FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[Beekissed]

I have some pullets that are just now coming into lay in their 9th mo. and that's just too, too slow in my reckoning. There is a good average sexual maturity age that I find most that fall into that average make for the best and most consistent layers that lay for several years without any problems...that age is 6 mo. Those that come in too early seem to burn out early, those that come in later seem to have many hiccups in their laying cycles and don't lay through the winter months. Just things I've observed over the years.

 

[chickengirl1193]

When you make your first batch it's okay to make it a little more moist just to get your scoby started but I'd add some feed to thicken that up once you achieve a good ferment. You don't have to keep it under water...if mold is going to form, it will form right on top of that water just like it does on top of feed. Here's a few vids of refreshing feed and the consistency you can keep it at after the water absorbs....

Awesome! Thanks so much! I'm going to get some pickle buckets today from the restaurant where my bf works and start it up

 

[MandalaMaMa]

I added more crumbles to mine this morning and it's already doing its thing. This patch as been setting for 5 days. Starting out small just to get the feel of things and all figured out. Thanks everyone for all you help.
.

 

[Beekissed]

You might want to take that lid off.....

 

[kpgoldstar]

You might want to take that lid off.....

This stuff can sometimes have a life of its own and expand beyond control, like the Blob!

 

[kpgoldstar]

What kind of spoon/scoop does everyone use to get the feed out of the water? Ive heard your not supposed to use metal. I think im going to start fermenting my feed and see how it goes. Does it matter if you ferment pellets or crumbles? And should it be in a cool area or room temperature?

When I first started I kept mine more moist with about 1/2" water over the top. Now it's more like a grout consistency and I make enough to last about 4 days. Every feeding the mixture gets a little more wet since I use a fine strainer to scoop out feed. Mine is a plastic housing but metal mesh, but I rinse it off every time I use it so it is fine. You just don't want your ff in constant contact with any metal as it will rust. When I get to the bottom of my bucket it is almost all scoby water, then I just add in enough crumbles and water to last again about 4 days. It gets to the ferment stage by the next feeding. I have been using the same never-ending bucket for about 16 weeks as my gals are still juveniles.
My strainer is like this. http://www.amazon.com/Winware-18cm-...=1390762547&sr=8-137&keywords=fine+mesh+sieve

 

[chickengirl1193]

When I first started I kept mine more moist with about 1/2" water over the top. Now it's more like a grout consistency and I make enough to last about 4 days. Every feeding the mixture gets a little more wet since I use a fine strainer to scoop out feed. Mine is a plastic housing but metal mesh, but I rinse it off every time I use it so it is fine. You just don't want your ff in constant contact with any metal as it will rust. When I get to the bottom of my bucket it is almost all scoby water, then I just add in enough crumbles and water to last again about 4 days. It gets to the ferment stage by the next feeding. I have been using the same never-ending bucket for about 16 weeks as my gals are still juveniles.
My strainer is like this. http://www.amazon.com/Winware-18cm-Diameter/dp/B00EPFMY0K/ref=sr_1_137?ie=UTF8&qid=1390762547&sr=8-137&keywords=fine+mesh+sieve

Okay thank you for the ideas!
What is scoby?
Also I was planning on adding ACV, is there anythingelse that I should add to the feed?

 

[kpgoldstar]

Okay thank you for the ideas!
What is scoby?
Also I was planning on adding ACV, is there anythingelse that I should add to the feed?

Bee explains it better, but scoby is the layer of ferment that forms in the water of your feed. It is what keeps your culture alive. For some it is an off-white somewhat foamy substance. Mine tends to form at the bottom of my bucket. Those that keep more water over their mix find it forms at the top. I don't use anything but chick starter crumbles and water. I also don't give ACV in their drinking water. I keep it as simple as possible.

 

[Scott H]

I put BOSS, 3 grain scratch, oats and even some whole grain hot cereal my wife and I didn't like so much. It had flax seed in it along with rye and wheat.
Felt like a mad scientist mixing it up.

 

[kpgoldstar]

Oh geeze, those things are dirt cheap. You want me to mail you 4? I have a bunch of them!

Ok, I have to finally give in and ask for leg bands! 2 of my girls are quite distinct, but the other 2 are getting extremely difficult to tell apart. Would you please send me a few? I tried sharpies but that didn't last long. My feed store has vet wrap but at 2.99 a roll. PM me and I'll send you my address. Thanks!