How to dispose of bug infested scratch?

[StupidBird]

I've had a 50lb bag of scratch in my garage for a good six months. Just moved the bag (only used about half so far) and it has so many grain weevils in it I could HEAR THEM MOVING! The whole bag sounded like someone rubbing their fingernails around. Gross! Well, it hasn't made the hens sick so far, but what's a safe way to dump this stuff? I don't want to attract any more rodents around here. Haul it off with the household garbage? I'm not going to keep it around to contaminate my other feed and my house. But I hate to waste it if it could be somehow useful.

So, other than inspecting bags really careful when I purchase, how else to keep the bugs out of feed? Haven't had problems with the regular feed, but I go through that in a couple months and don't store extra bags. What's a CHEAP rodent proof, bug proof container? Does it really work to place fragrant herbs (bay leaf) in the grain?

Thanks! Only have five hens...for now.

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

Why not just feed it to your chickens??? We keep ours in an old chest freezer in a room near the birds-cats and chickens keep mice out of it and the chickens keep bugs out of it.

 

[StupidBird]

So if it won't make the birds sick, it's just extra treats, right?

 

[Eggs4Sale]

We always end up with little bugs in the feed. The chickens get extra protein, and the excitement of a chase!

I'd say pour the whole bag in a corner of your yard, but then they'll spend the day gorging and you'll end up with roly-poly chickens who won't be able to move or fly up to their perch and then you'll have to call Nutrisystem and see what their prices are and who really needs the hassle of that? Valerie Bertinelli is great, but I don't want her coming over and squeezing my chickens.

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

They'll be fine- since you have so few birds, I would put in in the feeder- mine can hold quite alot and let them eat as they will

 

[Judy]

I disagree. You are also feeding them bug poop.

I would burn it.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Bugs will infest feed. I'd just toss it out for them to eat like normal.

ddawn - Free range chickens don't eat bug poop?

 

[bantamsrus]

Quote:
I agree--as long as the feed isn't moldy

 

[HEChicken]

Bugs are part of a chicken's natural diet - I would just let them have at it and they'll probably be thrilled.

 

[redhen]

I'd through it out as scratch. As long as its not moldy or anything..