Did my feed go rancid?

[Citybloom]

Hi all,

I just went to feed my flock and was nearly knocked out by the smell when I opened the feed storage bin! Instantly I could tell something was off and I slammed the lid shut. I went to the basement where the rest of our storage bins are, and every last one has the same problem. There is what appears to be a thick layer (uneven mounds up to 1/2") of very fine, light- to medium- colored brown dust on top of the feed within all of the containers, and the smell is absolutely horrendous. I don't have any intention of feeding this to my hens, but I'm quite curious as to what caused this problem? Also, what health concerns could this present to the hens if they have been fed this product?

Some of the bins are plastic, some are metal containers. This is the same storage method, type of feed, and from the same supplier that we have sourced for the past 5 years. The last time I personally fed the hens was about a month ago, and when I opened two of the bins at that time I did not notice any of these symptoms. One of my coworkers is the usual caretaker, I have not been able to reach them today to question how long this has been going on for, but I am under the impression they have been feeding the hens this disgusting product. I am sure they would have noticed the off-putting fragrance but I'm no longer surprised at what people overlook and don't think twice about.

Any insight to what we're experiencing over here would be appreciated! The internet sleuthing I've done so far hasn't quite been able to show me anything that seems the same as what I have going on.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located? Is it warm where you are at? Dust will often indicate weevils or other bugs in the feed. I definitely wouldn't feed any suspicious feeds.

 

[Notaneggspurt]

I know it would be super difficult to distinguish when a small is that bad, but can you tell if it only smells like rotten feed or if it smells like dead animal?

Contact your feed supplier asap to see if they've had any issues. Since you are going to be replacing it all be good to know it wasn't caused from the source.

 

[Citybloom]

Where are you located? Is it warm where you are at? Dust will often indicate weevils or other bugs in the feed. I definitely wouldn't feed any suspicious feeds.

Located in central NJ. The majority of the feed is stored in our basement, which is probably around 60-65F at this time of year. The feed is sourced from PA.

Would weevils cause a wretched smell? Perhaps a build-up of their excrement? Or if they've eaten through all the feed, perhaps now they're dying off and it's the smell of dead weevils?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Where are you located? You may want to update your profile with your location, one less question we'd as when replying. Gives us insight to your time zone, weather probability as well as predators.

Has it been extra humid/wet in your area?
How long has the feed been stored?
You may want to check with the feed store, you may want to return the feed. It could have started there.

I only have 4 - 6 chickens & I ferment my feed, here we get only 50# bags. I store in plastic bin and purchase bags as I need to prevent issues. Last year had several bags go bad on me. Weather wise it was wet & humid and our feed store stores their shipment in a warehouse. I started freezing my feed, breaking down the bag into 2 gallon freezer ziplock bags, taking out & defrosting over night with the bag open to release condensation. So far I haven't had any issues.

 

[Notaneggspurt]

Also go out to their current feeders and take a sniff. If youth can't smell it out there it may be a recent development that happened between the last time their feeders were filled.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Sorry, I don't have an answer to the question of what happened to the feed. I have not had a problem with my feed, but I only buy 100 pounds (2 bags) at a time.
I recommend that you also contact your supplier and see if they have had problems reported with that batch of feed. It sounds like it may be something that was introduced at the source, not at your place.
Unless they are feeding out of multiple bins with the same scoop and transferring the contaminant to all the bins.

 

[Citybloom]

I left a message with the supplier(they're not open today) to determine if they've heard of this problem from anyone else. I have already started looking at new sources; Regardless of whether this is a supplier issue or not, we are keeping a significantly smaller flock now so I won't be buying in bulk anymore.

Given that all the bins have the same issue, and they are stored in separate areas and in bins constructed of different materials, I am leaning towards this being a problem that our feed came with. However, we purchased it in bulk several months ago and a return isn't a feasible option in my opinion. More so, it's just a lesson learned. I'm just glad to be aware of it now before our hens are subjected to it for any longer.

I like the idea of freezing the feed, but I'm not sure we can accommodate that. Would storing it in a refrigerated unit be effective? We have a large walk-in fridge which I could probably secure some space in.

Thanks for the feedback, I am new to this community and very appreciative of the responses and guidance (I'll work on updating my profile with more info for the future!).

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Located in central NJ. The majority of the feed is stored in our basement, which is probably around 60-65F at this time of year. The feed is sourced from PA.

Would weevils cause a wretched smell? Perhaps a build-up of their excrement? Or if they've eaten through all the feed, perhaps now they're dying off and it's the smell of dead weevils?

If possible I would try to dump out the feed and see if you see any bugs or other reason for the smell. In warmer weather my feed will start to smell a bit like ammonia if it's getting too warm. If yours stinks worse I might think mold.

What brand is it? Some feeds have ingredients that could possibly smell or go bad quicker.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I left a message with the supplier(they're not open today) to determine if they've heard of this problem from anyone else. I have already started looking at new sources; Regardless of whether this is a supplier issue or not, we are keeping a significantly smaller flock now so I won't be buying in bulk anymore.

Given that all the bins have the same issue, and they are stored in separate areas and in bins constructed of different materials, I am leaning towards this being a problem that our feed came with. However, we purchased it in bulk several months ago and a return isn't a feasible option in my opinion. More so, it's just a lesson learned. I'm just glad to be aware of it now before our hens are subjected to it for any longer.

I like the idea of freezing the feed, but I'm not sure we can accommodate that. Would storing it in a refrigerated unit be effective? We have a large walk-in fridge which I could probably secure some space in.

Thanks for the feedback, I am new to this community and very appreciative of the responses and guidance (I'll work on updating my profile with more info for the future!).

Feed shouldn't be kept for than a few weeks. It will start to deteriorate which is probably what is happening.