Adding water to chicken layer feed daily is this ok?

[rosemarythyme]

Fantastic. I will start this practice tomorrow. Thanks for the clarification about the lid! imagine!!??

I don't have to imagine, there's been a few stories shared on here about exploding fermented feed.

If you're worried about flies, a layer of cheesecloth or a linen towel can be safely placed over the feed jar/bucket, as that still allows it to breathe.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Kahm.

Look it up. Probably what you are seeing. It can colonize quite rapidly. Safe. Arguably beneficial, in that other, less beneficial things have a hard time colonizing where the kahm yeast is already established.

I'm on my tablet, or I'd link pictures. It's not attractive. But not dangerous.

U_Storm is a walking ency

I don't have to imagine, there's been a few stories shared on here about exploding fermented feed.

If you're worried about flies, a layer of cheesecloth or a linen towel can be safely placed over the feed jar/bucket, as that still allows it to breathe.

RMT, where is the best place to store this lovely brew?

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

U_Storm is a walking ency

RMT, where is the best place to store this lovely brew?

U_storm is a walking encyclopedia!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

U_storm is a walking encyclopedia!

Hahaahaha. Thanks.

I read things, and I know stuff. But its more like I'm the desk librarian - I know where to LOOK for things.

Thank you @HeatherKellyB @My Very First 6 Chickens - seeing that you both took the time to say something nice was a great way to start the morning. Well, that and coffee. Must feed the addiction!

 

[rosemarythyme]

RMT, where is the best place to store this lovely brew?

I store it indoors in my coffee bar (because it has a convenient sink, but I have an excessively large house because how many folks have a coffee bar?) and a small flock.

Kitchen or bathroom are fine too, for indoors. Garage, shed work as well if you don't want it in the house.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I do this during the summer using crumble feed and cold water. I offer it once a day, every 3rd day I add a probiotics and electrolytes to the mix.
I like the all in one electrolytes & probiotics by Rooster Booster.
I leave it out for about 2 hours. It is too hot here to leave it for very long because it sours.
You should make sure that they have access to grit at all times.
Mine love the Brown's Encore grit. ( It smells like licorice. )
For my rooster that has a broken upper beak, I add a little grit into the mix. I feed him once a day by himself, otherwise he let's the hens have it all. I'm planning to grind a little off his bottom beak when I trim his spurs. I think it will help him a little.

Which one, please? Is it this one?

 

[Brooks_]

Which one, please? Is it this one?

That may be fine - I really don't know.

I use THIS as chicks. And THIS as adults.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Amount of water varies greatly with different feeds and with your climate/temps. For me, about 1" of water over is about right.

Best to not close the container. If you put on a lid, I'd just rest it on top, do not press on it at all. Otherwise build up of gas inside can cause an explosion.

I don't stir it once I make it. I also don't want very long to start using it, like 24 hrs is enough for me.

I don't strain. My goal is to add exactly as much water as needed to make a thick oatmeal like consistency. IMO the goal should be zero waste. Backslop any feed/fluid left at the bottom when you're ready to make a new batch.

Perfect! Ty

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

That may be fine - I really don't know.

I use THIS as chicks. And THIS as adults.

My gals wont touch either of those since day 1! Same brands too.

 

[Brooks_]

My gals wont touch either of those since day 1! Same brands too.

Do you think they most of their grit from your environment? Mine don't touch the oyster shell enough to really think they eat it - but there is a high calcium content in the environment here.