Feed issue, wet bag

[Kris5902]

So, I’m down to my last bag of feed... NP I’ve got it figured out as far as consumption goes, there will be plenty until my order comes in Thursday... I go out to transfer it from the cab of my truck to a bucket... and I found out what that smell in the truck was, my feed!

We’ve had horrible weather, snow, and cold, and I couldn’t get the feed up to my barn. Somehow the floor of the truck got we and the bag on the floor got soaked from the bottom up. You can imagine how much fun this was when I lifted the bag out. I pulled out the wet clumps, I don’t see any mold, but there is a sour nasty smell (not a good fermented one!) to the remaining pellets. I’ve given it to them anyway, because it’s all I have ATM.

Thoughts on how bad this is/ what I should do until Thursday? I’m thinking I might be able to borrow a bag of layer from a neighbor to tide me over, but my chickens aren’t laying yet... hopefully one week of it won’t be too bad for them?

 

[cassie]

This isn't good, but since chickens are by nature scavengers, it probably won't hurt them. It might be worth a try to put some of the wet feed in a bucket, add water, and try to ferment it for real.

 

[Kris5902]

I’m going to scrap the bag (it is not a good smell, closer to rancid than fermented!)... and try to find something to do until my shipment comes in... I’m going to have some very, very happy mice, raccoons, and raven shortly in the nearby trees.

 

[BullChick]

Dog food won’t kill them. I assume you have dogs.

 

[Melky]

I’m going to scrap the bag (it is not a good smell, closer to rancid than fermented!)... and try to find something to do until my shipment comes in... I’m going to have some very, very happy mice, raccoons, and raven shortly in the nearby trees.

Just go to local feed store TSC etc. and get enough to tide you over and throw out feed. Not worth the risk of making the birds sick.

 

[Kris5902]

Just go to local feed store TSC etc. and get enough to tide you over and throw out feed. Not worth the risk of making the birds sick.

Thanks but I can’t. I live on an island and cannot go until Thursday, I have to feed too many animals to catch the ferry in the morning... we are in the thick of lambing, 14 yesterday!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Thanks but I can’t. I live on an island and cannot go until Thursday, I have to feed too many animals to catch the ferry in the morning... we are in the thick of lambing, 14 yesterday!

And ain't it like a thousand dollar or something ridiculous just to ride a ferry?

 

[Ribh]

Thanks but I can’t. I live on an island and cannot go until Thursday, I have to feed too many animals to catch the ferry in the morning... we are in the thick of lambing, 14 yesterday!

Islander also, so I feel your pain. Do you have neighbours you could beg their kitchen scraps from? It's only for a day or so... or too many birds for something like that? Maybe someone on island would be prepared to either pick some feed up in town for you or sell you their extra? Do you have an island courier who would do something like that?

 

[Kris5902]

Also, I’ve ordered an extra bag for Thursday! I’d rather have some extra on hand but with our hills, dirt roads, and the recent freak weather we couldn’t get our trucks out. Out of the 30-40 people who live on this side of the island only 5 vehicles were able to get up the hill in the snow, and I didn’t want to make the day long trip in just for feed as I need some lumber and groceries as well (before the bag incident). Thankfully the couple feet of snow has melted now.

I got a response, and will be able to borrow some layer pellets from a neighbor until I can get in.

I’d have to start feeding at about 3 am while it’s full dark to make the morning ferry so I can get home the same day. The cows don’t mind it, but it freaks me out feeding them in full dark in the trees. They are ninja cows that sneak up on you, then, out of nowhere, the bull is at you elbow trying to “help” you move the bale of hay and you’re surrounded by the glowing predatory bovine eyes! It’s creepy...

 

[Ribh]

Also, I’ve ordered an extra bag for Thursday! I’d rather have some extra on hand but with our hills, dirt roads, and the recent freak weather we couldn’t get our trucks out. Out of the 30-40 people who live on this side of the island only 5 vehicles were able to get up the hill in the snow, and I didn’t want to make the day long trip in just for feed as I need some lumber and groceries as well (before the bag incident). Thankfully the couple feet of snow has melted now.

I got a response, and will be able to borrow some layer pellets from a neighbor until I can get in.

I’d have to start feeding at about 3 am while it’s full dark to make the morning ferry so I can get home the same day. The cows don’t mind it, but it freaks me out feeding them in full dark in the trees. They are ninja cows that sneak up on you, then, out of nowhere, the bull is at you elbow trying to “help” you move the bale of hay and you’re surrounded by the glowing predatory bovine eyes! It’s creepy...

UGH. I have an trip to town today ~ & yes, it will be an all dayer. So glad someone could help out!