Raising Poultry...What's Next?

As our annual poultry-ordering season starts to wind down (still taking orders for July deliveries of baby chicks and white turkeys; still taking orders for 17-week-old started pullets), it's a good time to start thinking about the process of raising chickens beyond the baby-chick stage. Many of our customers visit our store after having their chicks for a few weeks and ask, "what's next?" Most often they're concerned about issues such as when they should transition to the next stage in their poultry feeding program, or when it's safe to allow their brids to roam outside or be put into the outdoor coop, etc.

As far as feeding goes, Blue Seal Feed Co. recommends the following feeding program for laying hens:
>0-8 weeks - Chick Starter-AM (medicated) or Chick N' Gamebird Starter/Grower (non-med)
>8-20 weeks (or first egg) - Grower-Cal (available in mash or pellets)
>20+ weeks - Layer (mash or pellets) or Egg Maker Crumbles

The good news is that this information is covered in our FREE poultry-raising workshops. So if you're looking for information on raising and keeping your poultry, we invite you to contact us with your questions. In addition, the link below to an article provided by the UNH Cooperative Extension provides a great overview on raising your birds:

ARTICLE: Producing Your Own Eggs - UNH Cooperative Extension

Good luck and happy poultry raising!

May 2012 Pet Food Recall Information

A Note to Our Pet Food Customers:


On May 5th,  we learned that Diamond Pet Foods issued a recall on certain batches of Taste of the Wild, Canidae, Natural Balance, and Chicken Soup brands of dog and cat food (as well as a single variety of Wellness Dog Food). It appears that the issue is related to salmonella contamination in a specific east coast production plant. However, because the plant produces so many foods, this recall is affecting availability of these foods (and some others that we do not carry) along the entire east coast.

The health and safety of you and your pet is our primary concern. The list of pet foods that have been affected is extensive, but keep in mind that, according to the manufacturers, only the foods made at the Diamond plant in Gaston, S.C. are being recalled and many of these are being done for precautionary measures. We have pulled all of the currently affected foods from our shelves, but we urge you to use the lists and links below to determine whether any product you may have purchased is included. As always, please be sure to use caution when handling any of the affected foods and wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling (Safety Tips).

NOTE: All pet food bags should be stamped with a date and/or production code, which can be used to determine whether or not the product you have is included in the recall. Important information regarding how to find and interpret these codes (depending on the manufacturer) can be found by clicking the recall statement links below:

TASTE OF THE WILD
Manufacture date ranges: Dec. 9th, 2011 through Apr. 7, 2012
BEST BEFORE dates: Dec. 9th, 2012 through Apr. 7, 2013
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for Taste of the Wild recall statement

CANIDAE
Manufacture date ranges: Dec. 9th, 2011 through Jan. 31st, 2012
BEST BEFORE dates: Dec. 9th, 2012 through Jan. 31st, 2013
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for Canidae recall statement

CHICKEN SOUP for the PET LOVER'S SOUL
Manufacture date ranges: Dec. 9th, 2011 through Apr. 7th, 2012
BEST BEFORE dates: Dec. 9th, 2012 through Apr. 7th, 2013
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for Chicken Soup recall statement

NATURAL BALANCE
Manufacture date ranges: select dates; see recall statement
BEST BEFORE dates: select dates; see recall statement
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for Natural Balance recall statement

DIAMOND PET FOODS
Manufacture date ranges: Dec. 9th, 2011 through Apr. 7th, 2012
BEST BEFORE dates: Dec. 9th, 2012 through Apr. 7th, 2013
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for Diamond recall statement

WELLNESS (1 variety affected: Super5 Mix Large Breed Puppy)
Manufacture date ranges: not listed
BEST BEFORE dates: Jan. 9th, 2013 through Jan. 11th, 2013
Production Code: see recall statement
>click here for the Wellness recall statement
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At West Lebanon Feed & Supply, we are working to take a very proactive stance on this recall issue, helping to ensure that you have as much information as possible so that we can work together for the continued health and well-being of you and your pets. If you have any questions regarding whether or not the food you have at your home is included in the recall, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or assistance: 603-298-8600.

In the meantime, please note that we carry lots of alternative pet foods and we are committed to helping you find a food that you can switch to, in the event that availability continues to be limited on some of the brands listed above.

We do apologize for the inconvenience that this recall will place on you, our valued customers. Please know that, although we are restricted to certain protocols and regulations regarding manufacturer recalls, we are working with our suppliers and doing all we can to ensure that the process is as efficient for you as possible. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

West Lebanon Feed & Supply
603-298-8600
info@westlebanonsupply.com

Dog Care Tips for Summer

Summer will soon be here, along with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventures with our canine friends. But the hot temperatures and the outdoor environment also bring some new challenges that should be considered in order to ensure that our dogs stay healthy during the warmer season. Remember, they rely on you to keep them safe. Here are just a few tips to help stay healthy and cool this summer:

Canine Cooling
Because of its insulating properties, a dog’s coat can do just as much to keep it cool in the summer as it does to keep it warm in winter. That is why it’s important to keep the coat clean and appropriately groomed in both winter and summer months. A compromised coat full of mats, tangles, or dirt and debris can mean less protection or insulation from extreme seasonal temperatures. Also, consider a shorter summer haircut for dogs that will help prevent them from overheating, but that still provides adequate protection from the sun. (If you choose to use sunscreen or bug spray on your pets, be sure it’s specifically labeled as being safe for them.)

