When you buy a complete feed (usually a loose mash or pellet) or mixed corn from your supplier it will normally come in a 20Kg bag (although some mixed corn comes in 25Kg bags). You will need a well ventilated, cool, dry shed or similar to store it in. To prevent the feed from absorbing moisture, it should not be stored on a cold concrete floor, even if it is a dry floor because it will pick up condensation. A wooden pallet is a good idea if you have more than a couple of bags to store because this allows air to circulate underneath.

Vermin

The next problem is vermin. Rats and mice will soon eat their way through your precious supplies so if you can, ensure rats cannot get into the storage area and if mice can get in, leave traps set nearby and check them regularly. When setting mouse traps, chocolate is particularly effective and lures mice away from the smell of your poultry feeds. Rat runs and holes should be well baited outside which should keep them away from your feeds.

If you want to store 2 or 3 bags, then a good idea is to use a galvanised bins or containers. These are well worth investing in and will prevent rats and mice getting to your food. Rats can chew through wood and plastic but they can't get through galvanised steel!

Storage Time.

Finally, keep an eye on the best before dates on the bags of feed. Whilst the feed seems to look alright, many of the nutrients and vitamins will have depleted after the best before date and chick crumbs or growers pellets that contain added drugs may not be as effective. 3 months seems to be the normal length of time you get when buying feed, so make sure you can use the amount you buy in this time.