Bugs in food

[sticksoup]

Hi- I keep my chicken food in a large tupperware tub~ thought it was a good place, always keeps it dry, has a lid, etc. Yesterday, when I took out a scoop I noticed the crumbles were full of bugs. They are little tiny bugs- about the size of small ants but not ants. I have no idea how the food got contaminated with the bugs- but these things happen. I live in southern Florida and it's still in the 90's here and we get heavy rains almost everyday. There really is no way around bugs. I'm torn- do I toss the crumbles or not worry about it? I gave the girls that scoop anyway figurinig that they like bugs so, why not?

 

[GwenDellAnno]

I don't think it will hurt the chickens any to feed them crumbles with bugs in them (extra protein). However, I would get some food grade diatomaceous earth from the feed store and mix a bit in with your feed to stop the bugs from eating any more of it.

 

[chicmom]

Maybe that food was already contaminated when you bought it. Or, could it be the humidity getting into your container?

 

[AnnainMD]

I had the same thing, and it was fine. As long as it's not overrun with weevils and icky things, I think the little black bugs are okay.

 

[dawg53]

You can put your feed in the freezer for a few days to kill the bugs, they'll turn your feed into powder eventually.

 

[Akane]

The bugs are unlikely to harm them but the bugs are breaking down the food and ruining the nutrients the chickens need. For that reason I'd only use bug contaminated feed as scratch or treats even after freezing it and get a fresh bag for majority of their diet. Otherwise you won't know what they are actually getting and if it's everything they need to grow.

 

[sticksoup]

Wow- great suggestions! Thank you so much!