High Desert, California!!

[ChicksterJo]

I got my chicks from Odyssey Ranch. They were friendly people. The first time I went there (to get 2 Red Stars and 2 EEs) the lady let me choose which chicks I wanted. The second time I went there the guy chose the chicks for me. They are all very healthy but one of my Red Stars was pretty small for a few weeks. I also got an EE that turned out having a cross-beak but it's a hen. I would recommend them especially since they have a good variety of ages of chickens to choose from (they had 6 week old pullets when I bought my chicks a month ago).

 

[ChicksterJo]

Does anyone know where I could purchase organic feed? Or a feed store that has grain bins so I could mix some feed?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Auscal]

Well, after being totally indecisive about "how" to buy chickens, I bought 6 two old chicks at Van Dam Farms yesterday - three delawares & three red-sex links pullets. They came from Redwing Hatchery in Lancaster - so, yes, they are "only" hatchery birds, and make not be great specimens & never will make it to a poultry show - but, they are dang cute. As long as they stay healthy, fairly friendly, and lay reasonably well , they will suit me just fine. Plus, they were cheep ;-) at $2.40 each. They are happily milling around in the new brooder (aka bottom half of molded plastic dog kennel) in my laundry room. Of course, last night got cold again - 34 deg in the room the brooder is in - but, with the heat lamp it never dropped below 90. Of course, I had to get up and go out at 3am or so to check LOL.

Now, I'm just trying not to worry, they have medicated starter mash, water and all are drinking and eating well, they are warm and seem happy. I trying hard to relax and not make things too complicated.

But, why did I not realise they they just lay down and sleep - I've finally gotten over the need to disturb them to make sure they are OK @@

To extend on some previous posts - thankyou for the feedback about Odyysey Ranch - i would have happily bought chickens there, but, had decided on my first choice for breeds - and they had such a limited choice. The five week old pullets there were $5 or so - for the poster that asked.

I am happy to say I have found my local feed store is happy to order in Kruse Organic Layer pellets (I'm thinking ahead) - 50lb for $24.95.

 

[ChicksterJo]

Quote:
Could you please tell me which feed store this is?

 

[WildflowerJLH]

I just found out that Kruse Organic feeds ARE Modesto Milling feeds. Does not appear that they offer the soy-free option under the Kruse label. Hemme Hay & Feed in Lancaster carries Kruse products. I just spoke with their store here in Tehachapi. I can order the starter crumbles for $26.99. As long as I let them know for their Wednesday order, I can pick up on Friday.

Just thought I would share.

 

[ChicksterJo]

I actually would prefer getting a soy-free feed. This is tougher than I thought

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Modesto Milling does soy free just not under the Kruse name. They do their own lable. They have a great site go check him out.

http://www.modestomilling.com/soy-free-poultry.html

hope this helps

 

[WildflowerJLH]

Quote:
Me, too! I just can't seem to get enough people interested to make the freight worth it. My husband told me today that he will have to go to Oakland for business next month. I am hoping he will take a detour through Modesto for me!

I am very happy with the Magill ranch Cascade feeds. My only complaints have to do with Azure Standard's issues with out of stock items. Also, the Freedom Ranger chicks that I will be getting next month are recommended to be fed a higher protein than Magill Ranch offers for the first 2-3 weeks.

Ultimately, I would like to switch to a whole grain feed that I will mix myself. Sourcing all of those different ingredients organically is VERY hard.

 

[ChicksterJo]

Hey wildflower,

I looked on the Modesto Milling website and there is a feed store in Hesperia that supposedly sells Modesto Milling feed products. I'm going to call them next week to see what they have available. It takes about 1.5 hours for me to drive there, but I may do it depending on the price. Let me know if you're interested, because it is difficult to get the 50 bags from their website, I'm sure. (I just hope they tell me it's other than the Kruse label...)

 

[WildflowerJLH]

Quote:
Please let me know what you find out! If they carry the soy-free starter, I would definitely buy some! Maybe we could take turns driving out there. I think my husband goes near there on his way to Redlands, sometimes.

If not, My husband will be going to Oakland some time in April. I have convinced him that he can go through Modesto when he goes or comes home.