Fermented feed?

[Angiebubs]

I cheat and give them a little bit while its fermenting! It won't hurt and if they are new to it, they will accept it more readily before its completely fermented.

I discovered a new process that I am liking. Since reading on here about people feeding the FF thicker (for over a year I have been straining it-what a mess), I have gone thicker with it and feel like the school cafeteria lady sloppying it onto their dishes SCHMACK LOL.
Anyhow, I get it thick, then add a little extra dry feed till I cant even stir it. I then pour a couple inches of water on top and cover. By morning its all absorbed but this way I am covering it in water (since it appears there are 2 different schools on whether it needs to be covered in water or not). And by morning it has the nice white cap on it too. Any reasons why this is a bad idea?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I cheat and give them a little bit while its fermenting! It won't hurt and if they are new to it, they will accept it more readily before its completely fermented.

I discovered a new process that I am liking. Since reading on here about people feeding the FF thicker (for over a year I have been straining it-what a mess), I have gone thicker with it and feel like the school cafeteria lady sloppying it onto their dishes SCHMACK LOL.
Anyhow, I get it thick, then add a little extra dry feed till I cant even stir it. I then pour a couple inches of water on top and cover. By morning its all absorbed but this way I am covering it in water (since it appears there are 2 different schools on whether it needs to be covered in water or not). And by morning it has the nice white cap on it too. Any reasons why this is a bad idea?

Have you looked at Sally Sunshines recipe? that's how I do it, I use to do the wet version I like this one much better.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Another question, how will I know it's done? It's the dawn of day 3 now and it smells very bready. I only used a small container to test the waters so to speak, so does this mean it'll be ready faster?

Go ahead and start feeding it too her I make mine up and wait till day 2 to start feeding I have 2 buckets going on feeding one fermenting.

 

[Amykins]

Have you looked at Sally Sunshines recipe? that's how I do it, I use to do the wet version I like this one much better.

Yeah, that's the one I'm using! I liked it because it was nice and simple.

 

[DoubleMM]

I added water to scratch grains after a few days the fermented feed smells like sulphur. Should I dump it?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I added water to scratch grains after a few days the fermented feed smells like sulphur. Should I dump it?

I would the ACV is what keeps the feed from going bad, you need to add ACV to your water, and I have never fermented just scratch grains either.

 

[Amykins]

I would the ACV is what keeps the feed from going bad, you need to add ACV to your water, and I have never fermented just scratch grains either.

Agreed. Scratch isn't really food. It's more like a treat.

 

[DoubleMM]

I'm just giving the scratch as a treat and thought the added fementation would be a benefit. Wouldn't Apple Cider Vinegar kill the beneficial bacteria that "is" fermented feed?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm just giving the scratch as a treat and thought the added fementation would be a benefit. Wouldn't Apple Cider Vinegar kill the beneficial bacteria that "is" fermented feed?

Here is some good reading http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/fermented-feed.html

another https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/no-strain-hot-water-easy-fermented-feed-method-w-video this is the one I use.

 

[Amykins]

I'm just giving the scratch as a treat and thought the added fementation would be a benefit. Wouldn't Apple Cider Vinegar kill the beneficial bacteria that "is" fermented feed?

Nope! All vinegar is is...well, basically fermented apple juice! But you gotta buy it "raw", most vinegar products have been pasteurized to make a clear, visually appealing product.