Chicken Feed Storage: Your Helpful Guide
Proper chicken feed storage is essential to maintain its quality and nutritional value. Feed stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight has a shelf-life of approximately six months from manufacturing. Smaller packages, such as 12 lb bags or less, typically have a 9-12 months shelf-life because the packages are solid plastic and have less oxygen. You can further extend the shelf life by freezing the bags, if that option is available. Let’s explore why chicken feed storage is essential and how to do so effectively.
Why is Chicken Feed Storage Important?
Proper chicken feed storage is crucial for maintaining its quality and ensuring the health of your flock. Here are some key reasons why adequate storage is essential:
Preventing Mold Growth
Mold can develop in feed that is exposed to moisture and warmth. Moldy feed not only loses its nutritional value but can also harm your chickens, potentially causing health issues.
Avoiding Nutrient Loss
Exposure to air, light, and heat can degrade the nutrients in chicken feed over time. Proper storage helps preserve the feed’s nutritional integrity, ensuring your chickens get the best possible diet.
Protecting from Pests
Rodents, insects, and other pests are attracted to chicken feed. These pests can contaminate the feed, spread disease, and cause significant losses. Effective storage practices help keep pests at bay.
Reducing Waste
Properly stored feed remains fresh and usable for longer, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
How To Store Chicken Feed
Storing chicken feed correctly involves several best practices to keep it fresh, mold-free, and safe from pests. Here are some effective methods to ensure your feed stays in optimal condition:
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your feed in a location that maintains a consistent, cool temperature and is moisture-free. Heat and humidity can accelerate spoilage and mold growth. A garage, basement, or dedicated feed storage area can work well, provided it is dry and well-ventilated.
Store Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can heat the feed and promote mold and bacteria growth. Store feed in a shaded area or use opaque containers to block out light. Shaded storage also helps maintain a stable temperature inside the storage container.
Use Fans to Keep out Moisture
Farmers use fans in larger storage setups, such as grain bins, to keep the air circulating and moisture levels low. Thorough circulation effectively prevents mold growth in environments where humidity is a concern.
Keep Feed off the Ground
Storing feed off the ground helps to prevent moisture absorption from the floor and reduces the risk of pest infestations. Use pallets, shelves, or elevated platforms to keep feed bags and containers off the ground.
Freeze the Feed
If you have the means and space, freezing feed is a great way to extend its shelf life. This method prevents spoilage and pest access. Thaw only the amount you need for a few days to maintain freshness.
Use Secure Storage Solutions
Choose storage containers that are secure and pest-proof. Metal bins are an excellent option because they are durable and prevent rodents from accessing the feed. While plastic containers can be practical, ensure they are sturdy and well-sealed to keep pests out.
Use Grain Bins
Farmers often use grain bins to store large quantities of feed. Grain bins are similar to silos but are specifically designed to keep grain dry. The grain, such as corn, is left to dry in the field until it reaches less than 18% moisture level. It is then harvested and stored in bins with large fans that push air through the crop to keep it dry. This method significantly reduces mold growth by keeping the grain devoid of moisture.
Store in Silos
For large-scale operations, silos can be a practical storage solution. Silos keep feed tightly packed and oxygen-free, which helps prevent mold growth. They use inoculates to create an anaerobic environment, lowering the pH and preserving the feed. However, due to the risks associated with silos, they should be used or serviced only by professionals.
Implementing these storage techniques can significantly improve the longevity and quality of your chicken feed, ensuring your chickens stay healthy and productive.
Feed Your Chickens the Best of Feeds
Storing chicken feed properly is one of the most important ways to care for your flock. By following this guide, you can ensure your feed is in the best possible condition. Explore Kalmbach Feeds’ line of high-quality chicken feeds to provide your chickens with the best nutrition available.
