Fermented Feed - Give me the scoop!

[Shadrach]

Let me have it everyone. Tell me about fermented feed and why I should take the plunge! Give me all the details!

What I’ve read so far tells me that I will love this and never look back. So make it even more irresistible! I mean, it’s already sounding too good to be true by cutting my feed costs. (which will be an even more amazing thing since the money I’ll save will allow me to splurge and buy a better, more high quality feed for my babies! ) But I want to know it all: Why do you love it? Why is fermented feed so much better for chickens? Can I feed it to my month old silkie chicks? What kind of feed do you ferment? What do you use to ferment your feed in? What do you use to feed your flock the fermented feed? What fermentation process do you use? (1 day, 3 day?)

Please, tell me!

You might enjoy this.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...o-fermented-facts-myths-and-experience.74414/

 

[blackdog043]

I do the Tikk Tok method. Your very first batch may take a few days. Do not feed all of that batch when it is ready. Save some in the container and add more chicken feed and more water to make the next batch. Since there is a "starter culture" of the already fermented feed left in the container, the 2nd batch ferments more quickly - in a day. So, each time you use the fermented feed, leave some in the container as a quick start for the next batch. I think Tikk Tok calls that back slopping. I mix up a new batch every 24 hours.

This is the same way I do mine. I use a crock, it has a nice wide opening, so it's easy to mix and feed out of. After you make your first batch and start back slopping, add your feed and water, let it sit a few minutes, you can tell if it needs more feed or water, depending what consistency your flock likes it (mine like it thick, not soupy). The next morning or before if you look at it and it's not the consistency they like, add more feed or water. This is really a simple process, so don't over think it. You don't want it so wet that you have to strain it before you feed it out, it should be the consistency you want when your ready to feed.

If you are going away, you can put your container in the refrigerator, this will stop the fermentation process. When you get home, take it out so it comes to room temperature before feeding. You can now continue like you were before going away. I've been back slopping my original batch for quite a while. I can't remember how long it's been since I started a new batch (months).

I provide dry feed all the time, along with the fermented.

Fermented and ready to feed

Whats left to back slop with

How thick my flock likes it

I use mineral feeders from TSC to put my fermented in. I made key hole slots to make it easy to hang and remove the feeders.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

That's what I use!

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Mine also like it thick, but in this hot weather, I tend to make it a little soupier because they seem to like the extra water.