Yes, like most foods, chicken feed can go bad. I wouldn’t use an opened bag of feed that is more than 2 or so months old. And never use feed that smells bad or is moldy.
Another frequent question is “What happens if you eat spoiled chicken?”.
While cooking spoiled chicken can destroy Salmonella and E-coli, toxins will remain in the meat making bad chicken unsafe to eat. There are many diseases that you may get if you eat spoiled chicken. You can suffer from cramps and fever. You may also experience intestinal problems.
Chicken feed storage isn’t just about finding a place to park your extra bag of feed . Mice and rats are good at finding your stores, and if your feed is hanging out in the bag you bought it in, then it’s likely that a rodent will chew your bag open.
Does chicken feed expire?
Yes, chicken and poultry feed does expire, usually within six months. Different types of feed may spoil more quickly or store well for longer than that, so check the package for more information. You will need to store your feed well-sealed in a cool, dry place to help it stay fresh for your chickens.
You could be asking “What is the shelf life of your poultry feed?”
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. Always inspect feed prior to use for bugs, mold, or other evidence of damage.
Expiration dates on chicken are not completely reliable. Read the expiration date on the package of chicken. Always purchase and use the chicken before the expiration date. The chicken may go bad before or after the expiration date, but it gives you an idea of its freshness.
Does chicken go bad if stored too long?
Chicken can spoil if you store it past the expiration date or handle it improperly. Inspecting the chicken carefully before you cook it will protect your health. Spoiled chicken allows dangerous bacteria to breed, which can result in severe illnesses.
Why won’t my chickens eat their feed?
There are a few signs that you can watch out for. For one, check for an odor. Rancid feed has an unpleasant odor that indicates that it contains toxins that can stunt your birds’ growth. The taste will be off-putting, too, which can cause your chickens to avoid the feed trough.
This of course begs the inquiry “What happens if you feed chickens Rancid feed?”
Fats used in the production of chicken feed will eventually oxidize, which turns the feed rancid. A rancid feed will have an odor about it, and it’s not a pleasant odor. Feed that has turned rancid contains toxins that will stunt a bird’s growth, and the taste will be off-putting.