BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[Arielle]

With FF Isuspect that it does not have to bee all hte ration or even every day--though one the birds get a taste for it (sometime chicks are a litttle slow to try it) they eat it like candy. What I do like is that I can leave a bowl of it out for the cornishx to eat all day and it will not spoil in the hot summer sun.

OUt of Braggs-- need a fresh bottle. I buy Braggs because my impression is that it is more potent than Heinz. Of course the Braggs costs more too, but if I"m carrying in the groceries why carry 2 bottle of Heinz when I can carry one of Braggs. Just be sure, which ever source is used as the starter, to shake the bottle wella nd get that sediment distributed well before pouring off the desired amt.

I use it on my salads at times, as a vinegar and oo dressing. Tried it stirred into water as a tonic-- just couldn't drink it!

It also gets used to make pickled eggs!!!!

 

[hellbender]

With FF Isuspect that it does not have to bee all hte ration or even every day--though one the birds get a taste for it (sometime chicks are a litttle slow to try it) they eat it like candy. What I do like is that I can leave a bowl of it out for the cornishx to eat all day and it will not spoil in the hot summer sun.

OUt of Braggs-- need a fresh bottle. I buy Braggs because my impression is that it is more potent than Heinz. Of course the Braggs costs more too, but if I"m carrying in the groceries why carry 2 bottle of Heinz when I can carry one of Braggs. Just be sure, which ever source is used as the starter, to shake the bottle wella nd get that sediment distributed well before pouring off the desired amt.

I use it on my salads at times, as a vinegar and oo dressing. Tried it stirred into water as a tonic-- just couldn't drink it!

It also gets used to make pickled eggs!!!!

You know of course that one bottle of Braggs is all you need to buy? I bought two gallons initially but subsequently found out that one can buy the pasteurized cheap stuff, add Braggs to it and let it create it's own 'Mother'? I was doubtful but found out by experience that it actually works.

 

[mithious]

When I had less time, I though the idea a little more than fascinating. I am reconsidering it. There is more labor involved, but it doesn't seam substantial.
I do not buy into the exaggerated claims, or I should say skeptical.

The benefits that I would expect to see is less feed waste (a big deal), the probiotics (which I think they pick up grazing), and that the feed has already began to be digested. I could picture a feed reduction of 20%. If for no other reason than eliminating waste. I do not buy into the other claims, because they do not account for the changes that occur in the gut anyways. Could not say that there is not some truth to some of it, but am sure it goes the other way to. The truth is usually in the middle.

The hang ups I see, is the small amount of labor that would include cleaning the feeders every day. I do not think I want to leave that up to the ants and flies in the summer.

I expect that I will experiment with a group of birds and see if the labor is worth it, considering actual results. That is all that matters to me. If the birds are in fact better for it, and I save money, and do not spend too much time doing it . . . I am all for it.

A hang up for me is the quantity of pens. In the spring, I can have as many as 20 pens to feed. Mostly I have empty pens then to, but you get my dilemma. It is not as simple as a single flock.

I'm going to have that problem soon also, not 20 pens, but quite a few. The savings alone, for me, is what I am looking for. If the rest happens along the way, great, if not, oh well. I just HATE to see all that feed that I am finding, piled up around the feeders and throwing it away, as I am cleaning out the coop. It's in the brooder boxes too. They scatter it all over. The only ones that are very neat and clean are the Dominique's. They don't spill a drop of dry feed?! Same everything, so it's not a different feeder or anything like that. They are just more picky about things and are cleaner I guess. I have actually seen them pick shavings out of their water and throw them on the floor of the brooder

The Barred Plymouth Rocks aren't as messy as the New Hampshires, but a bit more than the Dominique's. The hatchery lot, they are going, as soon as I get some layers from my culls next year, so that will solve those messy messy hens. In the mean time, probably will switch them over to the fermented feed.

Yup again, going to see how much labor is involved with daily cleaning feeders ect, as next spring, that could be prohibitive, as I plan to put out a bunch of chicks out of these I got this year. Plus, hoping for a certain line of barred Plymouth rock chicks/eggs, next spring, from another breeder than the ones I got this year. Lord willing! I am going to try it though. Only way to know, is to actually do it. Then see if the savings, outweigh the work. In my case, I think so. Some of the breeds I have, seem more messy than others also. Maybe a half and half test and see if there is any kind of difference in overall health and vigor? Back to read some more of that thread.

 

[Arielle]

You used vinegar as the base? and added braggs?? What does the bacteria eat for food in the pasturized vinegar? I thought the purpose of the %5(?) acetic acid was to prevent any growth = a stabilized environment for storage purposes. IDK-- just trying to put 2 + 2 together based on chemistry and cooking. BUt I"m no expert.

I used fruit juice and added braggs-- a fruity vinegary smell-- attracts the fuit flies!!! lol

For the beginners----Once I get a batch of FF going, I don't need to add anymore --- bottle lasts a while.

 

[3riverschick]

What is BSF? What is it used for?
Thanks,
Karen

 

[hellbender]

You used vinegar as the base? and added braggs?? What does the bacteria eat for food in the pasturized vinegar? I thought the purpose of the %5(?) acetic acid was to prevent any growth = a stabilized environment for storage purposes. IDK-- just trying to put 2 + 2 together based on chemistry and cooking. BUt I"m no expert.

I used fruit juice and added braggs-- a fruity vinegary smell-- attracts the fuit flies!!! lol

For the beginners----Once I get a batch of FF going, I don't need to add anymore --- bottle lasts a while.

I'm no chemistry major and I do not completely understand the process but it does work! I poured off about one cup of regular vinegar for other uses and added the cup of Braggs to replace it. I covered the opening with doubled cheese cloth, wrapped with a rubber band and them set it in a dark closet that stays about room temp. at all times. I don't know how long the process actually takes but I checked it at about three months and there it was...the Mother' is very obvious. I also did some reading on the subject before I made the first batch.

I also don't understand why the birds seem to love this nasty stuff (FF). I gave it the 'finger tip' test and it is some really nasty sheit but still...they gobble the it down!

RON

EDIT: Oh...for no particular reason and likely no use, I pour a couple cans of cheap frozen apple juice into my FF. I also add a cup of black strap molasses at the same time...about every two weeks. Stir it up really well this works well for me and my birds.

Keep in mind...I use two 50 gal plastic barrels for my FF concoction.

 

[catiescarlett]

I'm a new kid and am learning lots from reading this thread. We are raising chickens for food so the production part is important to us.

 

[hellbender]

I'm a new kid and am learning lots from reading this thread. We are raising chickens for food so the production part is important to us.

Welcome to this thread! There are several folks who frequent this place who can be of great help to you!

RON

 

[ronott1]

I'm a new kid and am learning lots from reading this thread. We are raising chickens for food so the production part is important to us.

You are in the right place!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THe sugar is the food for the good bacteria. THat's why I tried the fruit juice. APple juice concentrate or molaases is . . .full of sugars!!

Molasses also has lots of minute amts of minerals .. . .

LEt me rephrase-- the molasses has a lot of minerals-- minute amounts of many many minerals.