Packing feathers and eating them.

[aart]

And pay attention to the mill date on each bag of feed! It should be within a month or less.

This is rather unreasonable IMO.
Granted fresher is better, but many places aren't going to have feed that fresh.
Anything less than 3 months is probably fine.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have fed feed stored at room temperature, that was 5 months old, when used up with no decrease in egg production or illness.
I do look for the freshest feed when I go shopping.
Manufacturers of feed add Preservatives to keep feed fresh up to 6 months when stored at room temperature.

.
A bag of feed lasts me 5 weeks in winter to 2 1/2 months in the summer. GC

 

[aart]

Manufacturers of feed add Preservatives to keep feed fresh up to 6 months when stored at room temperature.

But...there is no 'expiration date' on feeds(that I know of) so it has not been tested,
especially regarding the vitamin aspect let alone the nutritive values of the grains used.
I had some 6 month old feed, a couple times, birds definitely did not do as well on it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

But...there is no 'expiration date' on feeds(that I know of) so it has not been tested,

You are correct, this is just what I have read in the past. And like I said I have had feed that was 5 months old when it was used up. I have not fed older feed than that. I will remove bags at the store to get to fresher bags underneath. But many times the feed on top is fresher.
I keep my feed in the coolest room in my house, tightly closed, with a bag clip. . I have two 6 gallon cans in the storage area of my coop. One for feed and one for mixed bird seed. They hold up to 30# each. I add half a bag to storage can when I need to refill my 12# galvanized feeder. The can may sit empty for a week, before refilling.
Keeping feed at a constant cool temperature is crucial to stay fresh longer. Reason I keep it in my house till needed. GC

 

[Robert G]

Scratch is NOT a balanced diet!!! It's meant as a treat only. Mine is only 8% protein, and unbalanced in other ways too. Get an all-flock feed that's 18% to 20% protein, and offer the oyster shell on the side.
And pay attention to the mill date on each bag of feed! It should be within a month or less.
Mary

I did that this weekend. The feed I bought has 16% protein. Hopefully it helps.

 

[Teila]

Hey Robert

I have not experienced this issue myself but just wanted to mention that you might also find this previous discussion helpful:
Topic of the Week - Feather Pecking/Eating

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[coloradowildflower]

You may also want to look at your light source in the coop. If you have light on at night, use a red bulb. Bright light can stress the birds and cause/exacerbate picking.