Henergy Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 I got my hens in early March & bought a bag of the layers pellets from Omlet. Then I emptied it all into a box and now realise that I don't know how long it keeps for ! It was a 20kg bag so I have so much left its ridiculous. How long can I use it for do you think ? Also, I note that Omlet do an organic pellet but says it must be kept indoors - would in the garage be ok ? Its a much better size at 10kg as I only have 2 hens !!!! (but I don't think I'll get through it in the recommended 6 weeks !) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 While it's obviously better to use feed within the use-by date, provided it's been kept in a cool, dry place it's not going to harm your chickens if it's slightly over. Of course it will degrade and the nutrient levels may drop a little but you could counter that with some tonic in their water if you were worried. I had the same problem when I was down to three bantams a few years ago but fortunately my sister in law was in the same boat so we used to split a bag between us. There's no chance of that now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 I don't pay any attention to use by dates on chicken food. My lot have eaten food six months over and been OK and the eggs were fine. Keep it somewhere cool and dry then it won't go mouldy. If your hens get any free range time they will eat all the trace nutrients they need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 I don't pay any attention to use by dates on chicken food. My lot have eaten food six months over and been OK and the eggs were fine.Keep it somewhere cool and dry then it won't go mouldy. If your hens get any free range time they will eat all the trace nutrients they need. I don't pay much attention to best before dates on human food either (within reason!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 I don't pay much attention to best before dates on human food either (within reason!) Neither do I. If it doesn't smell bad it's OK I once gave some expensive "designer milled" flour to my daughter for her bread maker. She is quite anal about sell by dates and this flour was a month over. I took the label off She didn't use it for another four months, thinking it did not have a use by date, on opening the pack it was full of weevils Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
