FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[EggSighted4Life]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Of course now my head is spinning but I'll figure it out. Does anyone think there is any point in fermenting produce scraps if I'm going to ferment the feed? I do plan on giving them fruit I use for my 2nd ferment when I make Kombucha. I figured that would be a nice little treat for them. Sorry to ask so many questions. But would be unheard of to swap out feeds or mix them? And is there anything that might be missing in the layer feed that I might need to include in their diet? Are the pellets a complete diet? Ugh, thanks for all your help everyone. This Newbie Hippee Chickee really appreciates it.

It is OK to swap out feeds or mix them. Just remember where your nutrients are meeting in the middle depends on the ratio. Many people mix when they are switching to the next type of feed, say they have ran out yet but are ready to start...

I agree with @lazy gardener , I would feed the kombucha separately. There is no such thing as a sale here and prices are equal so I use Flock Raiser (20%) and OS on the side. I never will use layer though because my flock will always be mixed age and gender. Totally get the wallet dictating. Wish we had a TSC here.

 

[jbkirk]

It is OK to swap out feeds or mix them. Just remember where your nutrients are meeting in the middle depends on the ratio. Many people mix when they are switching to the next type of feed, say they have ran out yet but are ready to start...

I agree with @lazy gardener , I would feed the kombucha separately. There is no such thing as a sale here and prices are equal so I use Flock Raiser (20%) and OS on the side. I never will use layer though because my flock will always be mixed age and gender. Totally get the wallet dictating. Wish we had a TSC here.

I use livestock feed mixed with layer, then I get the best egg production(and it's cheaper)

Our local farm store actually is cheaper than the TSC.

 

[aart]

I use livestock feed mixed with layer, then I get the best egg production(and it's cheaper)

Our local farm store actually is cheaper than the TSC.

Curious, what kind of 'livestock' feed.... what are the ingredients and nutritive percentages???
Do you provide calcium separately?

 

[Megans Chicks]

FINALLY, I have a batch of fermented feed to give to the hens and chicks! Until my batch was ready to go, I was mixing up one part feed and one part water just to get them used to the new texture. Probably not necessary but I did it anyway and they LOVED it!! Now they seem to love the fermented feed as much as just the watered down feed! I followed what I believe to be the best instructions for newbies like myself! Thank you to the TikkTok FAQ page:

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[Tikkijane]

FINALLY, I have a batch of fermented feed to give to the hens and chicks! Until my batch was ready to go, I was mixing up one part feed and one part water just to get them used to the new texture. Probably not necessary but I did it anyway and they LOVED it!! Now they seem to love the fermented feed as much as just the watered down feed! I followed what I believe to be the best instructions for newbies like myself! Thank you to the TikkTok FAQ page: https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[EggSighted4Life]

FINALLY, I have a batch of fermented feed to give to the hens and chicks! Until my batch was ready to go, I was mixing up one part feed and one part water just to get them used to the new texture. Probably not necessary but I did it anyway and they LOVED it!! Now they seem to love the fermented feed as much as just the watered down feed! I followed what I believe to be the best instructions for newbies like myself! Thank you to the TikkTok FAQ page:

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

Mixing with water, while waiting was a great ideal!

Your flock looks lovely!

 

[jbkirk]

Curious, what kind of 'livestock' feed.... what are the ingredients and nutritive percentages???
Do you provide calcium separately?

No I don't provide calcium.
Country Acres All Stock 14% Textured

Ingredients:- Wheat Middlings, Malt Sprouts, Grain screenings, Flaked Corn, Cane molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Soybean oil, Lignin Sulfonate, Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Maganous Oxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Sodium Molbdate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Oxide.

Crude Protein 14% Min
Crude Fat 3% Min
Crude Fiber 13% Max
Acid Detergent Fiber 16% Max
Ash 12% Max
Calcium .9-1.4%
Phosphorus .45% Max
Salt .3-.8%
Sodium .55% Max
Potassium .75% Min
Selenium .8-.96 ppm
Zinc 60 ppm Min
Vitamin A 3000 IU/LB Min

 

[Intheswamp]

jbkirk, I've got a few questions for you.

What is the protein analysis of the layer feed that you're mixing with the all-stock feed?

What ratio is the mix?...1/2 and 1/2?

How long have you been feeding this mixture?

And, lastly just to verify, you are fermenting this mixture...correct?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Mom2Sav]

I would not ferment produce scraps. I'd simply toss them to the birds as they are. As for swapping feeds: are you talking about using a bag of one brand this month, followed by an other brand with your next purchase? I do that all the time. I buy my feed based on who is offering the best price or best coupon when ever I buy feed. For the most part, it boils down to purchasing from one of 2 local competitors. I like the feed from one store better, but, my wallet dictates where I go. As far as layer feed vs: starter, or multi-flock: IMO layer feed is an inferior product. Any chicken, when given a choice will choose the higher protein feed. But, if you don't use layer, you definitely need to offer oyster shell on the side for the extra calcium. I also think it's a good idea to offer OS on the side, especially if birds don't get to free range, even when you are using only layer. Again, I use layer most of the time b/c it's easier on my wallet. When I have chicks in the yard, I switch the whole flock to starter or multi-flock.

That's exactly what I meant. Good, I will do the same. So when you say layer feed do you mean any type of feed labeled "layer" whether it's pellets or otherwise? So what do you recommend starter or multi-flock? And can I sanitize egg shells and grind them instead of OS?

 

[Mom2Sav]

Yes, Tik Tok is great. I saved the page. EggSighted4Life your chickens are lovely. Are those RI Reds in there?