Fermented Feed with worms and mold?!?!?!?!?

[Blosing101]

My batch of FF had mold and worms and I make small batches. I think I am probably going to go back and start feeding regular feed. What are your thoughts and suggestions??????

 

[rosemarythyme]

What kind of feed are you using for fermenting, and how long do you let it sit? Is this a new bag or new brand of feed? I've only started fermenting myself but I've found that I'd rather not let it sit too long, 1-3 days is what I aim for (though I reuse the old water as a "starter" plus a good amount of additional water to keep it from getting too funky - supposedly it helps stop mold growth too). I know it's supposed to get more nutritious the longer you wait but I don't care for the smell so I'm fine even if it's just a small boost in nutrition, plus it does seem less wasteful since the chickens were just ignoring the fines/powder before.

If you really don't like the hassle and your chickens like their dry feed just fine, you don't have to do it. If it gets to be a headache in winter with it freezing I'll just go back to dry then as well.

 

[lazy gardener]

My batch of FF had mold and worms and I make small batches. I think I am probably going to go back and start feeding regular feed. What are your thoughts and suggestions??????

What did the mold look like? What did the worms look like? Were there any flying insects around your feed? What kind? White or tan stuff on the top of the FF is not mold, but is SCOBY. A pic would be helpful. do a google search for "fruit fly larvae" and see if that's what you were seeing.

 

[Jensownzoo]

You can also put a lid on your container to keep the bugs out. The air that gets in when you open to stir daily is enough for it to ferment. I have issues with attracting fruit flies/fungus gnats if I don't keep mine covered.

ETA: any discolored bits on the top or crusted around the edges of the container get stirred back into the ferment without detriment to my flock

 

[Blosing101]

What did the mold look like? What did the worms look like? Were there any flying insects around your feed? What kind? White or tan stuff on the top of the FF is not mold, but is SCOBY. A pic would be helpful. do a google search for "fruit fly larvae" and see if that's what you were seeing.

It had the grayish stuff on top, I would assume that would be the SCOBY???, but it had actual mold on top of that. And when I looked closer, I could see the larvae. Pretty sure it was fruit fly due to the fact that they would be on and around the FF. Sorry I don't have picture.