Meatie Experiment: FF 'vs' Crumbles

I have never fermented feed, I did not want to spend time doing it, or risk screwing it up or fermenting too much at one time ... I read about how to do it once and forgot the process. I need to work on other areas of chicken keeping and getting those areas right before I move on to fermented feed. I believe it is a good idea for those who know exactly what they are doing and in the future I may try it.
 
I'm using 20% protein organic FF with my flock of 3 week chicks (a mix of CX, DP, layers, and 1 silkie). 29 birds total. They are all in an open-air outdoor coop and have been since they were 10 days old. It's crazy hot here in AZ, over 100 degrees every day. Overnight, it dips into the 60s. In the cool mornings, the chicks are active; even the CX are flying and roosting. By mid-day everyone is looking pretty miserable. I find them huddled on the frozen bottles I put out there. I think the FF helps keep them healthy and hydrated. They seem to be eating a lot despite the heat and I like how the wet feed minimizes scratching and food waste. I've not yet had any chick losses. I cannot believe how fat the CX are. When I imagined this process, I had hoped to have them free ranging a bit, but with the heat, I'm afraid they'll venture too far away from the water/shade. Also, we don't have grass or pasture here. But there are other plants, seeds, bugs, and lizzards. I might start giving them an hour out right before bed. I use the easy backslop method of FF. It doesn't take much effort or thought. I get a pretty good ferment in less than 24 hours (probably due to the heat). I don't keep mine covered in water. The FF soaks up all the water, so I don't have to do any straining.
 
I prefer to move the coop in the morning when it’s coolest. Also keep mind that your CC will be a lot bigger and aggressive with food than your other birds. I’ve had to separate mine so they don’t get crushed during feeding time. Good luck!!
I'm using 20% protein organic FF with my flock of 3 week chicks (a mix of CX, DP, layers, and 1 silkie). 29 birds total. They are all in an open-air outdoor coop and have been since they were 10 days old. It's crazy hot here in AZ, over 100 degrees every day. Overnight, it dips into the 60s. In the cool mornings, the chicks are active; even the CX are flying and roosting. By mid-day everyone is looking pretty miserable. I find them huddled on the frozen bottles I put out there. I think the FF helps keep them healthy and hydrated. They seem to be eating a lot despite the heat and I like how the wet feed minimizes scratching and food waste. I've not yet had any chick losses. I cannot believe how fat the CX are. When I imagined this process, I had hoped to have them free ranging a bit, but with the heat, I'm afraid they'll venture too far away from the water/shade. Also, we don't have grass or pasture here. But there are other plants, seeds, bugs, and lizzards. I might start giving them an hour out right before bed. I use the easy backslop method of FF. It doesn't take much effort or thought. I get a pretty good ferment in less than 24 hours (probably due to the heat). I don't keep mine covered in water. The FF soaks up all the water, so I don't have to do any straining.
 

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