Chicken Feed Storage: Best Practices for Farmers

Chicken feeds should be stored in a cool, dry location and protected from wildlife. The ideal place to store feed is a cold shed away from dampness. Because certain flooring types like concrete can lead to moisture, you'll want to keep your feed on a pallet or similar device that allows air between the feed and the floor.

You can save some money and prevent poultry feed spoilage by using proper feed storage measures/systems, as poultry feeds are susceptible to molds, rancidity, and vermin if stored incorrectly.

Mold:

Feed stored in a damp place or outdoors near the chicken coop will quickly develop molds. When inspecting your feed bags, you may find small clumps of mold that can be easily removed and discarded.

If the entire bag has become clumped with mold, it is unsuitable for chicken consumption. Keep the feed off the ground to prevent ground condensation and mold spoilage.

Rancidity:

Chicken feeds turn rancid when the fats in their contents start to oxidize, producing a foul odor that will discourage your birds from eating. Feeding rancid food to chickens can cause them to lose weight and may even stunt their growth rate.

Insects and rodents (rats and mice):

Not only do chickens enjoy enriched, nutrient-rich feed, but vermin may also chew through the bag if it is kept in an open container or one that is easily breached. Your chickens could become ill from vermin and insect germs, and an open bag will promote mold growth and rancidity.

Below are the best ways to store chicken feed:

Chicken feed should always be stored indoors and away from other elements that may promote decay or rotting.

The ideal place to store poultry feeds is a cold, shaded area away from dampness. Due to certain flooring types like concrete that can lead to moisture, it's necessary to keep your feeds on pallets or similar devices that allow air between the feeds and the floor.

Bulk poultry feeds should be stored in an airtight container that keeps out all moisture and vermin.

Many poultry farmers prefer to place or store their poultry feeds in metallic containers with food-safe paint or a ceramic barrier on the inside to prevent the metal from interacting with the feeds.

Metallic containers are the best way of storing chicken feeds outside, as vermin will have a difficult time accessing them.

An airtight plastic container is another option to prevent poultry feeds from spoiling, although they may be more susceptible to pests.

Note: Chicken feeds must be protected in a cool, dry place, far away from any scavengers. If using a plastic container, select an opaque container, as feeds will lose vitamins when exposed to direct sunlight during storage.

The location also matters because an indoor spot in a ventilated garage or storage shed will protect feeds from spoilage due to heat or moisture and help keep hungry wildlife away.

Proper feed storage is essential; the use of poor storage facilities will lead to the deterioration of feed quality. This, in turn, will result in poor growth, malnutrition, health problems, and possibly a high mortality rate for the chickens, thus decreasing farm profitability.

Eight basic tips for storing chicken/poultry feeds:

1. Pack feeds in bags.
2. Never place the original poultry bags on the floor; instead, put your poultry feeds on old sacks, bags, or pallets to prevent moisture from spoiling your feeds.
3. Secure your poultry feeds from rodents and other insects. Chicken feeds should be stored in sealed containers to protect them from rodents, insects, and other pests. Rodents like rats and mice can carry diseases to the poultry farm and destroy poultry feed.
4. Store dry feeds. If you keep chicken feed while it's wet, it may become moldy, causing the birds to stop eating it, leading to malnourishment and potential poisoning.
5. Keep chicken feed cool to reduce condensation. The warmth combined with moisture creates the perfect environment for safe feed storage.
6. Keep your feeds tidy and well-lit to discourage flies and other contaminants.
7. Store poultry feeds in their original bags or label them when transferring to containers to prevent reactions with metals.
8. Avoid keeping chicken feed for an extended period.

Guidelines for chicken feed storage:

When it comes to storing chicken feeds, follow these guidelines to maintain feed freshness, quality, and prevent contamination:

a). Choose the right storage container:

Invest in an airtight container designed for storing animal/chicken feeds, made of durable materials like plastic or metal, with a tight-fitting lid to keep out moisture, pests, and rodents.

b). Keep chicken feed off the ground or floor:

Elevate feed containers to keep feeds dry and free from pests and dampness, using pallets or shelves.

c). Store feed in a cool, dry place:

Ideally, chicken feed should be stored in a cool, dry location to prevent spoilage, mold, and bacterial growth. Avoid areas with excessive humidity or temperature fluctuations.

d). Protect chicken feeds from pests:

Regularly inspect storage for signs of pests and take appropriate measures to eliminate them. Consider using traps, baits, or natural deterrents.

e). Practice first in, first out (FIFO):

Rotate feedstocks to ensure the oldest feed is used first. Place new bags or containers behind the old stock to prevent feeds from sitting too long.

f). Avoid direct sunlight:

Keep feed containers away from areas with excessive sunlight to maintain nutritional value.

g). Monitor feed quality:

Regularly inspect feeds for signs of spoilage, such as mold, foul odor, or unusual discoloration. Discard affected feed to prevent potential health problems in your chickens.

Properly stored chicken feed can last approximately 3-6 months, depending on the processing. Once it becomes moldy, the quality and nutritional content of the feed decline. If not stored correctly, its shelf life will be shorter and it may become contaminated, potentially harming or killing chickens.

Conclusion

Proper storage of chicken and poultry feed is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a vital aspect of ensuring the health, well-being, and profitability of your flock. By adhering to the recommended storage guidelines and implementing the practical tips outlined in this blog, you can safeguard your feed from the perils of mold, rancidity, pests, and rodents.

Remember that the quality of the feed directly impacts the quality of your poultry, affecting their growth, nutrition, and overall health. Neglecting proper storage can lead to devastating consequences, including illness, malnutrition, and economic losses.

By choosing the right storage containers, elevating feeds off the ground, maintaining optimal environmental conditions, and practicing FIFO rotation, you can maintain feed freshness and quality. Regular monitoring for signs of spoilage is crucial, as it allows for timely disposal of compromised feed, preventing potential harm to your chickens.