FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[Jensownzoo]

One thing to consider with FF is that the minerals added to the feed can become unevenly distributed in a very wet mix of feed, wherein some float to the top and some sink to the bottom...most sink to the bottom.  In a drier mix, one can stir the bucket each day and pretty much keep those minerals intermixed enough that they are evenly distributed and get fed out much like they would in dry, unfermented feeds.  If this is happening, some of the flock may not be getting the full benefit of the supplements added to the feed mix that would insure a balanced ration and this could lead to some birds not getting what they need. 

Just a theory but could be a possibility in your case.  My flock free range and their feed is the supplement, so they get most of their dietary needs met out on pasture and the feed is just a nice topping to all of that, but flocks depending solely on their bagged feeds might not get the full benefit if the minerals are sinking to the bottom of the container of FF. 

Ah...good to know! Will be sure to get a few scoops from the bottom each feeding just in case from now on.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hello. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on my FF practices and if I'm doing it correctly? I recently had 2 young girls come down with wry neck symptoms and I began wondering if my FF could have given them botulism? It might not even be related but it got me thinking that maybe I should make sure I'm feeding my flock something beneficial and not slowly killing them!

I have a small flock of about 25 silkie chickens I use for breeding. Mixed ages and I always have dry crumble grower, oyster shell and grit available to them. I feed them 2 big bowls of FF once a day and they love it.

Here's what I'm doing:
I have a 5 gallon glass jar with a metal lid that I leave on lightly. I fill it about half way with grower crumbles and add 2 cups of home made scratch (wheat, corn, pumpkin seeds, boss, peanuts, hazelnuts, and dried mealworms). I cover the dry food with bottled spring water and stir a few times a day. It has a nice smell, like dough rising. I scoop out my two big bowls, leaving about an inch in the bottom and then add more dry ingredients and more water for the next day. I never fully wash out the glass jar, I just keep it going. I've been doing this for about a year and it seems to be working well, as the chickens run to the bowls when I put them down. I appreciate any advice on if my method is ok to keep doing or if I should do it differently. Thanks in advance!

I would also leave out the meal worms and use as a treat for a few reasons. # 1 they are expensive. #2 They are NOT loaded with nutrition when they are dried. #3 Also because the chickens go crazy for them! I raise them and try to gut load them on chicken or dog food before feeding out.

Also, if you are not all organic then I am unsure why you use spring water unless it's for chlorine or usafe tap water. In which case the chlorine will evaporate in a short while if left to breath in an open container. Also the bottled water industry is not too regulated or concerned about your future. Just look at the practices of NESTLE operating without a permit in drought stricken California! And I know "spring" water is not the same, but for those who aren't aware... others often come from municipal (tap water) sources and have been filtered via different methods, some better than others. I am only sharing with for possible savings to your wallet which means more $ for chicken math.

And maybe less plastic bottles which we pay tax on, no matter if the try to call it CRV, here in CA. Even though I do recycle I realize there is energy being spent in the transportation and processing of product.

Sounds like I'm a green freak. I PROMISE you I am not. I just believe in protecting our resources. We were always taught "waste not, want not". And then also being a part of the "clean your plate club", because "There are children starving in Africa".

Although I am complete opposite of my parents (PRAISE GOD!), I am thankful for having the understanding that we are all connected. Honestly, we have no need that isn't met. But because of where I have been I will not be wasteful. And I don't mean to imply you are. Just talking about my own experiences.

It does come back to FF though, regarding bottled water...

Sorry for the long windedness, but I wonder if your pumpkin seed has any effect (not regarding wry neck, just in general) as I have read it's been used as a wormer?

Best wishes!

 

[All Ball]

I would also leave out the meal worms and use as a treat for a few reasons. # 1 they are expensive. #2 They are NOT loaded with nutrition when they are dried. #3 Also because the chickens go crazy for them! I raise them and try to gut load them on chicken or dog food before feeding out.

