- Jan 11, 2015
- 65
- 3
- 38
I am brand new to the chicken world. I have been researching for almost a year. The coop is just about finished. I have been pricing things and picking out the perfect breeds. I have been stalking my local feed stores. Today I found out tractor supply had Chicks!!!! I called my husband and told him to meet me there after work/school.
My boys and I ran in and there they were peeping and looking so cute and cuddly. Then the help came. She asked what I needed supply wise and walked with me to the chicken isle. Like I said I have been reading, watching videos, and asking experienced owners questions but this lady through me for a loop. She started insisting that I buy all kinds of things that I didn't think I needed but she said I did. There were baby cakes, something for their water, grit, special shavings and the list went on. Before I knew it I had so much in the cart I didn't think I would be able to afford to buy the chicks. She also informed me that they had a six chick minimum. I started to second guess all my reading and wonder if I was really ready for this! I mean I thought I was ready but this employee's help was overwhelming me. She insisted on a certain feed and the large bag because it was more economical, even down to which pine shavings.
My husband showed up and I asked her to give us a minute. He started looking through the cart and putting things back that we didn't need. We went from about $80 in the cart to $20. Whew, I felt better.
Then we went back over to the chicks. They had Delaware and Rhode Island reds straight run and the two tubs of pullets were all mixed up. I asked her is she could help me and let me know which breeds were in the mix. She said no. Then she asked which ones I wanted. I told her I wanted to try and get different pullet breeds. She said okay. They had a fence around so I couldn't get near the chicks. I was hoping to actually pick mine out. Instead she just grabbed six and put them in and then said she would throw in a seventh for free which I thought was kind.
She then proceeded to tell us not to dilly dally but to get them straight home and squared away. It was a cool day in the mid 50s.
I rushed to the register and there was a line! I kept thinking oh my goodness this is taking to long! By the time I got into my car I was frazzled and unsure of what had just happened. My fantasy of going and picking the perfect chicks had been smashed. I didn't pick any of them. I have no idea what breeds I got. She assured me there were egg layers but couldn't tell me the breeds. I also got the spiel about salmonella, so I was a bit afraid to touch them. She told us not to handle them just put them in their brooder.
On the way home I was nervous and wondering If I had made the right choice. Then my youngest son, who was holding the box started giggling as he was holding them. I started listening to the peeping and my nerves started to calm down. I got them home successfully and in their brooder. They are eating and drinking and the temperature is great. They seem happy. They are awfully cute I just wish I knew what I had. Several are a reddish brown and 3 are yellow. I will post pictures when I can.
Has anyone else had an experience like this? Thanks for listening!
My boys and I ran in and there they were peeping and looking so cute and cuddly. Then the help came. She asked what I needed supply wise and walked with me to the chicken isle. Like I said I have been reading, watching videos, and asking experienced owners questions but this lady through me for a loop. She started insisting that I buy all kinds of things that I didn't think I needed but she said I did. There were baby cakes, something for their water, grit, special shavings and the list went on. Before I knew it I had so much in the cart I didn't think I would be able to afford to buy the chicks. She also informed me that they had a six chick minimum. I started to second guess all my reading and wonder if I was really ready for this! I mean I thought I was ready but this employee's help was overwhelming me. She insisted on a certain feed and the large bag because it was more economical, even down to which pine shavings.
My husband showed up and I asked her to give us a minute. He started looking through the cart and putting things back that we didn't need. We went from about $80 in the cart to $20. Whew, I felt better.
Then we went back over to the chicks. They had Delaware and Rhode Island reds straight run and the two tubs of pullets were all mixed up. I asked her is she could help me and let me know which breeds were in the mix. She said no. Then she asked which ones I wanted. I told her I wanted to try and get different pullet breeds. She said okay. They had a fence around so I couldn't get near the chicks. I was hoping to actually pick mine out. Instead she just grabbed six and put them in and then said she would throw in a seventh for free which I thought was kind.
She then proceeded to tell us not to dilly dally but to get them straight home and squared away. It was a cool day in the mid 50s.
I rushed to the register and there was a line! I kept thinking oh my goodness this is taking to long! By the time I got into my car I was frazzled and unsure of what had just happened. My fantasy of going and picking the perfect chicks had been smashed. I didn't pick any of them. I have no idea what breeds I got. She assured me there were egg layers but couldn't tell me the breeds. I also got the spiel about salmonella, so I was a bit afraid to touch them. She told us not to handle them just put them in their brooder.
On the way home I was nervous and wondering If I had made the right choice. Then my youngest son, who was holding the box started giggling as he was holding them. I started listening to the peeping and my nerves started to calm down. I got them home successfully and in their brooder. They are eating and drinking and the temperature is great. They seem happy. They are awfully cute I just wish I knew what I had. Several are a reddish brown and 3 are yellow. I will post pictures when I can.
Has anyone else had an experience like this? Thanks for listening!
the other one was CRAZY and aggressive and we returned her to where we got her. I have been told that they are the most popular for egg production but can be independent and sometimes mean. 
