how long is chick starter good for?

[Zoomom]

Hi,

I bought a bag of chick start and grow back in August for a few chicks and I was wondering if it would still be good or should I dump what's left and get fresh stuff for the new batch of 6 chicks I am hoping to hatch out in 2 weeks? I know it was fresh at the time...I am just not sure on the expiry date. Also, it was stored outside, so it was probably warm for a couple of months, then it was frozen. It isn't moldy and still is dry as it was in a closed protected bin in the shed.

Thanks for any advice.

Zoomom

 

[TajMahalChickens]

I don't know about August... That seems awfully long ago. Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens says that feed should be used within 4 weeks of being milled for optimal nutritional value. I've noticed that this book is always a bit conservative when giving numbers, but I think August is too far away. Maybe if it was frozen the whole time it would be better, but it started normal, then froze, then thawed again. I'd probably say no.

 

[Zoomom]

Thanks for the advice. I guess that means I should dump it in the compost bin and get fresh stuff. I don't want to risk the chicks with bad feed.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Even in Canada if it was purchased in August it'll make excellent fertilizer.

Here in Florida I'll keep milled feed across the winter months but not the summer. If the weather is warm I like to have it used up and gone within six weeks or so.

Whole grains are different.

 

[Zoomom]

Thanks. I don't like to have my feed last too long either, but it's hard with a small flock and I can only purchase in 50lb bags. If there was a 25 lb bag option I would go for that, as I find a 50lb bag lasts me 3 or 4 months with only 3 hens. It was going down faster when I had the 4 hens, 2 being RIR X. So I hope after these chicks grow up enough to eat the layer feed it will be eaten in a more reasonable amount of time. I am hoping to end up with 6 layers total, and any chickens above that number will be going to a new home.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It depends on how it was stored. If in a dark, dry, cool area then it's fine. Geesh, otherwise that would be like saying seeds gathered last fall wont sprout!

 

[Zoomom]

Does it make a difference if it looks like real seeds or it look like crumbs with everything evenly mixed?
Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

you can feed your chick food to the whole flock it won't hurt them just be sure to put Oyster shell out for the layers. even my ducks eat it. I guess baby food tastes good.

 

[Zoomom]

The only other thing I'm worried about doing that is that it is medicated for coccidia - I didn't realize when I bought it.
Would that affect my eating eggs?

 

[naakte]

I would find someone in your area who also only has a few chickies and share a bag. maybe the feed store would let you post a sign in their store.

Donna in Branson