FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[Beekissed]

Sigh now ff is freezing. I thought they would eat it fast enough. Ak rain

Yep...just feed what they can eat before it freezes...if that's impossible, the heated dog bowls are nice though not conducive for feeding a whole, large flock. I'm wondering if the heat mat under the feeder like the kind they use in greenhouses to keep seedlings warm would be beneficial in colder climates?

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MT10006-19-1-2-Inch-Seedling/dp/B0001WV010

I have read one post on a different thread and forum saying that feeding Fermented Feed can prevent worms. Have you found this to be true? And also, what are the benefits of feeding fermented feed?

It can help prevent worms, yes. The high acidity in the small intestines and the increased overall health of the bird, the immune system and the intestines can help prevent parasite overloads. Butchered birds all summer, both on my place and at a processing of meat birds and retired hens from homes where FF was being fed...no worms at all in the intestines.

I listed the benefits once but it would take too long right now to do them all....the short list is a tremendous savings on feed(nearly half the feed used than when feeding dry), increased health of the bird, increased laying, increase in good feathering and quick recovery from molt, less smell in the coop, feces compost more quickly in deep litter, yolks are bigger and egg taste is more mild~meat has a less gamey flavor also, increased bird vigor and mobility, prevention of coccidiosis, salmonella, flagella, e.coli infections, particularly in young chicks, less feed waste at feeding time, takes simple and cheap feeds and supersizes the nutrients in them so that they don't need supplements of any kind to give optimal nutrition.

 

[ak rain]

Thanks bee I'll look at mats. I was also worried about size of dog dishes. My birds also jump from rafters in morning so I don't want obstacles in center. Deep litter is providing some padding but it's frozen now too. Snow is coming now and cold country folks well know that means it's getting warmer.
I should add I picked up my 4th egg today lots if fun. Naighbor says they are healthy size pullet eggs
Ak rain

 

[bluebirdnanny]

My last batch I made a smaller bucket. Will have to find my list that I used for proportions! They ate it like I had been starving them!!!!!! This one I added soaked lentil and barley and some herbs (smashed garlic, oregano and cilantro and parsley I think) lol. Smells like stuffing and they are gobbling it up! Better than ever before!

Maybe not feeding enough but they do free range. One 4 year hen in molt, one old AND in molt (not a single butt feather), two that are laying. Then the rooster. I only feed using a spaghetti slotted claw/spoon... one good scoop per bird (plus one in evening) . No where near what you guys have said...

But same ration I have fed all along. If it is miserable out and I can't watch a free range or heavy hawk day I give some meat to compensate for loss and some greenery then a tad of scratch to bedding. Also have the calcium and grit out 24/7. Seeds of melons etc get scattered for them to range for.

But Bee saw photos of my rooster and two hens before hawk killed one (but I took back the meat it only got the head and some neck). My other 3 came from Fred. I am so blessed. Bee to guide and Fred close enough to get good birds.

 

[Sandstorm495]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[RoseMarie1]

Yep...just feed what they can eat before it freezes...if that's impossible, the heated dog bowls are nice though not conducive for feeding a whole, large flock. I'm wondering if the heat mat under the feeder like the kind they use in greenhouses to keep seedlings warm would be beneficial in colder climates?

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MT10006-19-1-2-Inch-Seedling/dp/B0001WV010





It can help prevent worms, yes. The high acidity in the small intestines and the increased overall health of the bird, the immune system and the intestines can help prevent parasite overloads. Butchered birds all summer, both on my place and at a processing of meat birds and retired hens from homes where FF was being fed...no worms at all in the intestines.

I listed the benefits once but it would take too long right now to do them all....the short list is a tremendous savings on feed(nearly half the feed used than when feeding dry), increased health of the bird, increased laying, increase in good feathering and quick recovery from molt, less smell in the coop, feces compost more quickly in deep litter, yolks are bigger and egg taste is more mild~meat has a less gamey flavor also, increased bird vigor and mobility, prevention of coccidiosis, salmonella, flagella, e.coli infections, particularly in young chicks, less feed waste at feeding time, takes simple and cheap feeds and supersizes the nutrients in them so that they don't need supplements of any kind to give optimal nutrition.

Yes Bee and that is so true I had the proof to show that to when I took mines poop to the vet for him to check for worms for me. No worms no parasites and no coccidiosis he said.
Oh and I need to also say, they free range and I have loads of wild birds that hang out around here as well and I have NEVER wormed them with store bought wormer. Only with ff, garlic, and acv.

 

[beverly evans]

Thanks bee I'll look at mats. I was also worried about size of dog dishes. My birds also jump from rafters in morning so I don't want obstacles in center. Deep litter is providing some padding but it's frozen now too. Snow is coming now and cold country folks well know that means it's getting warmer.
I should add I picked up my 4th egg today lots if fun. Naighbor says they are healthy size pullet eggs
Ak rain

I gotta know. Where do you live, in Alaska? You said something about "when the next plane out' in order to buy what you need to keep the ckns. feed from freezing. I forget to be thankful for where I live, but I remember when other places have typhoons and everything freezes, power outages, etc. We have horrible heat down here in Austin Texas but you can always find a lake or a pool or stay in the air conditioning. We have to use misters and have doggy pools out for the chickens to stand in and/or under, so they can tolerate the heat. In the winter lots of people have open coops. No need for any special accommodations for the girls. It has been in the high 70's and even 80's here lately. Still sleeveless weather here, but tonight it's going down to 35! We're all so silly here. The weather can be hot but the calendar says its fall so we wear our boots and scarves and (to me) look overdressed for the temp.

 

[ak rain]

I treated my child for heat stroke and it was in 70s that's a hot summer day. I live in a bush community that means no roads out. It's plane or ferry. Population about 400 with more in summer. I'm in easy Alaska winter 20 to 35 degrees and summer 60 to 75 degrees Lots of rain we are designated a rain Forrest my nearest city is Juneau a 30 min flight with good weather. We have sun low in sky between 10am and 3pm. I lived down in Big Bend NP for 5 years I was more isolated there
My chicken worries is high moisture in coop and last night wolves were howling under my window.
Prob'bly more then you wanted to know lol
Ak rain

 

[Beekissed]

Wolves! And we worry about possum and coon here in the lower....

Do you have dogs that can post a guard around your coops?

 

[ak rain]

My dog would hide behind me lol. The wolves killed a large dog this last week. Dogs do keep bears away most those are dormant right now. Digs cause moose to attach. My coop is tight I have tall electric fence I have buried the chicken wire. I have covered run with old gill net I've done my best to keep safe. For warmth I plugged seams I keep litter deep I have plugged in my water and timer on light. I'm adjusting my food so no left overs to freeze. Ak rain

 

[Beekissed]

It's a whole other world there, huh? Moose!

I forgot that you have deer species that attack humans too. Hats off to all you Alaskans and your tough lifestyle.

Heaven help you if the electric goes down and the animals close in.