FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[andreanar]

Day 2: I have some bubbling!!!!

 

[lazy gardener]

I would also keep meal worms out of the mix. I'd be concerned about any bacteria or pathogens that the mealworms might bring into the mix. Also, the fermentation process is to break down the anti-nutrients in the grains. Not needed for animal based feed. Likewise, I'd not put veggies or greens in my ferment. Simply ferment the feed, and give any other stuff separate, or add it as it's being served.

If starting a brand new ferment, it's a good idea to leave the lid off entirely, so the air born microbes can get into the ferment.

 

[tigger19687]

I started back a little bit

Well, I soak it over night then fed it.
Then I put in too much water so had to use more feed on Saturday morning.
Which lead to just taking 2 spatcula scoops in the AM, and today I did am and pm only because they ate it all up like they were starving. Which is what I want. They were not eating it all before... which brought more flies. {where is the fly Emogji ?}
I am not leaving dry out in the PVC feeder. Not sure who spilled it all over but it was all over and I had filled it that day ! It should have lasted a few days ! I think the chipmunk got into it. Plus the chickens learned how to get the yogurt cap off

I don't mind feeding am & pm just need to find a happy medium that they finish what I put out and still are happy/healthy.

 

[mobius]

hilarious. Don't we all go through this? I just let my flock out to free range cause they digging up my garden. After two days of this they did a complete round of (the very large house and deck) and showed up in the upper parking area whereupon I had to herd them back into their large penned area that they now despise. The little dogs went crazy seeing the chickens come around into the parking area. It was ridiculous. But i am proud of the chickens who now today did TWO circles around the house and are back in their coop. SMH.

 

[mobius]

I mean really? Two circles. bawk bawk. Smart and uber silly.

 

[andreanar]

Day 3: Its been steady bubbling. It doesn't smell as strong as I thought it would?

 

[tigger19687]

Just wait it will smell more.
What feed are you using? I wonder if that makes a difference?
I am using New Country Organics grower and it was strong by 2-3 days!
I have bubbling on the next morning but I have it is juice from the other day. Plus it is in my shed that gets sun all day so it is a bit hotter and I think it speeding up the process. I read that some where that you can use warmer water and it speeds it up
Which is great since I am not doing the 3-5 days of it sitting. I just can't keep it inside and until I get the coop set up in the shade area I don't want to risk it.

 

[andreanar]

Just wait it will smell more.
What feed are you using? I wonder if that makes a difference?
I am using New Country Organics grower and it was strong by 2-3 days!
I have bubbling on the next morning but I have it is juice from the other day. Plus it is in my shed that gets sun all day so it is a bit hotter and I think it speeding up the process. I read that some where that you can use warmer water and it speeds it up
Which is great since I am not doing the 3-5 days of it sitting. I just can't keep it inside and until I get the coop set up in the shade area I don't want to risk it.

I am using Dumor grower/finisher. Its also pretty watery today. This first batch will be my practice batch, lol. I'm learning do's and dont's. Don't mix all kinds of crap into the feed. Don't fill the container so full. Don't add so much water. hahaha

 

[igorsMistress]

I have a stronger smell from the organic crumble I use than from the non organic I started with.

I only make 2 days of food at a time and feed after 24 hours. I add about half a cup from the previous batch when I start it. My chickens don't seem to care for it if fermented longer, but I tried.

My chickens are also picky about how soupy their feed is. I measured by weight until I found the right consistency for them.

Be prepared to make adjustments.

We all have our own way. Find what works for you.

 

[Kellycbf]

Or they WOULD be more private if people didn't shout their conversations in the grocery store aisles.

Truth.