Ever bought a big ol’ bag of chicken feed and wondered how long that thing’s gonna last you? I’ve been there! As someone who’s raised chickens for years, I know the struggle of trying to figure out the perfect amount of feed to buy without wasting money or ending up with moldy chicken food. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about chicken feed longevity, storage tips, and how to make your chicken feed last as long as possible!
Shelf Life of Chicken Feed: How Long Before It Goes Bad?
First things first – chicken feed doesn’t last forever. Most types of chicken feed have a shelf life of about 3-6 months But this can vary depending on several factors
- Type of feed: Pelleted feed typically lasts longer than other types because the cooking and pressing process kills some contaminants.
- Processing method: When feed is processed at the mill, it naturally contains some insect larvae and fungi (yuck, I know).
- Added ingredients: Feed with additional fats like molasses tends to spoil faster.
- Storage conditions: This is HUGE! Poor storage can cut your feed’s shelf life dramatically.
Here’s a quick reference table for different feed types:
| Feed Type | Average Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Pelleted feed | 3-6 months |
| Layer feed | 3-6 months |
| Starter feed | 2-3 months |
| Grower feed | 1-2 months |
| Feed with added fats | 1-2 months |
How Long Will a 50-Pound Bag Last for Your Flock?
This is probably what you’re really wondering! The answer depends on several factors:
Flock Size
The basic rule of thumb is that an average chicken eats about 1/4 pound of feed per day. So for a quick calculation:
- For 12 laying hens: A 50-pound bag would last approximately 2 weeks if feed is their primary food source
- For 7 hens: A 50-pound bag lasts about a month
- For 18 standard birds: About 80 pounds per month (less if they free-range)
But wait! There’s more to consider…
Free-Range Access
If your chickens get to free-range regularly, they’ll naturally eat less feed. Some folks report:
- Free-ranging chickens eat about 20-40% less commercial feed
- 13 hens that free-range all day might go through 50 pounds every 2 weeks
- Another chicken keeper with 23 free-ranging birds reports using 50 pounds every 2 weeks
Chicken Age and Type
Growing birds eat more than adult maintenance birds:
- Chicks and pullets need more protein and will go through feed faster
- A coop with 43 growing birds might use 50 pounds every WEEK!
- Broiler chickens require more feed than layers due to their growth rate
Other Food Sources
If you supplement with treats, kitchen scraps, or other feeds:
- Birds receiving lots of vegetable scraps, weeds, and other foods eat less commercial feed
- Some flocks with access to plenty of supplemental foods might stretch 50 pounds to last 4-5 weeks
Signs Your Chicken Feed Has Gone Bad
Nobody wants to feed their precious birds spoiled food! Here’s how to tell if your chicken feed is past its prime:
Visual Clues
- Discoloration (gray or brown tint when it should be yellowish)
- Clumping or unusual texture
- Visible mold growth
- Presence of pests like weevils
Smell Test
- Fresh feed has a mild, earthy smell
- Rancid feed will have a strong, unpleasant odor
- Any ammonia or sour smell is a bad sign
Impact on Your Flock
Feeding spoiled feed to your chickens is a terrible idea! It can cause:
- Digestive issues
- Respiratory problems
- Decreased egg production
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- In extreme cases, organ damage or even death
One time, I fed my chickens some slightly questionable feed (it smelled fine to me!) and noticed reduced egg production for nearly two weeks. Lesson learned!
Best Storage Practices to Make Your Feed Last Longer
Proper storage is the #1 way to extend your chicken feed’s shelf life! Here are my tried-and-true methods:
DO Use These Storage Containers
- Galvanized metal trash cans – These are the BEST option because rodents can’t chew through them
- Heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids (though rodents can eventually chew through these)
- Airtight containers that keep moisture out
DON’T Make These Storage Mistakes
- Don’t use a regular plastic trash can without securing the lid (raccoons are clever and will knock it off)
- Don’t use transparent containers as sunlight degrades vitamins
- Don’t mix new feed with old feed – use up the old stuff first!
- Don’t store feed directly on concrete floors as they can absorb moisture
- Don’t store feed in the chicken coop (invites predators and chickens will make a mess)
Choose the Right Location
- Cool, dry place with good ventilation
- Away from direct sunlight
- Sheltered from rain
- Elevated off the ground (use pallets)
- Close enough to the coop for convenience, but not inside it
My Personal Experience (Lessons Learned the Hard Way)
I’ll never forget the time a raccoon got into our chicken feed stash! We had stored our feed in a plastic trash can, and that clever little bandit knocked the lid right off. Then it rained ALL night, and we ended up with a nasty, moldy, stinky mess.
My husband actually risked his life dashing across the highway to grab a metal trash can someone had discarded – that’s how desperate we were for better storage! We didn’t even have a proper lid for it at first, just used a piece of wood with a cinder block on top. Not ideal, but it worked better than our previous setup.
Buying the Right Amount of Feed
One of my biggest mistakes when I first started keeping chickens was buying WAY too much feed at once. I thought I was saving money buying in bulk, but ended up with spoiled feed.
If you have:
- Less than 12 birds: Buy only 1-2 bags at a time
- 12-25 birds: 2-3 bags might make sense
- Large flock (25+ birds): Bulk buying makes more sense as you’ll use it quickly
Bottom Line: How Long Will Your Chicken Feed Last?
To sum everything up:
- Shelf life in proper storage: 3-6 months for most feeds
- Consumption rate: About 1/4 pound per chicken per day (less with free-ranging)
- For 12 laying hens: A 50-pound bag lasts approximately 2 weeks
- For smaller flocks: A 50-pound bag might last 3-4 weeks or more
The best strategy is to buy what you’ll use within a month or two, store it properly in metal containers, keep it dry and cool, and always check for signs of spoilage before feeding your flock.
Remember that spending a little extra on proper storage containers will save you money in the long run by preventing spoilage and pest problems!
What’s your experience been like? How long does a bag of chicken feed last for your flock? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear from fellow chicken keepers!
FAQ: Common Questions About Chicken Feed Longevity
Q: Can I still use chicken feed that’s past its expiration date?
A: Not recommended. Even if it looks and smells fine, expired feed loses nutritional value and can lead to health issues in your flock.
Q: How often should I check stored feed for mold?
A: Check every 1-2 weeks, especially in humid environments.
Q: What happens if I accidentally store chicken feed in a humid environment?
A: It will absorb moisture and likely develop mold. Check it immediately and transfer to a dry area if possible.
Q: Can different types of chicken feed be stored in the same container?
A: It’s not recommended. Each type has different nutritional requirements and mixing them can affect their quality.
Q: How do I know if my chickens have eaten spoiled feed?
A: Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, egg production, or unusual droppings. Contact a vet if you notice these symptoms.
Find More Feed Related Tips On The Coop with Meyer Hatchery Podcast
Good feed results in a healthy flock! On the podcast, we share our best tips and tricks related to feed to help you be successful. Listen today!