Fermented Feed for chicks: How much how often?

[blackdog043]

Please can you tell me what you use for your chick fermented feed and what your system for fermenting it is. Thanks in advance for the time.

That's a good fermented feed link above, posted by Molpet.
I use Starter/Grower 20% protein feed to make my fermented feed. Starter/Grower is also what I feed for the lifetime of my chickens, I don't use layer feed. I don't measure anything, I put some dry feed in my crock then add some water and mix. I let it sit for about 10 minutes to see if it needs more feed or water, to make it the consistency that my chicks and chickens like. It's more on the dry side vs wet. I used to say mashed potatoes or biscuit mix but I think cookie dough is a good description also, so moist but not runny. For your starter batch, in a room with a temperature of 70 degrees let it sit for 3 - 4 days, mixing 2 - 3 times a day, until it smells like sour dough, then it's ready to feed. If your room is cooler, it will take longer. Save a little from this batch(1/2 cup) and add more feed and water. It should be fermented again in 24 hrs if it is kept in a room with a temperature of 70 degrees. If you go on vacation(1 week), you can put your fermented in the refrigerator and it will suspend the fermenting process. When you get home just take it out and keep going like you were. The batch I have now has been going for about 4 months. I only make enough for one day, so I add water and feed to what's left after I feed out in the morning. I may have a cup or more left over, I just add to what's left. Hope that helps.

 

[oregonkat]

That's a good fermented feed link above, posted by Molpet.
I use Starter/Grower 20% protein feed to make my fermented feed. Starter/Grower is also what I feed for the lifetime of my chickens, I don't use layer feed. I don't measure anything, I put some dry feed in my crock then add some water and mix. I let it sit for about 10 minutes to see if it needs more feed or water, to make it the consistency that my chicks and chickens like. It's more on the dry side vs wet. I used to say mashed potatoes or biscuit mix but I think cookie dough is a good description also, so moist but not runny. For your starter batch, in a room with a temperature of 70 degrees let it sit for 3 - 4 days, mixing 2 - 3 times a day, until it smells like sour dough, then it's ready to feed. If your room is cooler, it will take longer. Save a little from this batch(1/2 cup) and add more feed and water. It should be fermented again in 24 hrs if it is kept in a room with a temperature of 70 degrees. If you go on vacation(1 week), you can put your fermented in the refrigerator and it will suspend the fermenting process. When you get home just take it out and keep going like you were. The batch I have now has been going for about 4 months. I only make enough for one day, so I add water and feed to what's left after I feed out in the morning. I may have a cup or more left over, I just add to what's left. Hope that helps.

Thank you. Quick question, why do you not move on to the layer feed?

 

[oregonkat]

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

Thank you so much. Excellent article.

 

[blackdog043]

Thank you. Quick question, why do you not move on to the layer feed?

There are quite a few people on here that only feed Starter/Grower or an all flock feed. A couple reasons, I like the higher protein 20% vs 16% in most layer feeds and if you feed treats this lowers the protein even more. Also if you have new chicks, they are not supposed to eat layer feed because it has a higher calcium content and can cause kidney problems. So using Starter/Grower, I don't have to change back and forth If I am introducing new chicks. If you don't feed a layer feed, you just have to have oyster shell in a separate container for the laying hens to eat as needed. Yes, they know when they need it and chicks generally will not touch it.

 

[oregonkat]

There are quite a few people on here that only feed Starter/Grower or an all flock feed. A couple reasons, I like the higher protein 20% vs 16% in most layer feeds and if you feed treats this lowers the protein even more. Also if you have new chicks, they are not supposed to eat layer feed because it has a higher calcium content and can cause kidney problems. So using Starter/Grower, I don't have to change back and forth If I am introducing new chicks. If you don't feed a layer feed, you just have to have oyster shell in a separate container for the laying hens to eat as needed. Yes, they know when they need it and chicks generally will not touch it.

So I have been feeding my chickens purina flock raiser for a while now, 20% protein, so can I use this fermented to feed my new chicks?

 

[Theladiesandagentleman]

Once you have it served in the feeder for them, how long can it stay in there? I'm feeding my chicks fermented mixed in with their dry, but don't want it to spoil.