Why is fermented feed getting moldy?

chicknmania said:

Well, I finally figured out how to get it right, and we've been giving them fermented feed, not all the time, but just a couple times a month. Most of them love it, though a few prefer regular feed. I have noticed that in addition to those benefits already mentioned, that it stimulates their appetite. they gobble up the fermented feed and then they're ready to start on regular feed or anything else that's around. I plan to try it the next time we have a sick chicken..hopefully there won't be any more sick ones, but jic. I also noticed that what seems to work best for fermenting for us is Purina Flock Raiser, especially fresh right out of the bag. It puffs up like a loaf of bread!

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On that note: I switched feeds recently. My previous feed fermented without adding anything, after 48 hours it was bubbling nicely and the water stayed on top of the feed. This new feed (crumbles), after 36 hours or so, the feed all pushed to the top and the water sat at the bottom. I mixed it up, the water settled on the top again, but after 4 hours or so, boom... feed floating on top again and it smelled stronger than my previous feed. The hens gobbled it up, but should that be happening?

Melnurse said:

On that note: I switched feeds recently. My previous feed fermented without adding anything, after 48 hours it was bubbling nicely and the water stayed on top of the feed. This new feed (crumbles), after 36 hours or so, the feed all pushed to the top and the water sat at the bottom. I mixed it up, the water settled on the top again, but after 4 hours or so, boom... feed floating on top again and it smelled stronger than my previous feed. The hens gobbled it up, but should that be happening?

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That is what happened when I fermented feed - it would always float to the top and the liquid would go to the bottom. I stopped when that happened, so I would not lose any chickens.

I stop fermentation when it's done or when I can't use it up at the rate it's fermenting (usually on ridiculously hot days like we've been having here in San Diego) by keeping my feed in the fridge - then again, I only ferment a gallon at a time, which I find is plenty if I replace what I've scooped out with more feed.

If you're using crumbles, it breaks up into a powder - that powder is too light to stay on the bottom with the amount of gas being let off by fermentation. So even if you mix it up, it'll float to the top again as long as you keep fermenting.

Refrigeration doesn't kill the bacteria in the batch. It does stop fermentation to allow all the feed to settle under the water, though. I just pull the jar out again when I'm ready to ferment more feed, stir it in, and it's done in about a day or two.

chicknmania said:

Oh ok.  So what does trub do.  It also did not smell good, like it's supposed to that is the other reason I threw it out.
Still haven't heard from anyone re warm or cold?  What does everyone else do?

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Hi Chickmania
Don't know if anyone replied on your question about hot or cold fermenting? My feed ferments in 85-95 degree temperatures because I live in a hot place. It ferments really quickly ... A couple of hours and it's bubbling. Seems to just get more acidic over time, since it's fermenting so fast, but the hens love it regardless. I'm keeping it out of direct sun now that the days are getting hotter.

Melnurse said:

On that note: I switched feeds recently. My previous feed fermented without adding anything, after 48 hours it was bubbling nicely and the water stayed on top of the feed. This new feed (crumbles), after 36 hours or so, the feed all pushed to the top and the water sat at the bottom. I mixed it up, the water settled on the top again, but after 4 hours or so, boom... feed floating on top again and it smelled stronger than my previous feed. The hens gobbled it up, but should that be happening?

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That can happen when you get a strong yeast action. The yeasts produce carbon dioxide, which release in bubbles. As the bubbles rise, it can raise up whatever it is you're fermenting. Just stir in back in or don't use as much water.

If you haven't given up yet try a simple recipe of equal parts chick crumble grower or layer rolled oats and wheat or hen scratch. Fill bucket half full add water to cover 1 in. Cover with tea towel and keep in 70 degree ish. Stir a few times a day. Leave 3-4 days strain water feed and use strained water to start next batch.