I found this in my layers feed

[Lesserevil]

Now I buy feed weekly from a farm that makes their own feed and the stuff is amazing. But I found like 7 of these in a bag. Now I keep my bags super secure and tied up in the shade, no humidity etc. I reached out to the em ur they never got back to me. What could it be. It's crunchy and hard

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Could be anything, but kinda looks like charcoal.

 

[nuthatched]

Looks like a vitamin wad or charcoal

 

[Lesserevil]

Thanks you all much appreciated

 

[redinator]

Found this using Google:

Charcoal, particularly activated carbon, can be a beneficial addition to chicken feed, offering several advantages for both the chickens and their environment. It helps improve digestion, reduce odors, and potentially enhance overall health. A small amount of charcoal, typically 1-2% of the feed, is usually sufficient.

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

• Improved Digestion:
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  Charcoal can help adsorb toxins and pollutants in the digestive tract, promoting better digestive health and potentially reducing the risk of issues like indigestion.
  
  
• Odor Control:
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  Charcoal's porous structure allows it to bind to volatile compounds in chicken manure, significantly reducing unpleasant odors in the coop. This is especially helpful for deep-litter systems where ammonia can be a concern.
  
  
• Reduced Ammonia:
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  By binding with uric acid in manure, charcoal can help convert it to ammonium, which is less harmful and produces less ammonia gas.
  
  
• Potential Disease Prevention:
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  Some studies suggest that charcoal may help prevent coccidiosis, a common poultry disease, and aid in expelling worms and worm eggs.
  
  
• Enhanced Fertilizer:
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  The charcoal-treated manure can also be a better fertilizer for gardens, as it can be a more effective source of nitrogen.
  
  
• Overall Health:
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  Some sources suggest that chickens fed charcoal may show signs of better overall health, including improved weight gain and feather quality.
  

When adding charcoal to chicken feed, it's recommended to use a sandy, coarse form rather than a fine powder to prevent respiratory issues. A common practice is to mix charcoal with the feed at a ratio of 1-2%. Some farmers also provide a separate bowl of charcoal so the chickens can self-regulate their intake.