

 

[kmmp]

Thanks for the kind words. I did consider writing the letter and everything, but my son is graduating and I think I am just going to move on. Maybe I'll write the letter over the Christmas break. Everyone was so busy passing the buck, they first tried to deny that chickens even eat dry cob??????!!!!!! I said "It has corn, oats wheat and barley, why wouldn't chickens eat it?!!!! That was kind of funny, what do they think chickens eat anyway (this was the guy at the feed store no less)!

Well, I will get my flock back, slowly but surely. I just got two RIR (about 6 months old) at the Vista Country Feed store, so at least I will have some fresh eggs tomorrow

We need more great chicken people here in SD. The roos, well, they might have to have the old "dry ice" treatment if I can't find them homes. No one really wants loud roos who crow sometimes at 3am! I really only need one, I don't have enough hens to justify all of them!

Take care.

 

[flower]

Where are my desert neighbors so I can wish them all a Great Holiday EGG and encourage hanging holiday lights in their coop as I have to create/stimulate more eggs production.
The girls also enjoyed the overcooked cookies !
Mary form Ridgecrest

 

[chick4chix]

Quote:
I know what you mean about just being tired of it and moving on- sometimes it's the best way emotionally too- so you are not dredging up the old pain. I didn't realize Vista Country Feed Store had laying pullets- YIKES! they are close to me... I might just have to head over there! (Note to self... no more chickens - you have no room for more chickens hee)

About the "dry ice" treatment for your roo- I have never heard of this- how does it work?

 

[kmmp]

I bought two RIR and they laid yesterday!!!! Fresh eggs again, I hope they will inspire the other hens. They were $20 a piece, but they will pay for themselves in 10 weeks! We are paying $3.99 a dozen for organic eggs here in Ramona.

The dry ice treatment is really simple. Buy a large piece of dry ice. Put the chicken in the bottom of a trash can with a screen over the top. Put the dry ice on the screen then cover the whole thing with a tarp or something. They go to sleep and their heart slows down in the cold from the ice, then the fumes put them out. I hate doing it, but every time I had a hatch I would get two hens and six roos! Nobody wants them around here, too noisy (I don't think so, I like their crowing). The dry ice treatment takes about 2 hours depending on the size of the roo.

 

[Carlyle]

I got 4 RIR laying hens at Vista County Feed store last week. In spite of cautions that it was winter and they might not lay that well, they are Laying Machines. I have got 2 or 3 eggs from them every day so far. Way beyond expectations. It has been raining and cold and no sunshine! Definitely Wonder Chickens!!!

 

[chick4chix]

Quote:
WOW- you should post that under the "Meat Birds -Etc" heading- there is a huge thread about humane ways to dispatch a chicken and a debate about which methods are the most humane- yours sounds like the best- and the easiest on the bird and handler too. Thanks.
thank you and Carlyle for the vista Country feed connection although -I'm afraid to go there (too tempting)

 

[Carlyle]

Here is more temptation. They are big and plump - obviously well taken care of. Also, the most beautiful RIRs I have ever seen. More of a rust color than red. Delicate coloring and patterns (almost pink and white lace) on wingtips, tail feathers, and hackles.

 

[chick4chix]

Carlyle- you are a "chicken pusher"! ha. They sound fantastic- and I was just thinking they might be a little "rangy" at this time of year but apparantly not- I guess I'll be heading over there this afternoon- after all- I do need some supplies anyway.... hmmm... how little persuading I need