FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[sarahsunshine]

Quote:
What does POL mean?

Oh, and I've read good things about Cochins - What opinions do people have on those?

 

[Michelle82]

Quote:
POL -> means Point Of Lay, that is 20 weeks for some breeds(commercial layers) and in the case of my White Layers ( Free-range egg layers) it means they are 24weeks old.
That is why I'm so excited !

I got my first egg this week. Yeah!

Here in South Africa hens are marketed at POL - If you buy POL hens you typically don't wait more than 3 weeks for production to begin.

My friend has Large White Cochins. They are gorgeous. So far laying well and keeping good health. I would love to have some. I have
loads of Pekin bantams ( they look like miniature Cochins ), but are actually true bantams. You do however get Bantam Cochins.

 

[Beekissed]

What does POL mean?

Oh, and I've read good things about Cochins - What opinions do people have on those?

I've heard good things as well and would like to try some standard cochins but have never had them before. It think they might perform well in a cold weather environment and I've heard they make excellent broodies. I've not heard anything bad about them yet, though I've not researched the breed well.

I'd be interested in them for the broody characteristics, hardiness and they are supposed to be a heavy bird in regards to meaty carcasses, though not known for longevity or superlative laying, they are about average on laying from what I can gather. They are also supposed to be very quiet and crow or cluck less than most birds.

 

[RoseMarie1]

It's just making my day that the chickens are perking up! Please keep us posted! Do you have photos? It would be nice to have before/after photos.

Bee - I never got far enough on your 'Road Less Travelled" thread to find out how many of your rescued flock survived. What is their current status?

oh me to on it making my day that the chickens are perking up!!! So glad of that!!!



BEE is that Toby in the rooster pic of yours? Is he a RIR?

 

[Beekissed]

Not sure which pic you are looking at, Rose, but Toby is a Partridge Rock rooster.

 

[RoseMarie1]

Oops! Sorry...Black Australorps, New Hampshires (not New Hampshire Reds...just the state

and only the state), White Rocks, Buckeyes.

BA....Black Australorp..this first one is my bird, Fanny.







This is a BA that I culled from the GB...her vent is now famous.

White Rocks...the King of Poultry....








Those above are all breeder stock of heritage lines..and those below are my old gals from hatchery junk genetics, but still wonderful birds all around.




New Hampshires..... The first pic is my old Little Red Hen, 6 yrs old and still my best layer, season in and season out. Hatchery stock.




Aaaaaaannnnnnd...the GOOD genetics....heritage breeding stock...



And Buckeyes...a breed I've never had but only wish I could......

The next to the last pic is the one I thought Toby was. ?? I don't know one chicken from the other right now except RIR and BA's.lol

 

[Beekissed]

If only!!! That is a Buckeye roo pic from a hatchery site....Toby is a little flashier with a single comb. Here's Toby.... he's the mouthy one in the middle, announcing his love for his two girls.

 

[ak rain]

Question on fermented feed

What thickness am I aiming for? I gave up trying to strain it. I use crumble grower mixed with crumble layer right now.
Ak rain

 

[Beekissed]

That's up to you, but most with that fine of grind on the feed try for a peanut butter consistency for easy feeding. It helps too if you have holes drilled in the bottom of the feeder to let out excess moisture in the feed...sort of like an automatic strainer.

 

[ak rain]

Cool im still on track. maybe Ill try the holes. . My 8 13 week old pullets are liking it.
Thank you
Ak rain