bugs in feed

[Hiedi]

I was planning on switching my pullets over from the Start & Grow to Flock Raiser, and I just opened a brand new bag of Purina Mills (Flock Raiser) and it has bugs in it. I am assuming that feeding this (in spite of the bugs) would not be a good idea. They are small dark bugs about the size of a flea. That was the last bag that the feed store had of the Flock Raiser so I guess I will have to drive back down there (AGAIN) to return the feed and buy a bag of Start & Grow for now.

 

[ruby]

Call them and tell them about it! Then offer to keep it for a discount in the future. I have fed my chickens feed with bugs, 'cause they eat bugs all the time. But I'm sure someone will disagree!

 

[Hiedi]

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Yeah, you are right about that. They do eat bugs.

 

[Wildsky]

JACKPOT!

 

[ZooMummzy]

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I agree! Bonus!! Lol it's like those toys they used to put in cereals when I was a kid

I would still call and complain though. Might get a free bag out of it.

 

[speckledhen]

There are studies that show that bugs living in the feed significantly reduces the vitamin content of the feed. A bug on the ground isn't the same as weevils in the feed. People were complaining about too many fines (feed ground to powder) in their feed and birds suddenly dying for no apparent reason and the discussion began. It was linked back to the infestation somehow. I'd have to find the link to the discussion. I just left a bag of feed at the feedstore I use all the time and got another one. I think the owner is irritated with me for it, but too darn bad. There were holes in the bag and webs inside and bugs all over the place. On the other hand, if you do get a bag with weevils in it, just put a cup of food grade DE in there, stir it around and no more bugs. I've done it but I dont like to start out with buggy feed, being concerned as I am with contamination and lowered nutritional value.

 

[firem3]

around bama land we call them weevels (its a catch all name for bugs in the bag like meal, flour, feed etc.) but i say its extra protein for developing chicks that you didnt have to pay for. what a bargain.

 

[firem3]

we need a language post so we will all know what these littlt acronyms are, what is DE

 

[Hiedi]

I was sifting through the feed with my hand to see how bad the bugs were. It doesn't look like a major infestation of bugs, but there are definitely bugs in there. I have a feeling this is probably a very common thing, but I do not know for sure considering these are my first chickens (I only have six). I thought about putting the feed in ziploc bags and putting the bags in my freezer to kill the bugs, and maybe that would also help preserve the feed as well.

I really need some DE (diatomateous earth), and I am in the process of trying to find some right now. I have been calling around. One man said he might be able to order me some, but he is not for sure.

 

[dangerouschicken]

Well, I personally wouldn't want to purchase feed with bugs in it. That said, the metal can I keep it in once I do purchase it, often gets a few earwigs and spiders. The chickens and turkeys go INSANE for them