Fermented feed

[jonezjollyfarm]

Well I'm sure most of you already knew this but the double bucket method was an epic fail. Al least the first bucket was. The 2 buckets got suctioned together. So after wrestling them apart very little water drained into the second bucket because the holes filled with feed . I checked the other 2 have started ( 3 days worth 3 buckets) they seem to come apart pretty easily. We'll see how that goes. But I greatly underestimated how much feed I would need to do a morning and evening feeding in each bucket so can I just add more feed now or should I do more when I start my new bucket? Btw they absolutely gobbled it up. They even let the hens on the bottom of the packing order right in to eat. And cupcake (my scissors beak that eats only moisten feed anyway) attacked her bowl like it was filled with yogurt or fruit puree.

 

[snow5164]

Yup I’ve been there
I use one bucket a slotted spoon and a regular big spoon .

Scoop into the rain gutter troughs and a little plate for the silkies every morning and afternoon , drys always available too.

Live and learn @jonezjollyfarm

And enjoy your babies

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Yup I’ve been there
I use one bucket a slotted spoon and a regular big spoon .

Scoop into the rain gutter troughs and a little plate for the silkies every morning and afternoon , drys always available too.

Live and learn @jonezjollyfarm

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has little chicken dishes on hand lol. Cupcake (who will be 3 in April) has her own set of dishes since she can't manage to eat the dry feed she get her own special meal in her own dish.

 

[PirateGirl]

I guess I never understood the hassle of draining FF. I just give it all to them when I ferment. The liquid is good for them too. I like to use ice cube trays to feed it out, but this depends how many birds and how much feed.

 

[jolenesdad]

I’ve been trying to ferment lately and I’m getting questionable film on top of my bucket, but I’m fairly positive it’s SCOBY.

However, I can’t orevent the fermented feed from growing mold if in the coop 20+ hours. Ugh.

Am I completely negating the benefits of fermented feed if I only give enough fermented feed to last MOST of the day and also leave free choice regular pellets out for them once the fermented feed is gone, or should I try and feed the fermented in an Am and PM batch?

 

[jolenesdad]

I guess I never understood the hassle of draining FF. I just give it all to them when I ferment. The liquid is good for them too. I like to use ice cube trays to feed it out, but this depends how many birds and how much feed.

Ice cube trays. Brilliant. Thanks!!!

 

[snow5164]

Well for me @PirateGirl I drain during colder months just so it doesn’t freeze as fast...

Also for my silkies I feed them a dry ferment I squeeze out the liquid so they don’t get so much on themselves

I agree the liquid is gold for their diets,
But some like slop and some like grains .

Have fun

 

[snow5164]

@jolenesdad did you read the entire thread? It’s not scoby

 

[PirateGirl]

Well for me @PirateGirl I drain during colder months just so it doesn’t freeze as fast...

Also for my silkies I feed them a dry ferment I squeeze out the liquid so they don’t get so much on themselves

I agree the liquid is gold for their diets,
But some like slop and some like grains .

Have fun

So what you say is you spoil your chickens and give them exactly the food they want. I agree that when it's wet it can make quite the mess. My girls picked the feed out and consequently the feathers out of my Ameraucana's beard. She is now nearly a naked neck!

 

[snow5164]

Well a food covered chicken is just too tempting to resist

And yes , I give according to their/my needs ...