Deer Corn?

[devans87]

Seeing that it's getting closer to deer season, I will have some deer corn laying around the house. Is it ok to feed some of the deer corn to my chickens, maybe as a treat or just a snack???

 

[speckledhen]

I was wondering about that, then I read something on the front of a bag of deer corn that gave me pause. It said something along the lines of no more than a certain percentage of "aflatoxins". Ok, not a good thing. Maybe deer are immune to that, but not chickens, so I dont think I'd get it. It is cheaper, though! So, if someone else who knows more than I do can comment, I'd love to hear it. Here's a link about aflatoxins. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin

 

[devans87]

yeah I read that too. thats why I was asking. I just didnt know if it would hurt them and I knew I would have some around here during deer season, but I guess I'll just feed it to the deer.

 

[antlers]

Corn is corn. Your birds are going to find a LOT worse if they free range. Aflatoxins are in a pink mold that naturally occures on ALL corn. It is more prevaliant in cool moist falls and if you look at the kernals, it will be pink. Most often is on the tip or butt of the ear but is can be all over.

I taught highscool Ag and FFA for many years. I would not hesitate to use it unless it LOOKS spoiled. Even then chickens naturally will scratch in cow manure to get undigested kernals of grains.

 

[devans87]

thanks for the info. I just enjoy feeding my birds new things to see what all they like.

 

[speckledhen]

It is true they'll eat just about anything on-range. I just have a problem buying something that admits it already has aflatoxin in it. Just goes against my grain, no pun intended, LOL.