Grain mite at store....Is it Safe?

[Ilovejesus]

My Husband and I were at the farm store and were going to buy chick feed for our chickens but noticed millions of mites on ALL the chicken food begs the whole isle. Is it safe to buy? we didnt buy any that day.

 

[sylviethecochin]

It depends on the type of mites, whether the mites themselves are unsafe for your chickens. If they're living on grain, they're probably not dangerous in and of themselves.

The real question you want to ask yourself is: Do I want to risk buying this bug infestation and any other infestations such dirty, infected feed could carry?

 

[jennyf]

Safe for chickens to eat, technically yes, although I would have walked out without purchasing. Bugs in feed CAN mean it's old or hasn't been stored properly. But ugh, wouldn't want it in my vehicle or brought home where the bugs could potentially contaminate my other animal feed.

 

[Folly's place]

x3!!! Who needs to add bugs to the car? or truck? or coop? Complain at the store, and shop elsewhere! They need to clean things up ASAP> Always pay attention to the mill date on each bag of feed before you buy it. Anything that can't be used well within six weeks of milling is too old. Mary

 

[lazy gardener]

I would run, not walk out of that store just as fast as my little feet would carry me, and make note to self: "take business elsewhere." If animal owners continue to accept substandard feed, that is what they will continue to find available. I would then call the manager, and attempt to have a polite discussion with him regarding what I saw. If no results there, then I'd go to the corporate level. But, that all depends on how much time of your life you are willing to invest fighting a situation that is not likely to change.

 

[Ilovejesus]

Thanks. We bought 3 other bags from there before perfectly fine. So we will see. We might try a feed store.