Also keep in mind that, unlike humans, sweating in dogs does very little to help regulate body temperature. This is why dogs have a built-in cooling mechanism known as panting, where air is cooled by being inhaled through their wet nose, and warm air is expelled quickly through the mouth. Despite a dog’s natural cooling ability, it’s important that pet owners always provide plenty of cool, clean drinking water, and easy access to a cool, shady area. And remember to look for warning signs for overheating such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, accelerated heart-rate or respiratory rate, lots of drooling, staring, signs of weakness or lethargy, or exhaustion/collapse. Consult your vet immediately if you suspect your dog’s health may have been affected by heat or dehydration.

Protection from Ticks
It’s an old myth that ticks drop out of trees and drop onto unsuspecting targets. In fact, ticks usually do something called “questing”, where they crawl 18-24 inches up a plant and lie in wait until some animal brushes by. Ticks can survive up to a year without feeding, and the past mild winter means that ticks are likely to be out in greater-than-normal numbers this year. It’s important that humans and pets alike are protected from these disease-carrying parasites so we recommend taking precautionary measures to reduce the risks of exposure and to always conduct a tick-check after spending time outdoors. (Ask us about the wide selection of tick-control solutions for people and pets available at West Lebanon Feed & Supply.)

More Summer Tips

1) Remember that summer is the time when many of us are using lawn & garden treatments, mouse and rat baits, insecticides, and more. Be sure to keep all chemicals safely away from pets.

2) Summer is a great time for backyard barbecues and parties. But be aware that many of the foods we serve to humans are harmful to pets. Outdoor gatherings are an easy place for dogs to hunt for dropped food on the ground or beg for handouts from guests, so be aware of your pet’s behavior and, if necessary, keep them away from the area.

3) Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the windows down, cars can become like an oven and cause serious health risks or even death for your pets.

4) Always supervise your pets around water. It’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers. Use a flotation device such as a dog lifejacket if you plan to have your dog on a boat and be sure to rinse them off, especially if they’ve spent time in a pool or in salt water. And don’t let them drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that can cause an upset stomach.

5) Don’t spend a lot of time lingering on the asphalt during the hot summer days; since dogs are lower to the ground, the heat radiating from the pavement can quickly cause overheating.

6) Dogs like to run around and have fun. But don’t let them over-exert themselves, particularly on hot summer days when it’s easier to overheat. When the outdoor temperature rises, be sure to take frequent breaks, make sure they drink plenty of water, and do all you can to help them to stay cool.

We hope these tips will help you and your four-legged loved ones have a fun and safe summer. Remember, your friends at West Lebanon Feed & Supply and Clean Paws Grooming are always happy to help provide the right solutions for your summer needs. And be sure to make an appointment at Clean Paws for your pet’s stylish summer haircut!

Spring has Sprung at West Lebanon Feed & Supply!

What an unpredictable winter/early-spring season it has been here in New England! We have spent the last couple months treading the line between feeling the remnants of winter and moving quickly into spring. Although the daffodils, crocuses, and treebuds made an early appearance, the nighttime temperatures have certainly slowed down the progression to warmer weather that we thought we might see after our "summer in March".

And so, as the Upper Valley's headquarters for all things spring, West Lebanon Feed & Supply has been working hard to prepare for our favorite time of the year! Our customers are so eager to get out into their yards and gardens, and it has been a bit of a challenge to stay ahead of the weather, without being too early on many things. But now that we are halfway through April and safely beyond getting any substantial snow (we hope!), we are pleased to say that we are fully stocked and loaded for spring.

Here are just a few of the seasonal items now available:

• Vegetable & Flower Seeds


• Seed Potatoes


• Onion Sets


• Asparagus Roots


• Strawberry Plants


• Horseradish Roots


• Rhubarb


• Lawn & Grass Seeds


• pH Soil Testing


• Poultry & Pig Ordering


• Summer Bulbs

Plus, of course, the usual soils, fertilizers, mulches, limes, etc. In addition to the huge selection of products we've carried over the years such as Fafard, Moo Doo, Green Mountain Fertilizers, Jobe's Organics, Vermont Compost Co., and lots of others, we've got some new and exciting product lines for you to try:

• Grow Compost of Vermont


• Dr. Earth


• Page's Seeds


• and More!

We love spring and we take pride in the fact that the Upper Valley has trusted us as their home for pet & animal, and lawn & garden products for over 85 years! Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer your questions and do all we can to find you with the right solution for any springtime challenge. So be sure to stop in and find everything you need for spring! We hope to see you soon.

By the way: be sure to sign up for our FREE gardening workshop featuring Henry Homeyer ("The Gardening Guy") on April 30th, 2012 at 6:30pm. Seating is limited, so hurry and sign up today!