Moldy Feed Problem

[mrbillinny]

I have 5 two week old chicks and just noticed the bag of chick starter feed is all moldy.
Can I chop up some layer feed and give that to them for a day until I can get to the store and buy more started feed?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill

 

[azygous]

Best not to feed them layer feed. Have you got oatmeal on hand? Farina? You can cook those cereals and feed to the babies. Also, minced boiled or scrambles eggs. Tofu if you have it on hand is terrific for chicks crumbled up.

 

[trudyg]

I have a bag of feed that was in the garage for several weeks. It's not moldy and smells really good and fresh, but it seems to have clumps in it--maybe from damp? I don't know. the garage is hot and dry. Anyway, I've been hesitant to feed it but I can see no evidence of spoilage and it smells fine. Should I feed it or toss it? By toss, I mean dump it in my yard for whatever wants to peck at it but my birds can't get at it.

 

[shortgrass]

I have 5 two week old chicks and just noticed the bag of chick starter feed is all moldy.
Can I chop up some layer feed and give that to them for a day until I can get to the store and buy more started feed?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill

A day or 2 won't hurt them; they'll be OK until you can get more

I have a bag of feed that was in the garage for several weeks.  It's not moldy and smells really good and fresh, but it seems to have clumps in it--maybe from damp?  I don't know. the garage is hot and dry.  Anyway, I've been hesitant to feed it but I can see no evidence of spoilage and it smells fine.  Should I feed it or toss it?  By toss, I mean dump it in my yard for whatever wants to peck at it but my birds can't get at it.

If you're hesitant, then by all means, toss it to the wild birds... But sometimes clumps can form just from settling in the bag, not necessarily moldy.

If in doubt, throw it out

 

[lazy gardener]

I have 5 two week old chicks and just noticed the bag of chick starter feed is all moldy.
Can I chop up some layer feed and give that to them for a day until I can get to the store and buy more started feed?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill

Yes, you can give them layer chopped up for a few days. Get rid of that moldy feed. It's not even fit for wild birds. They wouldn't touch it anyways. Trash, or compost. You might want to look around and see if you can find a less humid storage option. Were you perhaps storing it in the basement or garage in an open bag set on a cement floor? It will wick moisture from the floor.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

If you don't see or smell mold it's fine for you birds. Layer feed is completely fine to feed for a short time. The effects of excess calcium take very prolonged periods of time. It's accumulative deterioration of organs. A few days or weeks wont hurt anything. To put in perspective say you allow your cock bird to eat layer feed with the hens. His life expectancy of 7+ year would likely be closer to 5 years of age.

One side effect of added calcium fed to pullets prior to lay that should be avoided is setting of their pelvic bones too early. If the bones surrounding reproductive area set too soon when narrow it can result in laying problems and potential for egg bound. But again, days or few weeks wont hurt anything.

 

[Elliot123]

I have a bag of feed that was in the garage for several weeks. It's not moldy and smells really good and fresh, but it seems to have clumps in it--maybe from damp? I don't know. the garage is hot and dry. Anyway, I've been hesitant to feed it but I can see no evidence of spoilage and it smells fine. Should I feed it or toss it? By toss, I mean dump it in my yard for whatever wants to peck at it but my birds can't get at it.

I feed clumpy feed to my chickens, but they are older and can handle it..


Thanks Elliot123

Check out my forum at: Which is better? Isa Browns or Barred Rocks?

 

[MeepBeep]

As said a few days of layer won't hurt them, you can toss in some scrambled eggs for extra protein if you want...

I have to ask, why did the feed go moldy? Any storage issue you should address that before buying more to avoid a repeat... Bags of feed properly stored should keep for months without any mold issues...

Old fashioned galvanized steel garbage cans work great for feed storage, they are rodent proof and mostly moisture proof... Feed should be stored in a dry and cool environment...

 

[Folly's place]

Have you checked the date on the bag? If you are storing it in a very dry place, maybe it's old from the store, and could be returned, or at least complained about. Mary

 

[bigmomma85]

What about buy bag chick starter, and is mostly dust? Is still okay feed? My chicks skinny, maybe add a fattening up liquid to feed? Sorry only have meat bird in Germany before. To one with moldy feed, can maybe get can of dehydrator pellets to put in can with feed. Like little packet that comes with shoes, but bigger.