Maggots in feed

[Fritatta]

absolutely Id make sure the store knows, and get a replacement bag.

But try to keep it. freeze it, bugs and all, and you'll have plenty of treats for them!

 

[Capvin]

When I opened the bag I pour the entire contents into my feed barrel. The barrel is air tight. When I was pouring the contents is when I noticed these web like things with white larvae. I have told TSC and they offered to give me another bag for free. My question right now is, What are those things?? I am somewhat sure that it will not hurt the chickens, I just do not like seeing all that stuff in the feed.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Quote:
Won't hurt the chickens, those are just the larva that will grow into the little moth's that like to infest grain etc.

 

[crazygoatlady915]

THROW IT AWAY!!!!

(in the parking lot!!

)

 

[rooneycrew]

I would let them eat it! They would probably love that! But, I would agree...call TSC and at least let them know about it!

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
Won't hurt the chickens, those are just the larva that will grow into the little moth's that like to infest grain etc.

x2

Since they already plan on giving you another bag...just use this one up first. I would make sure to wash the container out well before pouring in a new batch to make sure there are no moth eggs in it. We sometimes have to do that with our dog food. The larva and moths are treats to the chickens and the larva don't eat that much feed or leave that much poo to worry about.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
I disagree with you, Tony. She didn't pay for a bag of bugs. She paid for fresh feed. Those bugs completely depleted the vitamin content of the feed. Every bag of feed I buy has a warning not to feed bug-infested feed. It means it has been improperly stored or is old and certainly is not what you are paying good money for. I return any bag of feed with bugs in it. They get bugs on range and I certainly don't need to pay good money for that. Why let them get away with selling substandard product?

Will it kill the chickens? Probably not. It won't have the vitamin/mineral content you're paying for, though.

 

[ShanCarl1971]

Quote:
They are Flour Moth larvae.... they will not hurt your chickens..... they will continue to eat at the feed, multiply like crazy, and cause an infestation if you don't do something with them. They thrive in the heat, so if you seperate the food into smaller containers and store it in the freezer, you can still safely use it. Also, you need to wash out your food bin and MAKE SURE you kill every moth you see flying around!!!!! You will see the little coccoons in corners and crevices of anything!! Get rid of those promptly as well!!!! They will get into ANY kind of grain ..... so if you don't take care of them, they will infest any other chicken food or animal food that you have. If they get into your house, they will also get into flour, rice, cereal, oatmeal, any kind of baking mixes, etc. They can chew right into boxes and bags. (many years of experience with these!!!!!!!!)

 

[ShanCarl1971]

I do agree that you should get that replacement bag of food, though........ if nothing else, for the pure aggravation of having to deal with the moths!!!! You didn't pay for feed to end up having to deal with that!

Edited to add this: If your feed is somewhere that it is safe to do so, you can hang up those sticky fly strips....... something about the fly attractants in them also attracts the moths ....... they also make a Flour Moth trap made with the pheromones and sticky pad that sits on a shelf, but the fly strips are MUCH cheaper.