FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[foxvalleyfarm]

I'm going to start a new batch tonight so I have two going. And the sweet feed has a lot of whole raw grains in it. But I'll just put in the chick started and some ultra kibble.(if I can find where I put it.). And the older ones are starting to prefer it. Now to get the meaties to eat it...

 

[SavageDestiny]

Yep...that's the very site where most folks go off the common sense pathway. Try not to access that site for much if you can help it...she got the idea for fermenting on these two largest threads and then just added her own dialogue to it, but it has no basis in fact or is even advisable. The last person that listened to that on here had a big, glass jar explode all over their entryway because of that sage advice.

You can read on this thread and find links and information on just what constitutes LAB fermentation and none of it is concurrent with that information you have quoted. I know it's the site that first comes up when one does a Google on FF but it's not reliable or accurate in its information.

No, the extra water doesn't hurt anything...but you will be adding an extra step to your feeding by straining every time that you wouldn't need to do, then the soupy feed has been causing some to report runny stools, and the wetter the feed fed in the winter months, the more easily and quickly it freezes. It may not bother you now, but you'll likely be wanting a drier mix later on.

Yeah that was why I decided to leave my lid cracked- it seemed like the gases being released could cause an issue with exploding if the lid was sealed, haha. Free air exchange also makes sense to me since the bacteria we want to start the fermenting is in the air/water.

I guess I'll just see how it goes with the water. I add water to my cats' and dogs' food (all raw fed) because I like them getting extra moisture with their meals. I hadn't thought about freezing though. Oh well, all I can do is try things out and adjust if necessary! My feed is starting to get a sour smell today which I'm excited about too.

 

[scopechick]

Ok so my chicks are LoVING the FF but they have cement hard balls of it stuck to their toes.....have tried soaking them off of one but it just doesnt seem to want to come loose......any suggestions? The chicks are still in the house and I am thinking it will wear off when they can finally get outside into some dirt but will it hinder their toes at all?

 

[Beekissed]

Ok so my chicks are LoVING the FF but they have cement hard balls of it stuck to their toes.....have tried soaking them off of one but it just doesnt seem to want to come loose......any suggestions? The chicks are still in the house and I am thinking it will wear off when they can finally get outside into some dirt but will it hinder their toes at all?

I never had this problem though others have reported that here. Are you using any kind of bedding at all?

 

[lazy gardener]

I had to laugh when folks were talking about tasting animal feed a few pages back. When I was a kid, I used to climb up on top of the big wooden barrel that my dad kept the sweet grain in... and I'd munch away. Almost knocked my front teeth out when the lid tipped and smacked me in the face.

Thanks BK for giving credit where credit is due... Our God is truly an awesome God!

 

[beverly evans]

Quote:
Bee, You are way too modest. All those hours of research that I don't ( we don't) have to do is so appreciated. I am a slow reader to boot, so I cherish you and all the time you have saved me. Just wish you were closer. We'd be best buds! And yes, I thank the Lord for you!
Back to current subjects: worming. I put DE in the chicken feed once in a while. That is supposed to kill worms or prevent their infestation. Is this true? Does it work as an alternative to Wazine (sp?). This for the person who was asking. : )

 

[scopechick]

I never had this problem though others have reported that here.  Are you using any kind of bedding at all? 

At the moment just paper towel as they are in the shower stall of my spare bathroom. I use an Ecobrooder and it requires ambient temp of 50degrees so still too cold to put it outside. They are 6-8 days old today.

 

[scopechick]

Has anyone had detrimental effect to their feet from the cement-like feed balls?,

 

[niqueie]

I'm going to start a new batch tonight so I have two going. And the sweet feed has a lot of whole raw grains in it. But I'll just put in the chick started and some ultra kibble.(if I can find where I put it.). And the older ones are starting to prefer it. Now to get the meaties to eat it...

If your feeding whole grains to chicks make sure you are giving them chick grit.

Also I bought baby birds that were outside in dirt/messy flooring. When I brought them home I just put them in the sink and filled it about 1/4 inch deep. Then I let them soak for a couple minutes. I ended up having to squeeze some of the balls of dirt on their toe nails/ talons because a few of them didn't come off in the soaking. They got cleaned up from that. I never had a problem with them getting the feed stuck onto their toes though.

Maybe if you put some leaves and pine shaving down in the brooder it would help. I did have a problem with my chicks losing neck feathers a lot because of the FF stuck onto the feathers and then got pulled out because of how stuck the feathers were. Their heads were covered in stiff feed laced feathers too. They out grew it though so it was temporary.

 

[niqueie]

I too love how bee shares her wisdom. I talk about what Bee says to do, with my husband whenever things about the chickens come up. I think to myself sometimes "bee would like this" or "Bee would not approve probably".

My husband told me after he processed our rooster, that I could tell Bee that we put on our big girl panties and processed our own chicken. He's funny!

Anyway thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge and insight. I love how you are honest about your feelings of God. He is our mighty savior and I like how you speak of him. I need to wear my testimony on the outside more often and you have shown a great example of that also. Thank You!!!