Fermented Feeds

[LCfarms]

Couple questions. I know boss are really good for bringing out shine in feathers and they increase fat level are they also high in protein or what are the other reasons for feeding them? And for ff how often does everyone start over or do you really only have to start it the once and you'll never have to start again?

 

[moomoodiddy]

if u do it right the firdt time modt dont have to stsrt over but if it starts smelling foul then throw it out

 

[naadarien]

I never use ACV. Just haven't needed it. It isn't recommended to start a lacto-fermentation and once you start one, I just keep reusing the fermented water in newly added feed. I stir my feed twice a day and that makes sure the feed neither molds or starts turning to alcohol fermentation.

I have the 2.5 gallon glass containers (2) made by Anchor-Hocking (from Wal-Mart). They're great because I can see that everything is mixing well and fermenting. The feed has a tendency to go in and get clumpy so I have to make sure that all of the feed breaks up. Otherwise it forms air pockets and that is one way to get alcohol fermentation (rather than lacto-fermentation). Since my preference is for lacto-fermentation, I stay on top of that mixing process.

I scoop out the feed out with slotted spoons into a pyrex baking dish (i had plenty handy). I have a solid cinder block in the coop and the dish sits on that.

My pullets used to really love the FF, but now that they forage for most of their food (and I supplement with organic BOSS or seed), they don't eat the FF as much. I am fine with that. I would much prefer that they forage for food. HTH.

 

[Joanmcm]

I am out of Braggs but have a batch of sauerkraut fermenting on the counter. I am going to take a bit of that 'mother' and use as starter. My chick food has fish meal in it. I saw earlier that meat will cause an odor. Can the feed w/meat be fermented anyway? (ie, ala pepperoni or just use grains. I have scratch downstairs I could use. I think you could throw whatever you want in there including a little bit of fruit or veggie and it would be ok.

 

[peckygirl]

I was told that if the feed becomes wet like from rain or spilled water it is rancid and I should not ever feed it to the chickens. Is this just a complete lie?

 

[tymimo]

Wet feed that is exposed to air is going to mold. Fermentation requires an oxygen-deprived environment. That is why people recommend at least one inch of water covering the feed.

 

[sarahsunshine]

I was told that if the feed becomes wet like from rain or spilled water it is rancid and I should not ever feed it to the chickens. Is this just a complete lie?

Pretty much.

If your feed gets wet and then dries out, it will get moldy. If you soak your feed, however, and it stays underwater, and you mix it regulalry (when you feed), it will swell and begin to ferment. After a couple days it will be very full of good bacteria (like yoghurt and sauerkraut are). This is great for your chickens. Just be aware of the smell and if it starts to smell moldy, get rid of it all and start over. You want fermentation, not mold!

Fortunately if you are fermenting properly, it shouldn't mold!

And you want a little air to escape periodically. lacto-fermentation can happen without air, and has happened for centuries dirtier than ours. Just try to be careful with it, and keep a lid on it so things don't fall in. Generally, it should be fine.

 

[tymimo]

Lacto-fermentation actually produces carbon dioxide that can build up and cause the container to burst if it is sealed tightly. Those are the bubbles that you will see when you stir your feed. With fermented feed this shouldn't be too much of a concern since you'll be removing the lid daily to scoop and stir. Covering with a lid or cloth is a good idea to keep out pests.

 

[sarahsunshine]

Lacto-fermentation actually produces carbon dioxide that can build up and cause the container to burst if it is sealed tightly. Those are the bubbles that you will see when you stir your feed. With fermented feed this shouldn't be too much of a concern since you'll be removing the lid daily to scoop and stir. Covering with a lid or cloth is a good idea to keep out pests.

You are absolutely right. CO2 is given off. I just meant that the reaction didn't require air, therefore you could seal the lid, though it will pop off eventually!

 

[skitzkle]

I am storing my fermenting feed in my sunroom and it is real hot here. Will it hurt it to be in 80's? I don't really want the 5 gal bucket in the house.