Insect infested feed really bad?

[fowlsessed]

I have about a hundred ponds of feed that's crawling with these tiny little bugs, and I was wondering if feeding this is really bad? I mean, chickens eat bugs anyway so if they ingest some what could be the worst that would happen? Thanks

 

[donnavee]

Not sure if it is bad or not, but I got a 50lb bag of game bird feed that had some type of little crawly insects in it. I kept it in a trash can outside and fed it to my chickens like scratch with no problems. The insects eventually all crawled out of the bag and died in the bottom of the can. So, none of my girls have gotten sick - in fact they love the stuff. I would think if it's not moldy, it's probably OK. Otherwise, if you are worried I would return it to the feed store.

 

[Nambroth]

I have about a hundred ponds of feed that's crawling with these tiny little bugs, and I was wondering if feeding this is really bad? I mean, chickens eat bugs anyway so if they ingest some what could be the worst that would happen? Thanks

If there is no mold or mildew, the feed probably isn't dangerous to feed.
Be advised though, that the insects are in there eating the feed, and so there is the chance that if you feed it to your chickens they will be getting less nutrition, or less balanced nutrition.

I hope this helps you to make a decision!

If you need a way to kill the insects (so that they don't infest any new feed you bring home) but you don't want to discard the feed that they are infesting, consider mixing Food Grade (specifically!) Diatomaceous Earth into the feed. It will kill most small insects within a few days if mixed thoroughly. The D.E. will not harm your chickens unless you overdo it. Many people intentionally feed some D.E. to their chickens.

Best of luck to you! Sorry you had this problem!

 

[fowlsessed]

Thank you both. I do have food grade DE, so I'l try that while feeding it.