Bugs in the Chicken Feed

Chicken feed is purchased in sealed bags or in measured amounts from grain and farm stores. Quality is assured by both the manufacturer of the feed and the distributing store. Never feed chicken grain -- pellets, crumbles or mash -- that has an insect infestation in it.

  1. Bug Signs

    • Insects leave webbing, larvae and beetle or moths in containers of infested feed. Look for all or any of these signs of infestation. There may only be particles of food stuck together by webbing. This webbing will usually contain a worm. Pantry moths are the most common pest of grain.

    Origin

    • Pantry moths and mealworms or grain beetles are often traced to the packaging. They can lay eggs and attach these to the bags at the factory before grain is added. Pantry moths are fairly ubiquitous and will search for flour- and grain-based food. These tiny, gray moths fly, and the moths are usually seen at dusk. Pantry moths can gain access to homes and barns through openings or in packaging that is brought in. Pantry moths are most active in warm weather. Black or brown half-inch grain beetles emerge from mealworms. These beetles are less common, but can be found in the coop.

    Feed Quality

    • Insect-infested feed must either be destroyed or returned to the place of purchase. Moldy, infested or poor quality feed can cause damage to the birds. Chickens are highly susceptible to fungal or mycotoxic substances causing severe illness, weakness and death.

    Tips

    • Return the feed and the bag to the grain store where it was purchased. They will need the receipt and information as to how the feed was stored after purchase. It is possible that insects such as pantry moths may be living in the food storage area of the home and had entered the bag of chicken feed. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth and pantry moth traps, which can be purchased at stores, to trap the insects and to prevent further infestation of feed.