Maine

[hoppy]

I also have a RAV suv, amazing how much stuff I can pack in there for a chicken swap although I can't haul a trailer because I lack a hitch, my FIL has the same vehicle and she hauls her camper.

I had a Ford Ranger for a few years but needed a larger truck that could safely haul the horse trailer which is why I went with a Silverado a few years ago. Sold that one this past spring since it needed about $1500 worth of work to get a sticker. So while I like the smaller trucks I do need a full size one. Plus bigger truck means more space to carry chicken stuff. See chicken math even works for vehicles.

 

[macchicken]

so far we really like longhorns ,, we went down to order some comets and left with two silkies ,, they had alot to check out ,, honestly it took me back to my childhood ,, i hav'nt been to a place like that since then ,, birds everywhere ,, so far they have been extremely helpful... they are definatly trying to help (i think)

 

[ChickMagnet207]

All i'm saying is to check your birds for parasites. All i can speak about is my experience with Long Horn, They did sell us birds loaded with lice and a few had cross beaks. We spent alot of time and money treating them, You really want to make sure you start off with healthy birds. Good Luck

 

[ducklucky]

Yes, Widget, life insurance question...do you have the policy or a copy of it, any ID numbers, SS#, date of birth, death cert., etc. If you have any of these things, the policy is there if it was paid up. If it lapsed due to nonpayment, you're out of luck usually, but there may still be cash value. All depends. I have one going to cash in, parents bought it when I was born 56 years ago, it has cash value, was one of those where they paid for like 5 years and that was it. It's still there, and I have the original policy. Just have to get off my butt and do it. Not much, but it will pay for chick/duck feed over winter. You can also do a lot of research on the policy online, sometimes these companies sell and buy policies, may take some tracking down. Good luck! Don't you wish we could take out life ins. on our birds LOL

 

[Widget]

Yes, Widget, life insurance question...do you have the policy or a copy of it, any ID numbers, SS#, date of birth, death cert., etc. If you have any of these things, the policy is there if it was paid up. If it lapsed due to nonpayment, you're out of luck usually, but there may still be cash value. All depends. I have one going to cash in, parents bought it when I was born 56 years ago, it has cash value, was one of those where they paid for like 5 years and that was it. It's still there, and I have the original policy. Just have to get off my butt and do it. Not much, but it will pay for chick/duck feed over winter. You can also do a lot of research on the policy online, sometimes these companies sell and buy policies, may take some tracking down. Good luck! Don't you wish we could take out life ins. on our birds LOL

Well the one in question was for my mother. Didn't know about it until Prudential contacted me a couple weeks ago. My mother died in 2004 and the estate was closed in 2005. I have the basic information(SS #, policy numbers, death certificates, etc.) but with the paperwork Prudential sent I have no idea what I'm doing. It talks about probate. Well the estate isn't in probate since it is closed. But the estate was worth more than the $20,000 the paperwork mentions. My sister and I were the estate representatives but she has since passed. And I have four other siblings that need to fill out paperwork too. It took 30 minutes on hold just to get through to Prudential's customer service last week so I guess I'll have to contact a local agent tomorrow to see if they can clear things up.

 

[buckabucka]

They do have a Tacoma on the lot but it is $6000 above my budget. .  Why do cars have to be so expensive? My parents bought the house I grew up in for $12000 back in 1950. Now you can't buy a new car for anything close to that. Even a good used car is at least that much. If only I could win the lottery.

Now for another completely non chicken related question? Anyone on here familiar with life insurance claims? Especially one done several years after the policy holder has died and their estate settled.

I bought a brand new Toyota Echo for $13,000. Granted, that was in 2001. It got more than 40 mpg. Unfortunately, they discontinued that car and replaced it with the Yaris, which is similar, but not as good gas mileage. I think they start at $14,000 now, so you can buy a really efficient brand new car relatively cheaply still, but it won't haul anything but people and a couple bags of feed!

 

[MustardTiger]

Widget, If you go for the silverado make sure to have a close look underneath! Silverados from those years (98 - 2004 I think?) have some serious rusting out issues. We just traded our short bed dodge 1500 for a 2002 silverado long bed, since we want it for hauling stuff too, and about 2 days ago the break lines went out. Lucky for him my husband was stopped at the garage getting an inspection sticker (needless to say we did not get the sticker!) If you google silverado complaints you will find a ton. they are being investigated for these break line corrosion issues and it may turn out to be a recall (I hope!). So, just look at the lines. If they are all rusted to hell itll be about $500/$700 to replace (or about $300 at home if you are handy and have a lot of time) and can be VERY dangerous. Look under the driver side door and all the lines should be visible there. If you really like that one I would ask the dealership to replace the lines if they look shady, or knock the price down.

