The Cactus Cowboys – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Shipping & Orders

 

Why are all our products made to order?

At The Cactus Cowboys, all of our sterilized grain, substrate, grow bags, agar plates, and liquid cultures are made to order rather than pre-produced and stored.

We do this to ensure:

• Freshness: Each bag is freshly prepared and sterilized right before shipping, guaranteeing the most viable and nutrient-rich material.

• Quality Control: Made-to-order production minimizes the chance of moisture loss, contamination, or long-term degradation.

• Consistency: You receive the same high standard of cleanliness and performance with every order.

This approach means your mycology supplies arrive at peak quality — ready for inoculation, colonization, and reliable results.

 

How long does shipping take within Canada?

Orders typically ship within 1-3 days after payment is received depending on the type of product purchased. Please note that some products take longer to ship than others because everything is made to order. Delivery times depend on your province but usually range from 3–7 business days.

 

Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we do not offer international shipping. Please contact us at cactuscowboys@proton.me for exceptions or bulk order inquiries.

 

How are orders packaged and protected during transit?

All items are carefully packed to prevent damage and contamination. Sterilized products are sealed and labeled, then shipped in sturdy boxes with protective insulation when needed. You can ensure that your orders will arrive clean and with no damages every time.

 

What shipping carrier do we use?

All our orders are shipped with Canada Post via express shipping

 

Can I track my order once it’s shipped?

Yes. Once your order has been shipped, you’ll receive an email with tracking information and a link to follow your shipment’s progress on the Canada Post website

 

What should I do if my package arrives damaged or late?

Please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order. Include photos of any damage and your order number so we can assist quickly. We will do what we can to make sure the issue is resolved. 

 

Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Orders can be modified or canceled within 24 hours of placement if they haven’t already been processed. Contact cactuscowboys@proton.me as soon as possible.

 

2. Sterilization & Product Preparation

 

Are your grain and substrate bags pre-sterilized?

Yes. All of our sterilized grain and substrate products are processed in-house at 15 PSI for minimum 2 hours to ensure a contaminant-free environment and optimal moisture balance.

 

How should I store sterilized products until use?

Keep sterilized bags in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight. Colonized mycelium bags are best stored at 22–26°C (72–79°F). For best results, use them within 1-2 weeks of purchase.

 

Can I re-sterilize unused bags or jars myself?
We do not recommend this but it can be attempted if you have old bags/jars that you forgot to use. Please note that if you attempt to re-sterilize our products we can not guarantee they will work as we intdended them to. Our products arrive ready to use and should not be stored over long periods. 

 

Do you use filtered or unfiltered bags for sterilized substrates?

We use filtered Unicorn bags to allow for proper gas exchange while maintaining a sterile internal environment. All of our sterilized grain bags come with self healing injection ports as well for easy inoculation 

 

3. Product Use & Cultivation

 

How do I inoculate grain spawn bags safely?

Clean your workspace thoroughly and use proper sterile technique (alcohol, gloves, still air box, laminar flow hood, etc.). We recommend flame sterilizing your syringe needle or using isopropyl alcohol to avoid contamination risks. Wipe down the injection port with isopropyl alcohol and inject your liquid culture syringe through the bag’s self-healing injection port.

 

What’s the best temperature range for incubation?

Most gourmet species grow best between 22–26°C (72–79°F). Keep bags out of direct sunlight and ensure stable conditions for consistent colonization.

 

How long should I wait before moving to fruiting conditions?

Wait until your grain or substrate is fully colonized — typically 2–4 weeks depending on species and environment. Fully white mycelium and a solid texture are signs it’s ready. If you purchased colonized grain spawn or all in one grow kits/ bags then they will arrive ready to use immediately. 

 

Can I mix different mushroom species in the same bag or tub?

No. Each species has unique growth conditions and nutrient needs. Always keep species separate for optimal growth and yield.

 

How do I know if my bag is fully colonized?

When the substrate appears uniformly white and firm, with no visible uncolonized patches or discoloration, it’s fully colonized.

 

4. Returns & Refund Policy

 

What is your return or refund policy on sterilized products?

Due to the nature of sterile items, we do not accept returns once items are opened or used. If you have an issue please contact cactuscowboys@proton.me as soon as possible so we can look into your issue.

 

Do you send replacement orders on contaminated or used items?

We cannot issue a replacement on used or inoculated products. However, if your product arrived contaminated, please reach out within 3 days of delivery with attached pictures for review and possible replacement. 

 

How long do refunds take to process?

Refunds are typically processed within 1-2 days after approval, depending on your payment provider.

 

5. Contamination & Quality Control

 

What are common signs of contamination?

Look for discolored patches (green, black, pink, or gray), unusual odors, or overly wet or slimy spots. Healthy mycelium is typically white and even in texture.

 

Are yellow or wet spots in my bag normal?

Small yellowish areas or light moisture spots can occur due to mycelial metabolites — these are normal. However, large wet patches or foul smells indicate contamination. if you have any questions please send pictures to cactuscowboys@proton.me

How can I prevent contamination during inoculation?

Always work clean: sanitize hands, gloves, and tools; minimize airflow; and use a still air box or laminar flow hood when possible.

 

What is your contamination rate or quality control process?

Each sterilized batch is monitored post-sterilization and visually inspected before shipping. Contamination rates are typically under 5%.

 

Do you replace bags that arrive contaminated?

Yes. If a product arrives contaminated, contact us within 3 days with photos for verification. We’ll arrange a replacement or credit as per our policy.

 

6. Contact & Support

 

How can I reach your customer support team?

You can reach us by email at cactuscowboys@proton.me or through our Contact Form on the website.

 

What are your business hours?

Our team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 9:00pm mountain time We aim to respond to all messages within 24–48 hours.

 

Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing?

Yes, wholesale and bulk pricing are available for farms and educational institutions. Please email us directly for quotes at cactuscowboys@proton.me

Where are you located?

We operate out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our products are prepared and shipped locally and across the country