Stupid question - feed

[mcjessen]

Okay, this may be a stupid question but how would I know if my chicken feed has gone moldy or bad? Visible mold and/or a rotten smell are obvious signs but is it possible that feed could go bad without the human knowing it?

I have my feed stored in a 5 gallon bucket in a shed outside. The remaining is kept in the original bag in the corner of the shed. I have never seen any indication of moisture in the feed.

 

[southerndesert]

Normally it will indeed smell bad or will show visible signs like mold etc. and dampness is an enemy, but if dry and cool should last several months. Some nutrition is likely lost after several months, but not enough to worry over if the feed is still good.

Weevils are another possibility after long storage as most food comes with eggs already in it and using a small amount of DE in your storage container can help stop them from getting a foothold.




Edit for my bad spelling

 

[Oregon Blues]

I always give feed the sniff test. Checking for off odors. If you keep it dry, it shouldn't spoil.

 

[mcjessen]

Ok thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

 

[cmom]

I keep my feed in 5 gal buckets but I go through a lot of feed so it doesn't last long here. I have 6 - 40# feeders and a lot of chickens.