Also, if you are not all organic then I am unsure why you use spring water unless it's for chlorine or usafe tap water. In which case the chlorine will evaporate in a short while if left to breath in an open container. Also the bottled water industry is not too regulated or concerned about your future. Just look at the practices of NESTLE operating without a permit in drought stricken  California! And I know "spring" water is not the same, but for those who aren't aware... others often come from municipal (tap water) sources and have been filtered via different methods, some better than others. I am only sharing with for possible savings to your wallet which means more $ for chicken math. 

And maybe less plastic bottles which we pay tax on, no matter if the try to call it CRV, here in CA. Even though I do recycle I realize there is energy being spent in the transportation and processing of product.

Sounds like I'm a green freak. I PROMISE you I am not. I just believe in protecting our resources. We were always taught "waste not, want not". And then also being a part of the "clean your plate club", because "There are children starving in Africa".

Although I am complete opposite of my parents (PRAISE GOD!), I am thankful for having the understanding that we are all connected. Honestly, we have no need that isn't met. But because of where I have been I will not be wasteful. And I don't mean to imply you are. Just talking about my own experiences.

It does come back to FF though, regarding bottled water... 

Sorry for the long windedness, but I wonder if your pumpkin seed has any effect (not regarding wry neck, just in general) as I have read it's been used as a wormer?

Best wishes!

Some water purveyors use chloramine to purify the water, and it does not dissipate easily the way traditional chlorine does (which is why they use it). Many California water districts now use it. Fermenters will often get non-municipal water therefore as a workaround, as the chloramine can dampen microbial activity.

 

[Leigti]

I want to start feeding my chickens their FF in a trough feeder. I'm using a vinyl gutter put between two cinderblocks. I have 12 chickens ranging in age from two months to two years. I am afraid the older ones won't let the younger ones eat. How long should I make the trough so that they can all eat there.?

 

[Intheswamp]

I'm seeing estimates of from two to three inches per chicken of feed trough space.

What you might do, though, is build at least a couple troughs...maybe even three of them so that the chickens will have to spread out to eat.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Leigti]

I'm seeing estimates of from two to three inches per chicken of feed trough space.

What you might do, though, is build at least a couple troughs...maybe even three of them so that the chickens will have to spread out to eat.

Best wishes,
Ed

OK. I have a total of 10 feet. Two at around 5 feet each.. I would think that would be plenty, almost one forot Per bird I'll set up both tomorrow.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Some water purveyors use chloramine to purify the water, and it does not dissipate easily the way traditional chlorine does (which is why they use it). Many California water districts now use it. Fermenters will often get non-municipal water therefore as a workaround, as the chloramine can dampen microbial activity.

Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I also know that to be true from my fish keeping experiences. Our local water district actually switches back and forth seasonally.

I am fortunate enough to have well water now. Which makes funny stuff grow if I try to add ACV to the waterer. So I don't do that. And it's 1 reason why I am mostly chemical free...

I do my best, but I'm not perfect.

 

[Tikkijane]

I want to start feeding my chickens their FF in a trough feeder. I'm using a vinyl gutter put between two cinderblocks. I have 12 chickens ranging in age from two months to two years. I am afraid the older ones won't let the younger ones eat. How long should I make the trough so that they can all eat there.?

I have 10 ft of gutter and I'm feeding 150+..... I have it in 3 sections. My suggestion is to make a section for the littles and put it somewhere that the bigs can't get to it but the littles can.

Once their nutrition level evens out, they'll grab a few mouthfuls and move on, which yes, allows everyone to get fed. You may get mobbed at first, so wear eye protection, and for goodness sake, don't fall down!

 

[omalicha]

What's the dept pls?

 

[omalicha]

Wha

I have 10 ft of gutter and I'm feeding 150+..... I have it in 3 sections. My suggestion is to make a section for the littles and put it somewhere that the bigs can't get to it but the littles can.

Once their nutrition level evens out, they'll grab a few mouthfuls and move on, which yes, allows everyone to get fed. You may get mobbed at first, so wear eye protection, and for goodness sake, don't fall down!

What's the depth please? Can day olds still use the same gutter if you were brooding? Or u need to make another one entirely