Guest Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 I ordered a bag of organic feed from Omlet in anticipation of getting a couple of hens this past weekend. However my best laid plans are having to be put back to the end of May now. The feed has a best before date of the end of June. If a bag of feed lasts a couple of hens two months and I don't get mine till the end of May then I'll only be halfway through the bag by the time the 'best before' date arrives. Is it OK to keep using the feed for a month past the 'best before' date? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 It think it will be fine - i.e. not dangerous or anything like that I'm sure - but some of the essential nutrients may "fade" with time. I think that is largely why the best before date is set as it is. But I may be wrong ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 i think they have a best before date because legally they have to. I think you'll probably be able to tell if theres anything really wrong with it. I susppect it would be fine though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 I asked my local feed chap about this as he kept selling me feed with very 'short' dates. He said its at least 4 months after the 'use by' date before the vitamins etc. are affected. - still gave him back a bag of chick crumb with a date of last December though . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 These firms err on the side of safety. I would be happy to use this bag for a month beyond the "best before" date, as nothing drastic happens overnight once the date is reached; but would probably draw the line at three months. The vital thing is to store the bag properly. Don't open it before you have to, and keep it somewhere dry. A small wheelie bin is ideal, as it keeps the bag away from the ground, but the bin needs to be in a dry shed, not outdoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 I keep mine in metal dustbins as they are meant to be rat proof....with a rock to keep the lid on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 My supplier said that the feed is good for 3 months after the use by date. Its a legal requirement now. One bag last ours girls a good 2-3 months though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Many thanks for all of your responses......l'm happy now that the feed will be OK. I haven't opened the bag yet and it is currently stored in a metal dustbin. Am so looking forward to getting some hens at the end of May....my green Eglu is desperate for some company Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
