Fermented Feed Question

[Melky]

3 cups feed to 2 cups water is what I do, maybe a little more water at times.

Wow that is less water than I use. Maybe have to try that.

 

[Melky]

I only have mold issues in summer, if it gets around high 80s or so. So at times like that I don't really aim to "ferment" and I only make enough for 1 to 2 days at a time. So you may have to do that here since it seems the mold problem is persisting.

I use less water in winter actually, as lower temps = slower fermenting and less evaporation. I also make less FF overall as the chickens are less interested in eating it in winter and I don't want it to sit out long enough to freeze. I don't have a water/feed ratio though, I just eyeball it. "About 1 inch above feed level" isn't very useful unless we have identical set ups and climate. I aim for a fairly stiff consistency.

Ok thanks. I think I will have to play around with water content.

 

[SueT]

I aim for a stiff consistency too. About the consistency of cooked rice.

 

[Kacey Elle]

Interesting. I started using FF in May and had no problems until just yesterday, when I had mold. No location, feed, or procedural changes.

 

[blackdog043]

@Melky Are you stirring your fermented at least once a day or just letting it sit?
I make mine thick, I don't measure anything. I may have to add water or feed to get the consistency after it sits. I make enough for the next day feeding and have some left over that I add more feed to. I use a crock, it sits on my kitchen counter.

 

[Melky]

@Melky Are you stirring your fermented at least once a day or just letting it sit?
I make mine thick, I don't measure anything. I may have to add water or feed to get the consistency after it sits. I make enough for the next day feeding and have some left over that I add more feed to. I use a crock, it sits on my kitchen counter.
View attachment 1612186

I do stir mine everyday.

 

[Phisch]

I just started fermenting and by day 4 found stuff in one container that looks like kahm yeast which I’m assuming is ok. It’s not fuzzy stuff like normal mold but it’s common in other fermented things.

 

[blackdog043]

@Phisch Yes it's fine. The only time I really see anything on my fermented is, when I forget to stir it twice in the same day.

 

[Phisch]

@Phisch Yes it's fine. The only time I really see anything on my fermented is, when I forget to stir it twice in the same day.

That's great to hear. Also, I didnt stir so that might explain things!

 

[spaceylocust]

Warmer temperatures will accelerate the fermenting process. The higher the temp, the shorter time it takes to reach the ferment. Stirring is essential as it disturbs the incubation of the bad stuff and aerates the "mush" keeping it aerobic as opposed to anaerobic (think compost pile health). My FF is probably a 2 parts water to 1 part feed, at least. It probably depends on your particular feed ingredients as different foods will absorb different amounts of water. Use your nose to determine the health of your FF; it is smells like beer or like vinegar, you're OK. If it smells like something rotten, throw it out! Hope this helps!