Unopened layer feed

[PastaChickenBoo]

So my chookelz are almost at laying age. We have layer feed that we bought in March but it's never been opened. It's the Encore layer feed from FM Brown. Is it safe to feed to my chickens? It's UNOPENED.
Never touched since MARCH.
I hope I didn't waste $20 for nothing. Even if I can't use it my mom will still feed it to our chooks.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Nutritional value diminishes with time. There should be a date stamp for when it was packaged on the feed tag or bag, what does that say?

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

Haven't checked it, but is it safe to eat in general?
I will check it though.

 

[GC-Raptor]

If it was stored in your house in a cool dry place, and it's not moldy or a strong smell and less than 5 months old from date on bag. It might be OK. But may have lost most of it's nutritional value, as in vitamins. I would not put in my girls feeder.
If it was stored outside, DO NOT FEED, TRASH IT. GC

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

It's stored inside, in our family room. The indoor temp is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and it's dry.

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

The label says "Best Used By 7013:J 011320". No idea what that means.

 

[GC-Raptor]

The label says "Best Used By 7013:J 011320". No idea what that means.

That looks like a Julian date code (7013). 7 is the year 2017. 013 is the 13 day of the year, as January 13. So the code 7013 translates to January 13,2017. GC

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

Does that mean I should throw out that feed?

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

Oh and btw my mom doesn't believe it's outdated b/c we got it in March.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Does that mean I should throw out that feed?

Best used over 6 months ago. I wouldn't let my hens within 10 feet of it. Better safe than sorry. GC