Why is all the feed so old in stores?

[Auntiejessi3]

oh - I apologize. I just double checked and in fact the Modesto Milling is priced similarly to what I pay in stores. I wonder how they do it. It’s the S&P where a 25lb bag at Chewy is the price of a large bag at the store.
But then I can’t check the date on the bag I get at all… they probably don’t offer free returns, and I don’t want to be stuck with a bag I can’t use…

I have been buying my feed from them for years and only ever received 1 bag that was 4 months old (which doesn't work for me) I emailed them with a picture attached and they shipped me another bag free of charge that had a great date. I gave the other bag away

 

[Stephine]

I have been buying my feed from them for years and only ever received 1 bag that was 4 months old (which doesn't work for me) I emailed them with a picture attached and they shipped me another bag free of charge that had a great date. I gave the other bag away

ok, I might give that a try then, if my last two local options fall through. I don’t like to buy from the huge stores, but sometimes there’s no way around it! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

ok, I might give that a try then, if my last two local options fall through. I don’t like to buy from the huge stores, but sometimes there’s no way around it! Thanks for the tip!

You are very welcome

 

[Some Old Guy]

When stored properly in dry, moderate temperature conditions, feed can be stored for up to 4 months, although we recommend usage within 60 days in hot, humid summer months and 90 days in cooler months.

Whole grains actually keep quite well, because the shell keeps it from oxidizing. It’s when it is ground up and mixed with other ingredients and pressed into pellets that the shelf life really suffers, so the manufacturing date is the one that’s important.

I realize this conversation is getting a little old - but the posts I've quoted are worth thinking about.

Milled feeds begin losing vitamins and nutrients starting the day they are milled. Grains that are not milled are good for at least a year, many are good for several years. I've read of grains being removed from the pyramids, thousands of years old, and germinating. So, in the very best of all possible worlds, you would purchase the whole grains, and mill your own feed at home every month.

So, "feed" for thought - if you can find a whole grain feed that your birds like, you won't need to worry so much about expiration dates.

 

[Stephine]

I realize this conversation is getting a little old - but the posts I've quoted are worth thinking about.

Milled feeds begin losing vitamins and nutrients starting the day they are milled. Grains that are not milled are good for at least a year, many are good for several years. I've read of grains being removed from the pyramids, thousands of years old, and germinating. So, in the very best of all possible worlds, you would purchase the whole grains, and mill your own feed at home every month.

So, "feed" for thought - if you can find a whole grain feed that your birds like, you won't need to worry so much about expiration dates.

Trouble with mixing your own whole grain feed is that the birds will pick and choose. Favorite bits go first and to the top hens. Stuff they don’t care for gets left behind. No one gets a balanced diet. I have tried it.
My flock did much better on pellets.
I am lucky, I am now buying feed from our local mill and it’s fresh and so much less expensive, too!

 

[Loving my girls]

I realize this conversation is getting a little old - but the posts I've quoted are worth thinking about.

Milled feeds begin losing vitamins and nutrients starting the day they are milled. Grains that are not milled are good for at least a year, many are good for several years. I've read of grains being removed from the pyramids, thousands of years old, and germinating. So, in the very best of all possible worlds, you would purchase the whole grains, and mill your own feed at home every month.

So, "feed" for thought - if you can find a whole grain feed that your birds like, you won't need to worry so much about expiration dates.

I bourght some once covered with a layer of mould !
The shop was both embarrassed and shocked. I forgave them but still buy it elsewhere now.

 

[Loving my girls]

Trouble with mixing your own whole grain feed is that the birds will pick and choose. Favorite bits go first and to the top hens. Stuff they don’t care for gets left behind. No one gets a balanced diet. I have tried it.
My flock did much better on pellets.
I am lucky, I am now buying feed from our local mill and it’s fresh and so much less expensive, too!

I had the same problem with them leaving their spouts but eating their chocolate.
I would end up with a tray of layers pellets. Then I changed to a more expensive bio feed which all went and, after a bunch of math, was cheaper per kilo and easier in my new treadle feeder.