FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[MamaRudey]

@MamaRudey

I bet the chicks will love it! Feel free to post pics of your babies digging into their new feed.

I pulled a duh today as I didn't get a feeder since I plan on feeding FF and then saw some pics where they where using the base and not the bottle, ugh, oh well. They have dry right now as there feed is still fermenting. Also, chicken math may have struck since I bought a dozen (6 wyandottes & 6 EEs) at Del's when I have a dozen ducks coming and 7 Standard Cochins in May.... And I just filled my Little Giant so the kids can hatch some for a science experiment. Oops! LOL

 

[n3kms]

I pulled a duh today as I didn't get a feeder since I plan on feeding FF and then saw some pics where they where using the base and not the bottle, ugh, oh well. They have dry right now as there feed is still fermenting. Also, chicken math may have struck since I bought a dozen (6 wyandottes & 6 EEs) at Del's when I have a dozen ducks coming and 7 Standard Cochins in May.... And I just filled my Little Giant so the kids can hatch some for a science experiment. Oops! LOL

When they are little I like to use one of those round feeders with the holes. I just fill the bottom with FF then put a small mason jar screwed on so that they don't stand on the top and poop all in the food. The heavy glass makes it more stable than the plastic jar it comes with.

 

[MandalaMaMa]

When they are little I like to use one of those round feeders with the holes. I just fill the bottom with FF then put a small mason jar screwed on so that they don't stand on the top and poop all in the food. The heavy glass makes it more stable than the plastic jar it comes with.

What a great idea using a small mason jar. I've been putting mine in a heavy cat bowl and they do get poop in it once in awhile. I'll have to try your idea tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Honey B]

I pulled a duh today as I didn't get a feeder since I plan on feeding FF and then saw some pics where they where using the base and not the bottle, ugh, oh well. They have dry right now as there feed is still fermenting. Also, chicken math may have struck since I bought a dozen (6 wyandottes & 6 EEs) at Del's when I have a dozen ducks coming and 7 Standard Cochins in May.... And I just filled my Little Giant so the kids can hatch some for a science experiment. Oops! LOL

Love the chicks! Yup, definitely a case of chicken math gone awry

. Sounds like you have a neat mixture of babies here and on the way. I have never dabbled in ducks, so I am a little jealous of your upcoming shipment. What kind of eggs are you hatching?

 

[MamaRudey]

Love the chicks! Yup, definitely a case of chicken math gone awry

. Sounds like you have a neat mixture of babies here and on the way. I have never dabbled in ducks, so I am a little jealous of your upcoming shipment. What kind of eggs are you hatching?

I have a barnyard mix in there. I love my ducks, they lay better than chickens, have some serious personality, and stay together when they forage. If one wanders off the drake stops and calls the hen back. It's nice since the chickens are every where and the ducks aren't. There call also sounds like laughing which the kids think is hilarious.

 

[LowerBamaMama]

After a week of reading this thread and not coming even close to being caught up, I'm gonna skip to the bottom and ask what may be a dumb question...

It's been said that you need to leave the lid loose to allow the gases to escape and it's been compared to the use of the one way release valves used in wine making but I haven't heard wether or not these valves can be used in fermenting feed. Would there be any benefits/drawbacks to using them?

 

[Beekissed]

After a week of reading this thread and not coming even close to being caught up, I'm gonna skip to the bottom and ask what may be a dumb question...

It's been said that you need to leave the lid loose to allow the gases to escape and it's been compared to the use of the one way release valves used in wine making but I haven't heard wether or not these valves can be used in fermenting feed. Would there be any benefits/drawbacks to using them?

No benefit. Those kind of lids are designed to keep out wild yeast cultures~which you'll need to populate your FF~and let out gas. Just keeping the lid cracked on one side will accomplish what you need by doing both things...gassing off and letting wild yeasts in.

 

[LowerBamaMama]

No benefit.  Those kind of lids are designed to keep out wild yeast cultures~which you'll need to populate your FF~and let out gas.  Just keeping the lid cracked on one side will accomplish what you need by doing both things...gassing off and letting wild yeasts in. 

I guess my control freak nature rebels against the thought of setting anything to naturally do whatever lol I'm still getting some valves for my attempt to turn 90ft of blackberries into some berry wine =]

Another question, is the wild yeast the same thing as my bread yeast? And can I use that to boost things?

Also, after reading this thread seemingly nonstop the last few days, when the "Queen Bee" replied to my question, I got a bit starstruck lol

 

[Beekissed]

I guess my control freak nature rebels against the thought of setting anything to naturally do whatever lol I'm still getting some valves for my attempt to turn 90ft of blackberries into some berry wine =]

Another question, is the wild yeast the same thing as my bread yeast? And can I use that to boost things?

Also, after reading this thread seemingly nonstop the last few days, when the "Queen Bee" replied to my question, I got a bit starstruck lol

"Queen" Bee is still learning this method just like the rest of you!!!

No glamor to be found there. We've learned so much since the beginning and continue to learn more about this method as we go along. From what other people have said using the bread yeast produced unfavorable results but I can't remember exactly what those were. The wild yeast are the same yeasts that start sourdough bread on its way, so you could say it's much like that. If you live in an arid climate they say it may take a little longer to capture wild yeasts from the air but it can still happen.

 

[LowerBamaMama]

"Queen" Bee is still learning this method just like the rest of you!!!    No glamor to be found there.  We've learned so much since the beginning and continue to learn more about this method as we go along.  From what other people have said using the bread yeast produced unfavorable results but I can't remember exactly what those were.  The wild yeast are the same yeasts that start sourdough bread on its way, so you could say it's much like that.  If you live in an arid climate they say it may take a little longer to capture wild yeasts from the air but it can still happen. 

We're in Southeast Alabama and it's HUMID!!! Sometimes up in the 90% range... I'll resist the urge to over-complicate things and just mix the feed and water =]

Another question, I'm supposed to get my first chicks the first week in April. Any reason why I can't go ahead and start my feed fermenting now?