This is a link Sally Sunshine published on how to make fermented feed.....Copied from the PA BYC page on facebook on fermenting feed:
i promised to give instructions on how to ferment feed. so here they are. i will explain 2 ways
the first method is called back sloshing or back washing. this method is ideal for small flocks.
materials needed.
1. 5 gallon buckets x 2
2. drill
3. drill bit 3/32, 1/8 or slightly larger ( i reccomend the 1/8 " or so for easier or faster draining)
4. unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
5. scoop
instructions:
making the sieve bucket:
take a 5 gallon bucket drill holes in the bottom and 1/2 way up the sides.
when finished drilling wash and scub the bucket and try to remove the plastic burs left behind by the drilling.
take the sieve bucket place into the other bucket.
fermenting feed instructions:
place feed into the sieve bucket. add water to cover about a 1/2 inch to 1 inch over feed. once the water is at level add a glug or 2 of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and stir .
you will notice the feed soaks up the water, so just add more water until the consistency is like that of oatmeal.
stir the bucket a couple times a day.
let the bucket and feed sit for 3-4 days to start the ferment process going good.
for feedings lift the sieve bucket with the feed and let drain for a little bit. scoop out feed and feed the birds.
after feeding place the sieve bucket back into the other bucket. add feed, water and a little apple cider vinegar and stir.
the water in the other bucket will be fermented water. no need to wait 3 days . you can feed the next day.
the second method continuous fermenting.
this method is great for larger flocks and is a method where no sieve bucket is required.
you can use this method for small flocks also.
materials needed:
1.a bucket or garbage can plastic or rubbermaid type ( this method can be done in 1 gallon to 55 gallon or larger.( just make sure you can stir and use feed in a short time.)
2. a scoop
3 unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
fermenting the feed:
place feed into container. add water to cover. use a generous amount of unpasteurized cider vinegar. ( the bigger the container the more acv is needed )
stir a couple times a day with a paddle.
let the feed sit for 3-4 days so fermenting action begins.
now scoop out the amount you need to feed your flock.
after feeding add feed, water and a glug of acv to the mix and stir.
special notes:
1. you don't have to use unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. if you add water to the feed, it will ferment on it's own. the apple cider vinegar just helps jump start the
process.
2 when first starting the feed it is best to use warm water. do not use hot water. this will kill the good bacteria needed.
3. if you end up with a wet wet mix do not worry if won't hurt the birds.
4. if you want use a cat litter scoop with holes in it. helps to drain the mix.
5. never use metal feed containers. the fermenting feed will produce toxins in the metal. stainless is fine but no galvanized or metal containers
lounging on the deck)
