Fermented feed:is this batch safe!?

[paneubert]

Yeah, I brew a lot of cider and my immediate reaction to your photo was "yeast pellicle". Not really bad in fermented feed.

 

[paneubert]

Compare yours to this one from a beer brewer using Brett strains.

 

[DMichaelW]

Would you all suggest that I just do a 2 day rotation rather than 3?

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, especially in the summer. I rotate 2 buckets for 28 birds. When it gets really hot, I may cut back to a single bucket.

Feed in the morning. Add water and feed, give it a stir, and it's ready to feed the following morning.

In the summer, I keep my bucket(s) in the garage, loosely covered with a lid. In the winter, it moves to my laundry room, or even beside my chimney where it's warm from the wood stove.

 

[Kiki]

Oh my. I'm wondering if I have been doing my FF wrong this whole time (years) now. I have never seen this much "stuff" on top.

 

[DMichaelW]

Yep that's SCOBY, black or green would be mold. Your shed is processing it faster because it is so hot, 70 degrees is the ideal temp to ferment. I keep mine on the kitchen counter in a crock. If you put it in the refrigerator it will basically stop fermenting, I do this when I go away. When I get home, I get it out and start feeding it, I don't have to start over again. I keep mine a lot dryer, there is no water on top. What I don't feed out for the day, I add to for the next day. I typically only mix enough for one day. I mixed this batch but you can see how dry mine is, they don't like it real wet.

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How do I get mine to be of that consistency? Mine is real soupy.

 

[Kiki]

How do I get mine to be of that consistency? Mine is real soupy.

Don't add as much water next time...you can add more feed now to soak up some of the water.

 

[Kiki]

How do I get mine to be of that consistency? Mine is real soupy.

I think this is something you just have to play around with until you figure out the right amounts.

 

[blackdog043]

I don't measure anything. I put feed in the crock, add some water, stir, then wait 10 minutes. If it looks like it needs more of something, I add it. When I get home at night, it's all puffed up. I stir it and adjust to my chickens liking, if needed.