How do you store feed long term , and how long is it good for?

[thekuligs]

As my flock increases, and we need more food I really want to start keeping more on hand. But I need to know how best to store it for long term, and how long it's good for. Help?

 

[QueenMisha]

I store small amounts of feed in metal trashcans, and pallets/half pallets/more than a few bags are stacked in the bag in our tractor trailer.

Depending on how fresh it is (feed from a small, local company will be much fresher than feed from a big company like Purina or Nutrena), it can last 4-8 months. After that it will lose nutrients but as long as it stays dry and cool it will most likely remain edible until at least 12 months.

 

[thekuligs]

Thank you!

 

[Folly's place]

It's going to loose quality by three months at most; vitamins are the issue, and mold. I buy from feed stores with high turnover, and store no more than one or maybe two month's worth, in metal garbage cans. You can check the dating on the bags too. Ordering in bulk with neighbors might be possible, but storing feed too long is false economy. mary

 

[lazy gardener]

If the feed is milled it looses nutrient and starts to go rancid within 2 weeks, according to Harvey Ussery. (The Small Poultry Flock Keeper) I always check the date of the feed at the store before bringing it home. My local TSC has feed out on the shelves that is well over 2 months old. And they are the biggest feed supplier in the area. Last time I bought feed from them (because I was in a time crunch, and happened to be in the area) I had to move over 200 # of feed before I could find a bag that had a reasonable mill date on it.

 

[Folly's place]

I bought Flock Raiser at my local TSC yesterday, dated August 28. Fresh is good! Mary

 

[lazy gardener]

Good for you Mary! I can never find it that fresh in my area, no matter where I buy it. However, when Blue Seal has their "Truck Sales", I think I may start buying some up ahead, b/c it SHOULD have just come in.