Splitting orders/resources in DFW area

[suburbanhomesteader]

Hello-
I have a very small flock (it will be no more than 7 hens) and am finding that purchasing 50 lbs of grit, food, and oyster shell at a time is a storage nightmare. Plus, I was told by the feedstore that the food is only "good" for about 6 weeks, and I should replace it after that time (even if it doesn't get wet) because insects would start to eat it and degrade it.

Is there someone in the DFW area who also has a small flock, who would be interested in splitting the bags and the cost?

Also, I have one Barred Rock, 4 Production Reds (just got them today; they are so cute!), and would like to get one Silver-Laced Wyandotte and one Ameraucauna/Araucauna. If anyone within a 3 hour drive is going to be ordering pullets soon, and could order an extra couple of 'Caunas and SLWs, I would be happy to pay for them and come pick them up. I am NOT (repeat to self, several times!!), NOT, NOT going to order at least 10 chicks just so I can get a SLW and a 'Cauna. Because then I would keep them, and they'd be so cute I'd get more, and then...well, you get the idea! And I don't really want to get broiler roos just for "packing material" and have to do them in.

My email address is [email protected] Please put a reference to BYC in the subject line because I get spammed a lot and don't normally open emails from people I don't know!

Thanks so much!!

 

[ChickenMommy]

I am in the DFW area and want to order some chicks, but don't want to get a WHOLE order of them. I really want some americaunas!
Shoot me an email and we will talk.
[email protected]

 

[samara]

I saw a listing on craigslist under chickens that has some ameracaunas and other breeds to "rehome for a fee." http://dallas.craigslist.org/pet/310826137.html
I have emailed her about the cochins she has, so will find out what is still available. This might be a good option to ordering?
She has over 30 chickens available.

Do any of the Texans know if there is a farmers feed co-op we could get cheap feed through?

Samara

 

[Wes in Tx]

suburbanfarmer. Don't worry about feed. Those 7 girls will eat that 50 lbs in 3-4 weeks. As for grit and oyster shell check the pet stores as they sometimes sell those in smaller quanities. You don't have to have grit just for chickens. Heck you don't have to have grit at all as the bird will pick up rocks to do the job. Using a very coarse sand is just as good as buying grit.

For those looking to buy just a few birds check with these folks in http://www.goodearthorganicfarm.com/
they may have what you want.

 

[suburbanhomesteader]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I've emailed everybody;we'll see what happens!

Wes, thanks for the tip about the food. I have no idea how much food mature hens are supposed to eat; I suspect the food they get from living in a tractor is just supplemental to help keep them well-rounded.

Don't know of a co-op, but my feedstore charged about $11 for a bag of Nutrena Layer Feed crumbles.

 

[SleekDominique]

I'm not sure about SLW's, but Georgetown Farm Supply is where I bought my Araucana pullet 3 weeks ago. (I live in N. Austin.) They're very good at ordering what you want; I said I was hoping for Dominiques, and Miz Amy immediately wrote up a standard order for them, assuring me she'd just put into stock whatever chicks I couldn't use. The chicks are delivered every 2 weeks on Tuesday, I believe. Should I ask about SLW availability? I see a doctor in Richardson every few months. I'd be happy to bring you an Araucana. In fact, you could have mine--LOL

Cheers,
Holly

 

[allen wranch]

Also check Callahans in the Austin area. I went by there one day and they had Marans chicks !

 

[jason]

I'm looking to get some chickens myself. My first attempt was not a very lucky one.

I'm planning on getting them from Ideal Poultry in Texas. They don't have a minimum order (minimum cost, but not minimum number).

http://www.ideal-poultry.com/