Everything I have read says how important it is to get fresh feed. I do not trust my local feedstore. They have out a giant bin of small bags of the purina start and grow for $3.99 a bag. These are dated January of 08. Is this now old? I'm sure they have this for sale with the "Free" Easter chick they give away. Exactly what is a good "lifespan" on feed anyway and are the bags dated with a manufacture date or a use by date like a jug of milk?
My chicks will be here the 20th of this month. The only other place close to me who carries Chicken feed is Tractor Supply and it's a good 30 minutes away in an area where people still commonly keep livestock. I'm making a trip there later this week to get the wire for my run and a bag of pine shavings. I looked online and the feed brand I see they carry is called DuMor. It is a starter/grower and says 20%. What does that mean? Is this a good brand/ option? I would like to go ahead and purchase the feed when I go this week if possible since this store is out of my way and with gas costing what it does. I plan to get the 20 lb bag and I have 5 cochin chicks (maybe extras too I guess) coming from Ideal. I would hope this should last them a few weeks and the feed not be considered out of date by the time I get to the bottom of the bag. I have a spare fridge in the garage. If I keep the feed in there will it stay fresh longer? Also the information online says no other vitamins are necessary, but out to the side it says other products and lists "chick grit", would this be needed in addition to the starter/grower? Any advice is appreciated.
My chicks will be here the 20th of this month. The only other place close to me who carries Chicken feed is Tractor Supply and it's a good 30 minutes away in an area where people still commonly keep livestock. I'm making a trip there later this week to get the wire for my run and a bag of pine shavings. I looked online and the feed brand I see they carry is called DuMor. It is a starter/grower and says 20%. What does that mean? Is this a good brand/ option? I would like to go ahead and purchase the feed when I go this week if possible since this store is out of my way and with gas costing what it does. I plan to get the 20 lb bag and I have 5 cochin chicks (maybe extras too I guess) coming from Ideal. I would hope this should last them a few weeks and the feed not be considered out of date by the time I get to the bottom of the bag. I have a spare fridge in the garage. If I keep the feed in there will it stay fresh longer? Also the information online says no other vitamins are necessary, but out to the side it says other products and lists "chick grit", would this be needed in addition to the starter/grower? Any advice is appreciated.
