expired medicated starter feed

[FrostRanger]

Kalmbach got back to me and said that this feed should last for 12 months. For reference, their website says 6 months for all feed except 9-12 months for packages under 12#. However, they are going to send me a fresh replacement bag. It likely won't be here before the chicks, so I still think I need to try to find something else.

Get a small bag from tractor supply to hold you over until the new feed arrives

 

[NatJ]

Kalmbach got back to me and said that this feed should last for 12 months. For reference, their website says 6 months for all feed except 9-12 months for packages under 12#. However, they are going to send me a fresh replacement bag. It likely won't be here before the chicks, so I still think I need to try to find something else.

In that case, I would just use the old feed when the chicks arrive, and when the new feed arrives you can switch them to it.

 

[gtaus]

I would not throw "expired" feed out unless it was moldy, or otherwise not healthy. Old feed gradually loses nutrients, but it is still OK for use beyond the "expiration" date if not moldy. In your case, with a fresh replacement bag coming in a few weeks after you get your chicks, I would probably buy some fresh feed now, mix in your old feed, and continue that when you get your new bag of feed. With 18 chicks, I can see you going through 3 or more bags of feed as they grow. I would not waste the older feed unless it was unfit for consumption.

Whatever you decide, I am just saying that I would never throw out "expired" feed unless it obviously went bad. Feed is expensive. I would do everything I could to find a use for it. Good luck.

FWIW, if you change feed brands or feed types, it's usually best to gradually mix in the new feed for a number of days before using the new feed 100%. It seems to help both chicks and chickens to make the transition to a new feed.

Welcome to the BYC forums and hope to hear more about your flock in the future!

 

[Perris]

"Some evidence suggests that young birds require a fairly diverse diet to meet all their needs during growth. In addition to the obvious needs for protein and calories for tissue synthesis and metabolism respectively, calcium is needed for skeletal development, and a variety of trace elements are needed as well. Several studies have shown birds apparently diversifying the diet they rear their young on...many species engage in this behaviour in the early days of the nestling period when tissue synthesis is intense; diet breadth narrows as the nestlings grow older and energy needs become dominant. Several studies have shown that nestlings deprived of these 'special' items develop pathological symptoms." The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Ornithology 1991: 248. So using up old feed on the youngest birds is the worst thing you could do.

 

[aschluet]

Well, it turns out My Pet Chicken decided it wasn't safe to ship chicks on Tuesday. Now they have me scheduled for 3/24 instead. I'm glad they didn't just ship anyway if it's not safe. However, I go back to work early April (depending on weather). It's going to be really tough giving them all the care they need. Plus, the fresh (2 months) feed I got yesterday will be another 6 months old! Never a dull moment I guess.

 

[FrostRanger]

Well, it turns out My Pet Chicken decided it wasn't safe to ship chicks on Tuesday. Now they have me scheduled for 3/24 instead. I'm glad they didn't just ship anyway if it's not safe. However, I go back to work early April (depending on weather). It's going to be really tough giving them all the care they need. Plus, the fresh (2 months) feed I got yesterday will be another 6 months old! Never a dull moment I guess.

It should be alright, as long as they have food, water and warmth, they should be just fine if you have to work for the day