can I use this as chicken food

[funnyfarm]

We moved into an old farmhouse last year and there is a bunch of canned food from 1989 in the basement. Does anyone know if it's safe to feed this to the chickens or not? It's home canned not store bought. But if I could feed it I want to but I don't want to if it might make them sick. Please help if anyone knows.

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

I wouldn't. The chance of mold, etc is high. Just think of it this way, don't feed your chickens something you wouldn't want to eat.

I don't think I'd feed it. Too risky.

 

[silkiechicken]

The nutritional value of food that is nearly 20 years old is probably not good for them... in that it gives them nothing but roughage. Futhermore, a big danger of old canned foods, especially if you did not can your self, or if they were canned using methods that are no longer deemed safe is botulism. However, not really sure how big of a risk that is, since I'd think a can infected that many years ago would have long run out of nutrients to survive, although maybe the toxins are still there.

To play it safe.. I'd trash it all, or compost it if it looks "good" and is sealed, as you can't see toxins.

 

[ChelC]

The FDA recently changed their opinions on this, and last I heard they said if the can is not bulging or dented it's okay. If that's the case, open it and give it a whiff. You could search the FDA stuff if you'd like, I'm not sure where to find it.

 

[gumpsgirl]

I wouldn't chance it. When it doubt...

 

[funnyfarm]

Thanks for everyones opinions. I'm going to just throw it in my compost pile. I didn't can it myself and I sure wouldn't want to eat it so it's out of here. Thanks for eveyones help.

 

[Moonwalker]

Make sure wherever you dispose of it, animals can't get to it.

 

[pattycake]

Yes, it will make great compost!

If it smells and looks okay, I'm sure it's probably fine... but why take chances.