Soaking Starter Feed opposed to actually Fermenting?

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mamabear72

mamabear72

In the Brooder
5 Years
Mar 7, 2014
89
6
43
Northern Nevada
I've been reading some of the fermenting threads here and it seems pretty unanimous not to ferment starter feed for my layer chicks, to wait until they're on a layer formula.

So I was wondering if I could simply soak their starter feed overnight w/ a little acv for better nutrient absorption?
My girls are 7 weeks old and 3 weeks old and having no problem with their starter/grower niblets but I want to do everything I can to help with proper digestion so they'll grow up to be hearty layers
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Thanks in advance
 
Yes you can do that. I have read that that helps with absorption of vitamins and read it helps them use the food better. I've not tried the over night method yet myself but I wet down and mash their feed with every morning feeding.it seems they eat more and less waste when I "mash" it. Give it a go and see how they like it. I have read that's good for them as well.
 
mamabear72 said:
I've been reading some of the fermenting threads here and it seems pretty unanimous not to ferment starter feed for my layer chicks, to wait until they're on a layer formula.

So I was wondering if I could simply soak their starter feed overnight w/ a little acv for better nutrient absorption?
My girls are 7 weeks old and 3 weeks old and having no problem with their starter/grower niblets but I want to do everything I can to help with proper digestion so they'll grow up to be hearty layers
D.gif


Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Hello Mamabear,
welcome-byc.gif
I've been researching FF for 6 mo before I got my chicks one week ago. I don't use medicated starter but the FF was set up and ready to go from Day 1 when I got them. They loved it immediately and are growing like little weeds. Only lost one to an accident. 18 left. Good luck.
 
LindaB220 said:
I don't use medicated starter but the FF was set up and ready to go from Day 1 when I got them. They loved it immediately and are growing like little weeds. Only lost one to an accident. 18 left. Good luck
Click to expand...
Thank you for the warm welcome Linda!
Do you use the apple cider vinegar starter method? I was wondering if I could add an envelope of the probiotic powder from Save a Chick.
I've been putting both probiotic and electrolyte in their water from day one. (The probiotic is Bacillus subtilis)
I googled my idea and couldn't find anything to support it so I'll probably use the good ol' ACV with mother method too.
How much feed is left in the water mixture every day when you add more feed? Thank you for all your help
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Huh, why are people not recommending fermenting starter feed? I have not heard of that before and am curious as to the rationale behind it.
 
I fermented starter for my last batch of chicks. I am currently fermenting all-flock for everybody, new chicks included. I have never had a problem aith pasty butt, or with any illnesses in my adult birds. I would just ferment your chick starter. It's not any more work than an overnight soak.
 
Yes you can start it with ACV. Not more than 1 T for a gallon batch. But just use a cup or two of your made batch. 1/2 gal water and 2 or 3 scoops of feed Stir good and fit for a few min. then add more water if necessary. Sit overnight and it's ready in the morning. When it gets down to about 3 inches from bottom remake it again. Will not need more ACV.
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edited for content: add more scoops if its still too runny. Should be consistancy of oatmeal.
 
Last edited:
I also did not use ACV--just starter feed and water. My chicks have all been on it from day 1 also, and my 6 meat birds. My birds are thriving and very healthy.

I personally have not seen a post recommending you not ferment starter feed. The very opposite is true--do it!
 

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