How to store raw peanuts?

[crazzzymike13]

I have 2 barrel drums full of unshelled raw peanuts and I I just hit the jack pot! Well....... I think. How do I store them? Will they develop mold? I want to use them for feed for my chickens. Feed isn't getting any cheaper, this will sure help. I can also get more if its worth it. Plz any advice!

 

[CluckyCharms]

I'm sure someone else will probably come along with advice or instructions better than this, but if you keep them all in the refrigerator they stay fresh for up to 9 months (in their shells only). Out of their shells is only 3-6 months. BUT - if you start now and dry roast all barrels full and vacuum pack them - they'll all stay fine for a year wherever you put them (that's their shelf life and they don't have to be refrigerated).

Source:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2046432_store-peanuts.html

If it were me and since you have SO many, I would roast them all and get a cheapy vacuum sealer at Wal-Mart.

Apparently - raw peanuts are bad for chickens but this article doesn't say why. I think it's probably because they're not nuts at all..they're legumes.
http://citygirlfarming.com/Chickens/ThingsChickensShouldNotEat.html

YUMMM peanuts I love peanuts, lucky chickens.

 

[Imp]

I have 2 barrel drums full of unshelled raw peanuts and I I just hit the jack pot! Well....... I think. How do I store them? Will they develop mold? I want to use them for feed for my chickens. Feed isn't getting any cheaper, this will sure help. I can also get more if its worth it. Plz any advice!

For you or the chickens or ?

I buy raw peanuts 1 or 2 times a year, in 40 lb bags. I usually just store them in a garbage can, in the garden shed. They've lasted fine. The shed is unheated and open. I'm in a cool damp climate.
There is one thing to be aware of is they may be contaminated with a mold toxin.

Here's some info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin

I've not ever felt the need to worry about it, and never had them get moldy.

Imp- I buy them mostly for the squirrels, but occasionally give them to the chickens. And I've been known to boil a few up and eat them myself. I find they taste rather bad eaten raw.

 

[crazzzymike13]

I got them for my chickens. I figured it would save me a little on my feed bill. I've been thinking maybe I could take a metal barrel and fill in a 1/3 full and put it on a fire and see if it roast them.