Maine

[Widget]

A while back there was a discussion about shavings. I usually pick mine up at TSC, just for convenience, but decided to buy a few bags of the Robbin's Lumber shavings and check them out.

The first thing I noticed was that the bale is kind of heavy, so I compared labels. TSC's bag says 2.5 cubic feet, which expands to 8 cu.ft. Robbins bag is 3.2 cu.ft. and expands to 7 cu.ft. I do not believe 2.5 cu.ft. actually expand to 8 ft., especially considering TSC's shavings are damp and filled with giant chunks of wood. So at only 50 cents more per bale, Robbins is actually a better deal per cubic foot. Plus the shavings are nice and dry, and without giant shards.

My next trial will be shavings from Hancock Lumber. I noticed them at the feed store in New Sharon and they were somewhere between $5 - $5.50/ bale. I'm not sure how big their bale is, but thought I would try those out too. Anyway, I'm glad you all recommended the Robbin's brand at Agway. I didn't realize there was a difference in brands of shavings, and it's a huge improvement!

The shavings I buy are usually from Limington Lumber. I believe I have bought them from both Metcalfs in Cornish and Longhorn in Buxton. They are similar in price to the Hancock Lumber bales. Definitely better quality than the shavings from TSC. And they are from a local company to boot. So win-win. Better shavings and supporting a Maine company.

 

[lazy gardener]

I just got back from visiting my chickens. Why did the chicken cross the road? Why, to get to Bob's house, of course. This is the same neighbor who my cat has fallen in love with. My cat goes over, falls at Bob's feet, slobbers all over Bob's feet, then goes in Bob's house to lounge in his living room window to stare out at the birds, who also prefer to go to Bob's bird feeder instead of mine. I asked Bob if he minded that my chickens go to his house. He's perfectly happy to have them visit. Says they don't even touch his garden. (I have to keep mine fenced in so i can get some berries and tomatoes.)

 

[SanCarlos6127]

I just got back from visiting my chickens. Why did the chicken cross the road? Why, to get to Bob's house, of course. This is the same neighbor who my cat has fallen in love with. My cat goes over, falls at Bob's feet, slobbers all over Bob's feet, then goes in Bob's house to lounge in his living room window to stare out at the birds, who also prefer to go to Bob's bird feeder instead of mine. I asked Bob if he minded that my chickens go to his house. He's perfectly happy to have them visit. Says they don't even touch his garden. (I have to keep mine fenced in so i can get some berries and tomatoes.)

 

[Widget]

I just got back from visiting my chickens. Why did the chicken cross the road? Why, to get to Bob's house, of course. This is the same neighbor who my cat has fallen in love with. My cat goes over, falls at Bob's feet, slobbers all over Bob's feet, then goes in Bob's house to lounge in his living room window to stare out at the birds, who also prefer to go to Bob's bird feeder instead of mine. I asked Bob if he minded that my chickens go to his house. He's perfectly happy to have them visit. Says they don't even touch his garden. (I have to keep mine fenced in so i can get some berries and tomatoes.)

Is Bob single? He sounds like quite a catch if all the animals love him.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

 

[lazy gardener]

You're welcome to him. A bit rough around the edges, but he's a hard worker.

 

[learycow]

The shavings I buy are usually from Limington Lumber. I believe I have bought them from both Metcalfs in Cornish and Longhorn in Buxton. They are similar in price to the Hancock Lumber bales. Definitely better quality than the shavings from TSC. And they are from a local company to boot. So win-win. Better shavings and supporting a Maine company.

Agree! Longhorn has MUCH better quality and larger sized bales. They are more finely shaven but better all around I think. Though if you go through a lot, tractor supply usually has a good discount/deals every few months so I tend to stock up when they go on sale.

Though I now only use shavings for my horse. All my birds get hay/straw bedding as I got some round bales cheap at the end of the season.

 

[mlowen]

The shavings I buy are usually from Limington Lumber. I believe I have bought them from both Metcalfs in Cornish and Longhorn in Buxton. They are similar in price to the Hancock Lumber bales. Definitely better quality than the shavings from TSC. And they are from a local company to boot. So win-win. Better shavings and supporting a Maine company.

I just love Longhorn all the way around!! Organic scratch grains...whole barley, wheat, oats for sprouting or planting..."millions" (looks like) of goods piled up on shelves. And they are the nicest folks in the world.

 

[Widget]

I just love Longhorn all the way around!! Organic scratch grains...whole barley, wheat, oats for sprouting or planting..."millions" (looks like) of goods piled up on shelves. And they are the nicest folks in the world.

Nice is an understatement. Great customer service. They know me by name and often have my round bale loaded before I even get out of my truck. Well maybe not quite that fast but close to it. Not the easiest parking lot to maneuver in when they are busy but that is my only complaint.

 

[learycow]

Agree. I've known Rob since I was a baby and LOVE talking birds with everyone in there! They are such wonderful people to do business with. I have an agway literally less than a mile down the road from me. They are slightly higher priced, but I'm sure I save in fuel more than what I would spend on feed. Yet I continue to go to longhorn to buy all my feed. The friendly atmosphere and the fact that I am supporting a real Maine company that's been around for YEARS keeps me going back And they are a 25-30 minute drive one way from where I live now!
Plus it's always fun to look at all the "goodies" and birds they have there. The inventory is always changing!