FAQ

Chickens

• Vets for chickens? My chicken is sick/has x symptoms what do I do?
  • There’s a vet in Oakland, Fruitvale called St. Louis Veterinary Clinic 3545 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 530-1004 Open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00PM
• My chicken has worms, do you sell anything for it?
  • We only sell homeopathic supplements for chickens. If you need medicated supplies check out Concord Feed & Fuel (925) 940-1200
• My chicken died–why?
  •  If you want to find out why, the best thing is to have a necropsy done. UC Davis will do an autopsy and send you the results
• Where can people get information for chicken keeping?
  • We have many books available at our shop
  • Find classes on our website.
  • Local support groups
    • Alameda County Backyard Chickens
    • Backyard Chickens
• How long should you keep baby chicks indoors in a brooder?
  • During warm weather around 6 weeks or until they are fully feathered
• How long should you give baby chicks chick starter feed?
  • Until they are laying, typically between 4-5 months
• Do you sell coops?
  • No, but you can find some online at places like craigslist.
• Where are the baby chicks from?
  • We get our chicks from a small hatchery called Belt Hatchery in Fresno
• Are they vaccinated?
  • Yes, the chicks are vaccinated for Marek’s
• What kinds of feed do we sell?
  • Layer pellets organic 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Layer crumble organic 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Chick starter organic 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Scratch organic 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Whole grain layer pellets organic (soy/corn free) 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Soy free layer pellets organic 40lbs only
  • Rabbit and chinchilla pellets organic 25lbs and 40lbs
  • Duck pellets 40lbs
  • We can special order any feed that Modesto Milling supplies

Bees

• I have a swarm, what do I do?
  • Call Alameda County Beekeepers Association Swarm Hotline at 510-898-6696
• How much does a nuc cost?
  • A NUC of bees is $270.00, including 5 deep frames
• How much does a starter hive cost?
  • A complete 10-frame hive including a super box filled, deep box filled, screened bottom board, top cover with inner cover, and hive stand is $408 without the hive stand it is $300
• How much space do you need to keep bees?
  • You will need at least 5 feet of space in each direction around the hive
  • The hive should be placed about 10-15 feet from the house
• Do we have extractors, how much are they, and how many frames do they hold?
  • Yes, we have both manual ($25/day) and electric ($40/day)
  • They each hold 3 frames
• I want to get into beekeeping how do I start?
  • We have a few books that a great sources for beginning beekeepers
  • We also offer Introduction to Beekeeping Classes in the Spring and Fall with instructor Jennifer Radtke. Go the the Classes tab on the website to see when they are availand RSVP on Eventbrite.
  • Bay Beehives (Melissa)
    • Instagram: @baybeehives
    • Baybeehives.com
    • Phone: 305-834-8783
    • Email:
  • The Best Bees Company (Mariah McDonald)
    • Hive Installation and Management
    • Email: or
    • Phone: 707-266-4024
    • Website: https://bestbees.com/ or https://www.meliflorallc.com/

Straw

• What kind of straw do you have?
  • As of 2023, we carry wheat and oat straw.
• Is it organic?
  • No, it’s not organic but it isn’t sprayed.
• How much is straw?
  • $20 for a full bale and $12 for a half bale 
  • You can rent them for $5.
• How much does a bale weigh?
  • About 40-50lbs
• What is the size of the bale?
  • 3’10”, 2’ tall and 14” across
• What types of hay do you carry?
  • We carry Timothy hay and organic Alfalfa hay. Call for prices.
• What is the difference between straw and hay?
  • Straw is used for gardens or the bedding for animals like chickens.
  • Hay is used to feed animals like goats and horses.

Miscellaneous

• Do we have a bike discount?
  • Yes we do, $1 off small feed bags and $2 off large

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