FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[elroddo]

Gave my girls their first batch on monday right before bed. They didn't touch it before i put them to sleep but they finished it by the time I got home tuesday night. I have 8 5 week old silver laced wyandottes, and they probably had 5-6 cups of FF the first day. Last night I refilled the bowl and they went right at it as soon as I gave it to them. All 8 of them were crowding around and going crazy, which made me happy that they liked it, and that I appeared to have done it right. Need to get a scoop to get it out of the bucket easier, right now I'm using a paint stirrer I bought to mix it with. Figure a ladle from the dollar store should be perfect. Going to make some troughs for when I start meat birds next month.

 

[subhanalah]

Gave my girls their first batch on monday right before bed. They didn't touch it before i put them to sleep but they finished it by the time I got home tuesday night. I have 8 5 week old silver laced wyandottes, and they probably had 5-6 cups of FF the first day. Last night I refilled the bowl and they went right at it as soon as I gave it to them. All 8 of them were crowding around and going crazy, which made me happy that they liked it, and that I appeared to have done it right. Need to get a scoop to get it out of the bucket easier, right now I'm using a paint stirrer I bought to mix it with. Figure a ladle from the dollar store should be perfect. Going to make some troughs for when I start meat birds next month. 

I have a metal and plastic spatula. The spatula is round shaped and rather wide with a flat side. It's been my favorite so far.

 

[greasemonkey88]

Don't forget not to use wood handles. I feel like nasties can get in the grain and hold it. Plastic for the win!

 

[subhanalah]

Yeah, wood spoons mildew, IME.

 

[Tikkijane]

Ok, so I have a quick question. I moved my 5 gallon bucket of ff out to a side porch because my fiancee was complaining about it (am I immune to the smell already? LOL). I am pretty new to using FF but the birds LOVE it. I am glad I visited the page today because I have a question right along these lines. I have my 5 gallon bucket with an industrial sized stainless steel spoon in it, all covered with a towel, one night was exceptionally hot and when I went out in the morning to feed, white stuff everywhere. I don't know if this has to do with the heat or what, but I stirred it in and have been scraping the sides down since that day. I have not fed any more to my flock though for fear of illness. Should I ditch the batch that all the white fuzz got stirred down into? (I didn't think to take a photo, of course)

On the FAQ, I have pics linked of both yeast and mold. It's likely yeast, especially if it's white.

 

[Tikkijane]

A couple of questions, whats the best type of feeder for the fermented feed, and how does this work in the cold of winter (won't it freeze?) Got my first batch fermenting now, can't wait to see my girls eat it. They are going to be 5 weeks old tommorrow, wish I'd tried it sooner.

Nm just read the FAQ Jane posted. Thats what I get for posting then reading back a few pages. Looks like i need to make a trough or two.

I like to use sections of gutters with end caps (pics in the FAQ). Yes, it can freeze- HOWEVER- you're feeding what can be eaten in 30 minutes to a half hour. If they can't ceat it all and it freezes, take it inside, let it thaw, and mix it back in the bucket.

 

[chickengirl1193]

I have a broody with roundworms.... im not sure what to worm with, or if I should. Shes not pooping a lot so I dont want to block her up :/ everyone here is so knowledgeable, that's why I come here!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Worming while broody IMO is a good time since she's not laying eggs anyway. I don't think a medication would block her up.

If you're sure it's roundworms. http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/phi/PHI/ROUNDWORMS PHI Handout from Dr. Smith.pdf

 

[chickengirl1193]

Worming while broody IMO is a good time since she's not laying eggs anyway. I don't think a medication would block her up.

If you're sure it's roundworms. http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/phi/PHI/ROUNDWORMS PHI Handout from Dr. Smith.pdf

The vet confirmed round worms, but then didn't tell me what to use or what dosage because she was in a surgery. So I did buy wazine but im not sure on the dosage orally and a few posts on here claim that all the worms being expelled at once will block up the intestines and I don't want to do that to a broody who isn't pooping a lot anyway

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd take the chance that she won't get blocked up. I'm not sure the dosage but I'd treat her first thing in the morning. Some of the worms then would be expelled when she comes off the nest for her daily duty.