4th Annual BYC NYD Hatch-a-long

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: These are some gouldian finches I was hand feeding (they are terrible parents).

Deb
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!! no feathers!! they look like pinkies!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: I use the two bucket system.
I purchased two 3 gallon buckets from the dollar store and drilled 1/4 holes on the bottom and up the sides half way of one of the buckets.
The bucket with holes I 1/2 filled it with feed and lowered it into the other bucket. Than I cover the feed with water, and add 1/4 cup of UP/ACV. Stir it up and lightly cover. In two hours check it cause all the water will be gone and you will need to add more water. The grain should be covered with water. It takes a good three days for the fermentation to start, however i start to feed out of it right away. The birds get used to it wet. I place it in front of my heat register. I also toss in whole wheat, BOSS, Oregano, Flax and steel oats.

Time of feed you just lift out the top bucket and let it strain. or you can do what I do and use a strainer and just scoop it out and let it rest on the top of the bucket.
Can I use the fine mash layer I get? what is the Up in front of ACV? what is BOSS sorry I dont know anything!

 

[delisha]

Quote: I still dont get what "feed" to use.... I get a premixed mash from the local feed mill.... this is what confuses me : (
I would love to at least do it for the layers and chicks!
AND what about winter freeze? Do you bucket it out to feed them?
for my chicks I ferment the chick starter (unmedicated)
For layers I fermented the crumbles or mash
My Ferment buckets are in my kitchen in the winter, or the bathroom, or the basement
In good weather they are in the coop

 

[delisha]

Quote: I use the two bucket system.
I purchased two 3 gallon buckets from the dollar store and drilled 1/4 holes on the bottom and up the sides half way of one of the buckets.
The bucket with holes I 1/2 filled it with feed and lowered it into the other bucket. Than I cover the feed with water, and add 1/4 cup of UP/ACV. Stir it up and lightly cover. In two hours check it cause all the water will be gone and you will need to add more water. The grain should be covered with water. It takes a good three days for the fermentation to start, however i start to feed out of it right away. The birds get used to it wet. I place it in front of my heat register. I also toss in whole wheat, BOSS, Oregano, Flax and steel oats.

Time of feed you just lift out the top bucket and let it strain. or you can do what I do and use a strainer and just scoop it out and let it rest on the top of the bucket.
Can I use the fine mash layer I get? what is the Up in front of ACV? what is BOSS sorry I dont know anything!
Un Pasteurized apple cider vinegar

Black Oil Sun flower Seeds

Mash works perfect!!!

No need to apologies..we all started new in exactly the same place as you are standing.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

cool!! do you know if someone has pics of the strainer system you use? Think I should start with the chick starter? and can I do this for the ducklings feed and serama feed too?

 

[delisha]

How many birds are you feeding?

 

[Sally Sunshine]

ok I will save this page in my favs so I dont loose it!! what size drill bit do you use for the buckets? I dont think I have anything except 5 gal so I will need DH to stop and get something.

 

[delisha]

ok I will save this page in my favs so I dont loose it!! what size drill bit do you use for the buckets? I dont think I have anything except 5 gal so I will need DH to stop and get something.

1/4 drill bit

 

[delisha]

cool!! do you know if someone has pics of the strainer system you use? Think I should start with the chick starter? and can I do this for the ducklings feed and serama feed too?

Yes..ducks love love it toooo..my ducks practical trip me when it is feed time.
My new chicks are always on it..they feather out really fast on it

 

[Sally Sunshine]

How many birds are you feeding?

well I have the

layer pen LF about 17 birds
Brahma Pen LF 10 birds
Silkie pen 5 birds
Cochin pen 3
Serama 6
8 Brahma pullets in my garage
40+ chicks in the brooder
2 Ancona NYeve babies