FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[aatx]

Good for you for getting it started before the chicks arrive! You'll get the ratio of food to water figured out so it is exactly the consistency you want after everything ferments.

It looks pretty sitting there in that glass jar. I know that lid doesn't create an airtight seal, but you sill might want to stick a spoon under one side of the lid so it can burp/breathe.

This exact container has been used on a few other threads with reports that it breathes well.

However, that being said, the lid is such that it can easily be positioned not exactly on center, leaving a small gap around the edge. I did that this morning before I left for work not wanting to be the 1% that had a problem!

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

This exact container has been used on a few other threads with reports that it breathes well.

However, that being said, the lid is such that it can easily be positioned not exactly on center, leaving a small gap around the edge. I did that this morning before I left for work not wanting to be the 1% that had a problem!

I meant no criticism. I used a glass container for a while and just opted to leave the lid off so I wouldn't have to fiddle with it or worry. I had no issues with doing that.

 

[aatx]

I certainly didn't take it as criticism - I read many reports of containers bursting. I considered the 1 gallon container that was this same style, and specifically avoided it once I saw it in the store because of the lid fitting tighter.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

I just googled Fermenting Feed for Chickens ... there are so many people blogging about it! Wow!

 

[Beekissed]

I just googled Fermenting Feed for Chickens ... there are so many people blogging about it! Wow!

I know. Not one could I find back when I was researching this thing but now....throw a rock and you have an FF expert on a blog somewhere. It's.....well...it's....amazing but not exactly in a good way? It's amazing that it has spread like wildfire from this single source~BYC~but it's disconcerting how much misinformation is out there.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Is it all misinformation or just the fact that there are so many different ways to do it? (I'm sure some of it is misinformation)

 

[Beekissed]

Is it all misinformation or just the fact that there are so many different ways to do it? (I'm sure some of it is misinformation)

A lot of it's different ways to do it... due to misinformation...which is why we get folks on here all confused about runny stools(because of runny FF), increased chore time due to straining, confusion and fear regarding "stuff" growing on top, questions as to why their mix smells like alcohol after using this starter or that starter that was recommended on a blog, reports of batches "gone bad", exploded glass jars, etc.

 

[LindaB220]

Not really, other than cut total rations. If they are penned all the time I can't imagine they need that level of nutrition when not needing it for cold weather issues. Although cutting back may not solve your problem...some breeds and some birds within a breed are prone to overeat, more so than the other birds.

I usually place those birds on the cull list, for three reasons...

1. Are the eggs she is laying paying for her food? If the other hens can produce the same egg on less feed, why am I feeding this bird/breed instead?

2. Ultimately, her excess weight puts her at risk for laying issues or just less laying altogether.

3. Feed thrift is desirable in my flock paradigm because I want to profit from chickens, not go in the hole. It's not a hobby that gives me a little food, it's a food source that brings me some enjoyment as a byproduct.

I am going to really have to pace myself. I have been feeding two or three times a day and adding Boss also. They are getting BIG. I need to sit down and figure out how much they really need. Spoiling them. At least 10 cups daily for my 16. Going outside tomorrow so I'll be working on it. I have a runt the male white rock that is run over and kept away from the food. He just needs extra space to eat on his own.

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

I am going to really have to pace myself.  I have been feeding two or three times a day and adding Boss also.  They are getting BIG.  I need to sit down and figure out how much they really need.   Spoiling them.    At least 10 cups daily for my 16.  Going outside tomorrow so I'll be working on it.  I have a runt the male white rock that is run over and kept away from the food.  He just needs extra space to eat on his own. 

Yeah ... I'd rather divide my feeding stations and space them out so the shy ones can get a spot without friction than put out extra feed in fewer spots so the piggies pig out and roll away before the shy ones can get a bite.

 

[Beekissed]

I am going to really have to pace myself. I have been feeding two or three times a day and adding Boss also. They are getting BIG. I need to sit down and figure out how much they really need. Spoiling them. At least 10 cups daily for my 16. Going outside tomorrow so I'll be working on it. I have a runt the male white rock that is run over and kept away from the food. He just needs extra space to eat on his own.

It really solved a lot of issues for me just by building a longer feed trough and also cutting rations. Now when the older birds come to the feeder they are so hungry they don't have any time to run of the younger birds and are just trying to get a few mouthfuls before it's all gone. Took care of the bullying at the feeder, didn't need a creep feeder any longer and the meaties are no longer getting injured because they can't understand social structure....they just can't seem to get that one down at all. The younger birds (2 wks) are very good at waiting for the scraps and smaller particles after the larger birds have gone back to foraging. Mostly they are not even coming into the feeder at all...too busy foraging.

Off to make some broody places and kill a rooster....

It's rained so much in the last few days you can SEE the grass growing! Always a miracle, that seeing the greening up of the landscape.