Tractor Supply Chicks?

[Slingha]

They always look healthy there. Our TSC in NJ just mentioned that they are now looking at March for chick days due to our fold weather. They require a 6 chick min. They are trying to prevent the lookie loos from buying 1 or 2 and sending those chicks to certain death.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

They always look healthy there. Our TSC in NJ just mentioned that they are now looking at March for chick days due to our fold weather. They require a 6 chick min. They are trying to prevent the lookie loos from buying 1 or 2 and sending those chicks to certain death.

The employees at the one I go to usually are country folk who were raised with animals like chickens and such so are more help than it would appear most TSC employees are. One told me the other day that she feels so sorry for the chicks sold there since most are bought by people who don't have a clue. They come back after their chicks die wanting replacements when they hadn't provided a heat lamp, put them out in a drafty garage or, get this, died because they let their two year old go to sleep with one in each hand!! Honest to God!!

The employee went on for ten minutes with stories like that. No wonder TSC has a standing policy of not replacing chicks.

 

[Slingha]

The employees at the one I go to usually are country folk who were raised with animals like chickens and such so are more help than it would appear most TSC employees are. One told me the other day that she feels so sorry for the chicks sold there since most are bought by people who don't have a clue.  They come back after their chicks die wanting replacements when they hadn't provided a heat lamp, put them out in a drafty garage or, get this, died because they let their two year old go to sleep with one in each hand!!  Honest to God!!  

The employee went on for ten minutes with stories like that.  No wonder TSC has a standing policy of not replacing chicks. 

They would go bankrupt replacing chicks. Last year, my family really debated whether to take the plunge. We decided against it since we just had our third child and other things. I did take my two older boys to TSC a bunch of times so they could see the chicks. I can recall several instances where people would tell the people working there that they didn't need a starter kit or a heat lamp...that they would "figure it out".
I also remember a few times people looking for other people who wanted to split an order of 6 since they only wanted 2. I remember specifically 2 people in a parking lot exchanging cash for 3 chicks. She threw them in a plastic bag and got into her car.
I think it's been those experiences that made me not want to buy my chicks there. I felt like it was guilt by association.
I ordered mine online but purchased all of my supplies at TSC. There was a very knowledgable woman there and because it was before chick days started I could monopolize her time and ask Lots of questions.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I wasn't impressed with our local Tractor Supply with regard to chicks. The employees knew absolutely nothing. I called several times and inquired about what types they were getting and when they would arrive and the answer I always got was "We don't know". I will say this is a rather new Tractor Supply so possibly the employees weren't well trained.

As far as the "we don't know what or when we'll get chicks", a different farm store about 40 minutes from home had a page posted on their web site stating what breeds would be received what days. I called them - told them what I wanted - was up there when they opened and there was a line to buy chicks! In fact, an employee actually pulled out the breeds I had asked about so I'd get at least one. Talk about great customer service!

So, wasn't impressed with Tractor Supply and went 40 minutes out of my way to get the birds I wanted. BTW, they were all hens, too! ;-)

 

[familyfarm1]

Which farm store was that? @Mtn Laurel I am also in Va and I'm looking to get chicks locally.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I totally agree about the employees! I usually know a lot more about the chicks than they do. I've seen them swinging a washer on a string over a chick and then they swear it's a female. I know by the down color that it's NOT! I usually end up laughing after I leave the store because most of them are clueless.

The clueless statement is what comes to mind. There are many a threads here on people wondering what breed they got from Tractor Supply. Mislabeled bins and the like. People sold straight run meat birds as pullet layers. You need to ask what breeds they got shipped and select with some knowledge of that breed soon after shipment before they start combining bins and mislabeling them.

Seriously, a ton of threads with people who were led to believe they were purchasing something completely different than what they bought from Tractor Supply.

 

[farmkids]

My only experience with TSC was a couple of months ago when I was beginning to gather supplies for the chicks I was planning for. I asked when they might start getting chicks in and they had no idea. I asked what types they usually order, and again, clueless. So I left and ordered from Meyer hatchery that evening. I am thoroughly unimpressed with their "knowledge" and willingness to help customers.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Which farm store was that? @Mtn Laurel I am also in Va and I'm looking to get chicks locally.

Culpeper Farm & Home. They have 5 locations in Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties. I go to the one in Marshall. Their website is: http://www.cfcfarmhome.net/

They don't have chick info up yet but last year the info included what type chicks would arrive at which stores and the dates. I love them!

EDIT: Just a FYI that the "Ameraucana" they sold me is really an Easter Egger. I think the hatcheries label them as Ameraucana's. However, she's a great gal that lays beautiful blue eggs so it really didn't matter to me.

 

[familyfarm1]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[familyfarm1]

do you remember how much the cost?

Thank you again for all your help