Do bugs in the feed concern you?

[burquechick]

I'm sorry this is happening to you. It sounds to me like this guy is trying to bully you into rolling over and taking inferior feed. What a jerk. Personally, I would go somewhere else (I know that's not an option for you). Probably the reason nobody else complains is because you are the only one buying the feed. If you see moths in there, it's likely that the feed has been sitting around at least a couple of months. Also, I just read that moth poo accelerates mold growth. Maybe you can ask the manager to complain to the manufacturer or ask him to buy his feed elsewhere.

 

[Liamm_1]

I opened a bag of chick starter last night and found maybe 5 weevils on top. I'm assuming seeing 5 on top means there must be hundreds inside the bag? I called Purina, and they said to return it to the store. I'm just worried exchanging it, I'll get some from the same batch. The feed was made Jan 10, so it doesn't seem like a long storage issue.

 

[averytds]

Age isn't the only thing. Improper storage at any point from manufacture to the store can also be at issue.


I've been told the same before, that the bugs would be good for the birds. Not saying the birds don't enjoy them, but the bugs destroy the feed and I don't believe make up for that nutritionally. Since it's the feed that I want and am paying for, that's what I expect to receive, not bugs, webs and powder. I've only had it happen once. Tossed the opened bag to the compost, the other was returned for credit as I wouldn't take another bag from the same batch. They never did get anymore in while I was needing it and I suspect none was actually ordered. Eventually I'm sure they off loaded the rest of that batch on some other poor soul. I've since switched feed stores.


Sometimes, if the infestation has progressed far enough, you will see bugs and webs in the outer creases without needing to even open the bag.

 

[8ROYALS]

If it was me a call to corp off is in order. No one should treat you with anything but respect. The manager should talk to the worker who insulted you on the sales floor. I know that times are tough, but some people lose their jobs because of their poor customer service. Complain higher up...everyone in that store needs to be trained in good customer service. with that said you should either open the bags there or as soon as you get home and store in a different container. Not because you have to, but because you can prove your point. If you are waiting 4 days or more...they could say (not correctly mind you) it has been 4 days...do you have the infestation? Plus if you are having to use extra gas to take feed back...you could drive to another store if you had to for just the peace of mind.

 

[dianaross77]

The other issue with the bugs is that if you bring home a bag infested with moths, they could very well find their way into your stored grains. Flour, dog or cat food, oatmeal, cereal, etc. And while it may be "okay" for chickens, you certainly wouldn't want it in your food. I don't blame you for returning it. There is no excuse for expecting someone to keep a defective/contaminated product. Improper storage is a big problem. They can find their way into the tiniest of holes in a bag. He might be taking advantage of you because he knows he's the only game in town. Could you start opening the bags before you leave the store? Then at least you wouldn't have to make a special trip to the store. And if you ever have to return it again, just say something like, "I hate to be a pain but I'm sure you understand why I don't want an insect problem at home." People hate to disagree with you when you say "Of course you understand...or I'm sure you can." Good for you for being diplomatic. It never hurt to keep the peace as long as you're getting what you want in the end.

 

[speckledhen]

The feed I buy says right on the bag not to feed if bug-infested. You're paying for fresh feed. Bugs deplete the nutrition in the feed and grind it to powder.

 

[al6517]

I think the real issue shows they don't view their poor feed formulating and storage methods as a big deal, I know the bug's won't harm my birds but I didn't pay for tainted poor quality feed, regardless of the fear factor, I want what I pay for good decent feed. is that too much too ask. Fortunately my feed store is a good one and I haven't had these issues but I do see your point and I agree with you.

AL

 

[kla37]

Store managers should be sweating for their jobs right now. Next time you go in just ask the manager very sweetly for his regional VP's phone #, email, and fax number. They HAVE to give it to you. I worked retail for years, and lost 2 idiotic store managers from customers complaining to our VP.

 

[Liamm_1]

To the poster that was told she returns feed too much: I don't know what feed you buy, but I noticed today, on the bag of Purina feed, it states: If you are not satisfied with this product, return it to store for a full refund. So...it doesn't matter if you returned feed before. You bought a new bag and are entitled to the same guarantee, every time you purchase it

 

[Tala]

I've seen a bug or two once or twice, but since it wasn't really infested I let it slide. The chickens don't mind, and at the time I had over 60 birds so they ate it up before the few bugs turned into many.

However, opening the bag and finding webs and lots of bugs, that's just unreasonable and shouldn't be considered "normal" --- perhaps the lack of competition is why your store thinks they can sell this crap. I have a plain ole "local" type feedstore and a TSC within a few miles of each other - competition can be a good thing!
Once you get the grain moths, it's REALLY hard to get rid of them. I know our WalMart had a problem with them on the rice aisle for a while. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the feed store or one of the warehouses got them and had a really hard time getting rid of them. Sounds like your feed store isn't even trying though.