tractor supply

[bigstack]

I asked a local TSC employee about their birds. He said they all try to get them from the closest hatchery. The employees are told to read the books they sell for how to care for them. No one ever checks to see if they do! The only knowledge most of them have is from the books they might read. I did meet a guy who did have some firsthand knowledge on chicks. But the stores usually just get a mixture of what ever the hatchery has. No real sayso. it's cheaper for them to just buy what ever is on sale. So you might get lucky. Its just a gamble.

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[prov31gal]

so what is the reason? why do they want it? is it like at radio shack where they want to know practically your blood type? they do that there to send you coupons and junk ads, but i dont think thats why tsc does it. is it so the hatchery can send you a calalog? i dont trust the gov or big corporations, so whats the REALLY REAL reason for the info?

 

[bargain]

I know I've posted once but I try to avoid TSC at all times. They definitely need customer service training. I've called and asked for goat meds to be saved for example because it's a 45 min. drive....I arrive and they were sold. I've been in a time crunch trying to get fencing supplies for an electric fence and asked for help loading into my buggy and the service guy looks like I'm obtuse yet he offers to unload at the car????? I've seen very little corporate level followup the few times I reported up the chain. I try to go to my local feed and seed coop but they are mainly feed and don't offer the variety....At this point, I'd drive an extra 30 miles just to avoid the apathy and indifference. They know they're one of the only 2 places in town and certainly show it.

It's sad, but what really distresses me is the "identity" thing and the treatment of animals.....I'm not buying those animals there. I feel like marching in front on a busy saturday and saying. Please ask where your ducks, geese and chicks came from and if you see any dead animals or panting ones in distress I recommend not to buy..... Well, my time is needed on the farm not boycotting this store.

They are simply in it for the bucks, nice magazine or not.....Phewee, I guess my resolution not to rant has faded. Sorry friends, but I still have nightmares about those dead baby ducks....So needless.

 

[embkm]

I like my TSC. It just opened last year, so that was their first time with the chicks. Some of the employees are more knowledgeable than others, but that is the same with my smaller local Feed Store. I've always had great customer service, to the point where an off duty clerk helped me load my van in the parking lot just because she saw me while I was putting my kids in their seats.

Yes, last year the chicks did get mixed up in their bins, but i blame that more on kid's parents than the employees. I personally can't tell the difference between a RIR, RSL, or NHR as chicks so how can I judge them for not knowing either? I was given advice and a handout on how to care for chicks. All the chicks looked fine and the troughs were clean. The ducklings' trough was a bit messier, but mostly because they splashed some water out onto the bedding. At the checkout, the only info they asked me for was my zipcode.... same thing they ask at stores at the mall. And I think that was because I used my debit card.

 

[countrydream7]

I use tractor supply store in Cobleskill ny ..first time ever having chicks did lots of reading and homework on them and still do . I purchased bjg chicks from them nice chicks I have to say and doing well they are 4 wks old now looking good priced and no ship charges 1.99 each chick limit 6..the guys there were very helpful and I do lots of business with them and will continue love them I have no problems so far...

 

[dealfinder500]

I try to avoid my local TSC as much as I can. I found feed much cheaper elsewhere ($11/50lbs vs $15.99). Many of the employees at my store are complete airheads and know little or nothing about what they sell, and don't have any interest in learning.

Two years ago I'd stop in every now and then to see what new birds they had... and I quickly found out they rarely labeled them, and if they did, they may or may not be labeled correctly. One day I had called to see what they had and was told they had Sussex's in. I stopped in to get some, and there was only one bin with chicks. I asked the guy what breed they were... "Whatever the sign says." The sign just said "pullets".
It just really bothers me that they can't be troubled to actually label the breed. I know they have no control over what breeds they get, but they are labeled with they get them (unless they are assorted).

I went in there a few weeks ago and they had ducks. The ducks appeared to be Khaki Campbells. The lady told me they were Rouens. Rouens and Khaki Campbell ducklings look nothing alike! Three years before I had purchased some "Rouen" ducklings... and they were Mallards.

It frustrates me when the employees take no interest in their work.

 

[countrydream7]

I can totally understand I would too..but the tractor store by me is good I have to say haven't had a problem with them..sorry to hear of ur mishaps..so far my black jersey giants are all doing well ..good luck to you ..

 

[dstinett]

My Texas tsc uses privett hatchery. lost 2 of 7. very unhealthy. Lacerations on heads and backs. Dried Amniotic fluid all over them. some had dried on eggshell. all had to be treated for severe pasty butt. I'll never do it again. Ideal poultry is now my only hatchery

 

[Malarkey]

I bought 8 chicks from tractor supply store. They had all theirs labeled as Red pullets or just Pullets. I got 4 red pullets and 4 pullets. Their sign for their bantams said straight run and I didn't want to deal with any roosters just yet. Here they are fairly knowledgeable. They are currently out of chick feeders, chick waterers and the Dumor poultry chick starter. I go to our local feed and seed place near where I live and get 50 pounds of feed for 10 bucks that is Southern States.

Just letting you know. This is my second post. Nice to meet you all.

 

[dstinett]

Howdy and welcome from Texas!!! I'm still a little new too. I've learned soooo much. your local feed store probably will order chicks for you from a more reliable hatchery. My local feed store is much cheaper on feed and supplies plus feed comes in completely degradable paper bags instead of plastic. I line brooders and nest boxes. Then just throw it in the compost pile. The plastic also sours the food when it sits in a hot warehouse. TSC is good for some things but you have to know what you are looking for. Buying from local is winning deal for everyone and you will get better service and value