FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[Beekissed]

Always.

 

[birdlady79]

I just want to say that I appreciate all of y'all's knowledge and help.... This is my favorite thread!! I'm so new to this but I learn something from y'all every single day.... I'm sure it takes an enormous amount of energy and effort to research and type all the info on here , not to mention dealing with us newbies but I'm very grateful there is ALWAYS someone on here is who is willing to help!!

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

In one of those great moments of synchronicity ... someone shared this on Facebook today and I think it is a great way for us to laugh at ourselves a little ...

http://www.theonion.com/articles/ma...Marketing&utm_campaign=LinkPreview:NA:InFocus

 

[winteree]

Woohoo. Good going. Kudos.

Mine have never been sick either.

i'm going to do a experiment on some meat birds in a month or so. I'll be taking 8 birds i'll have a control group that gets FF and one that doesn't then we will see what happens i will be taking crazy records and filming the whole thing if anyone wants to see the updates on you-tube.

 

[Judy]

STAFF NOTE​

The internet is full of misinformation. We make no effort to correct this; that would be quite impossible. When members cause problems in trying, the problem is not that they are disagreeing, it is with the tone of their disagreement.

Simply put, just be courteous about it. It's the difference between "Sorry, I disagree; this is my experience/what research shows," instead of, "you are a stupid fool, to think that is a fact."

Trolling is not stating misinformation. It is posting in a manner to start an argument, stir the pot, stir up emotions. When encountering a troll, the only sensible response is almost always no response, as trolls tend to go away quickly if they can't stir up an argument. If you feel it is necessary to correct one, just do so in a matter-of-fact tone, and walk away. Also, consider blocking the member.

 

[kpgoldstar]

Thank you!

And it's members just like you that keeps me coming back here to help folks.....but sometimes I just get tired. Sick and tired. Today is one of those days.

Don't lose sight of the friendships created here, the camaraderie, the sharing of stories of our flocks, laughter and sometimes even tears. Yes, we try to help and at times it can be tedious. What keeps me coming back and posting is all of you!

Edited by staff

 

[wolfpup]

This post is specifically for Beekissed.

You have not only made a huge impact and difference for your fellow Americans and all their birds - but even across the pond here in the UK. All the things I have learned from you and your threads, this one, fermenting for meat birds and the road less travelled, has been digested, put into practice and I am now spreading the word here. First convert has been a co-worker of my hubby, when he complained one day about the smell from his birds and the number of flies. Hubby explained we have no smell or flies - he wanted to know more, and is now a firm convert.

You are making a difference in the health of birds in many countries - keep going, too many friends you will never meet or know owe you so much.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

STAFF NOTE​

... When encountering a troll, the only sensible response is almost always no response, as trolls tend to go away quickly if they can't stir up an argument. ...

X2

 

[LindaB220]

Thank you!

And it's members just like you that keeps me coming back here to help folks.....but sometimes I just get tired. Sick and tired. Today is one of those days.

Love you Bee. You have made such an impact on my chicken life. I've learned so much from you.

 

[suebbrown50]

• Anyone doing it? Yes
• How long have you been doing it? One month, which is how long I've had my chicks. I have 6 hen chicks, each one is a different breed.
• Your methods? I tried a 2 quart mason jar, but it was too hard to spoon out the feed. Each time I took feed out, I added a similar amount of new feed in to ferment. But when I took out the next scoop it hadn't been in there the full 36 hours to ferment. So, now I use several 24 or 32 ounce mason jars. Each day I empty a jar between the morning and afternoon feeding, and then use the liquid as the starter for the next batch by adding more dry feed enough filtered water to ensure the feed has an inch or more water on top. I have 4 or 5 jars "brewing" at any time. I put a small amount of Probiotic Electrolyte and Lactobacillus powder (I bought it at Tractor Supply) into the jars to start them with the right bacteria. You definitely don't want to use pickle juice, or yeast as they are the wrong type bacteria. I periodically add too much feed and have to take some back out of the jar once it expands. It is vital to keep all the feed submerged so it ferments and doesn't go rancid.
• Grains/feeds used in this manner? I started with the Chick Starter Feed that I purchased. This fermented nicely and the chicks made the transition quickly. Now I use a variety of grains: oats, barley, wheat berries, bran, flax seeds, wheat germ, sunflower seeds that I buy at the local health food store (I buy organic if the price is acceptable). I try to keep the protein level high enough to ensure good growth. I've also tossed in crushed eggshells, diced vegetable scraps (peppers, spinach, etc) as well as small amounts of home made cooked beans and other food scraps. I read that you can ferment whole hard boiled eggs but I haven't tried that yet. I supplement them with grass clippings, chickweed, and marigold leaves and flowers. I think my girls are a bit spoiled.
• Your overall review of this method of feeding? I have 6 chicks and they are all thriving. My neighbor has 5 Buff Orpingtons that are about 5 months old now. He complains about the volume, smell and wetness of the poop in his pen, and how much food his girls waste. My chicks' poop is dryer, more formed and a more tolerable smell and volume. I'm pretty sure it's because of the fermented feed. The chicks attack the bowl in the morning even though they've already had access to a small amount of dry feed in their coop. Their feathers are shiny and well oiled. The photo shows them attacking their fermented breakfast.
• The only thing they like more than the fermented feed is when I dig up any kind of worm or grub from the compost heap. That's like feeding them "crack".

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