The best truck we ever had was a 1986 ford f250. It was a beast! we drove it out here from Wyoming and it met a sad death on it's first Maine winter. I think the altitude change was really hard on it. I loved that truck!

 

[Widget]

Widget, If you go for the silverado make sure to have a close look underneath! Silverados from those years (98 - 2004 I think?) have some serious rusting out issues. We just traded our short bed dodge 1500 for a 2002 silverado long bed, since we want it for hauling stuff too, and about 2 days ago the break lines went out. Lucky for him my husband was stopped at the garage getting an inspection sticker (needless to say we did not get the sticker!) If you google silverado complaints you will find a ton. they are being investigated for these break line corrosion issues and it may turn out to be a recall (I hope!). So, just look at the lines. If they are all rusted to hell itll be about $500/$700 to replace (or about $300 at home if you are handy and have a lot of time) and can be VERY dangerous. Look under the driver side door and all the lines should be visible there. If you really like that one I would ask the dealership to replace the lines if they look shady, or knock the price down.

The best truck we ever had was a 1986 ford f250. It was a beast! we drove it out here from Wyoming and it met a sad death on it's first Maine winter. I think the altitude change was really hard on it. I loved that truck!

That's exactly what happened with the 2001 Silverado I had. Brake lines went on it. That and the rocker panels. Other than that it was a great truck which is why I was looking at another one. I have a list going of what I want to have checked out. Plus I want in writing everything they have done to it. One thing I do know is that no matter what I vehicle I decide on I will have to replace the radio. I have become very fond of having a USB port so I can hook my iPod up to the radio. That way I get to listen to music I like with no commercials an no idiotic DJ's.

 

[ashandvine]

Why, whats up?

I was talking about you and your reds in another forum.

Just to restate, my experience with Long Horn wasn't good but that didn't mean everyone's would be. I have another feed store near me that sucks worse, but then there are two that are awesome. I would say that Widget has a great relationship with them and that is what counts. I only went in there a few times, got an email and a few calls. I did have one gal be really great for CS but the rest of the service wasn't so great. Maybe it was my limited experiences. I went in there because some other friends of mine recommended them and I do like the 'charm.' I probably went in at a crazy time given that it was when a lot of other folks had been called with their orders. I didn't know the difference at the time between AmerIcanas and Ameraucanas. I was new to that side of things. BUT I learn fast. I wish someone had been around to teach me what I've learned in six months in a few hours because it would have been really nice. Like the warning about chicken math! That one didn't come out till after I was already addicted. I am 'sober' now, but it was tough. Which reminds me... I met the most beautiful bird the other day! I didn't go home with any but they are on my list of must must must have in the future: Sumatras.

 

[ducklucky]

Okay, thanks for clarifying. I worked as a law office manager/legal sec'y for many years, but it's been a while. I mean, that is your money there, you guys should go after it. Mom had the policy you, and she wanted you to have it. I assume that you and your siblings divied everything up equally? There was a will, yes? If it went thru probate and was closed out, you should have those closing papers, or can get them thru that office. Would think the death cert is usually all they require, and the paperwork they sent you. Why would they care about the probate, it's really none of their business. Whoever your mom designated as beneficiary(s) is all you need. If she named you all, then of course you all need to supply what they need. Was there an executor? If there was, THAT SHOULD BE ALL THEY NEED, the executor is responsible for disbursing the funds as Mom wanted, not them. These are all questions you need to answer. When my Dad died, he had a few policies out there none of us knew about. All they required was the probate and death certs, and my sign off as executrix. He was a volunteer fireman for a few years as a young husband, and they supplied a $5K policy, we didn't know about it, it had been 50 years! They contacted us to let us know about it, no problem retrieving the money at all. There may be more out there, I don't know what state your Mom resided in, some states require probate, some do not. In any case, don't let them give you the runaround, go after that money. Your Mom would want you to have it. And sorry for your loss, even tho it's a few years back, these things can reopen wounds just when you think your life is okay again. You'll get thru it. Just remember first and foremost, the executor is legally responsible for disbursing those funds, NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. Kinda surprised, Prudential is usually pretty good about this stuff. Of course, if there was no will, did you guys designate someone to take care of the estate, they will have to sign that they did so. Good luck to you, let me know how you make out.