Is this hemp bedding moldy?

[Kaw-Liga]

Hi, guys. I’ve never used hemp bedding before - took a leap and bought the big bag of Eaton hemp bedding. Opened the bag and used some three days ago, the rest has been stored in the original bag in my office since.

Went to grab some to clean out a small coop, and, for some reason, I don’t feel like it looked like this previously - specifically, darker pieces, spotty pieces, etc.

Does it look moldy to anyone with experience with hemp bedding?

All input welcome.

 

[DobieLover]

It doesn't look like it. What does it smell like?

 

[Kaw-Liga]

It doesn't look like it. What does it smell like?

No abnormal or musty smell. My instinct upon reopening the bag to use them was that the color looked funky - like if my pine shavings were the same color/had as much spottiness to them, I’d probably trash them.

I’m sure it’s not easy for anyone to tell by the pictures, but. To be cautious, I didn’t replace the bedding with them, which is a shame because the bag was like $80.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Looks ok to me. If it doesn't smell off (hemp should have a nice fresh odor like good hay) it should be fine.

Mold in bedding isn't the same as mold in feed, as the chickens shouldn't be eating it. Like it's normal and even desirable to find mold and fungus in other bedding materials like wood chips as it's what helps the bedding break down.