Fermented Feeds

[kpgoldstar]

Okay, with the wealth of knowledge here, I may have over looked this answer, but, when initially starting to ferment, do you HAVE to use ACV or a mother culture? I just started with half gallon jars nearly half full of laying feed and the filled it up with water and gave it a good stir a few times...2 days later it was all bubbly on top....didn't really have a sour smell..maybe more like pumpkin innards lol

No, you do NOT have to use a starter or ACV. Simply feed + water + time. I don't add more feed and water every time I feed out. I make enough of a batch to last 4-5 days. I have 4 laying hens. When I get down to a cup or so, I then add enough water and feed for the next 4-5 days. Using my already fermented leftovers (this is called backslopping) the new batch is fully fermented again by the next feeding. I feed twice a day. I don't keep a layer of water over mine so I don't have to strain at every feeding. Mine is more like super thick oatmeal. I keep a cover on it that allows air transfer. Mine is in a food grade plastic bucket and I have been using the same container for nearly a year - never washed, thrown out or started over.

 

[Brada Puhi]

I say mix the higher 21% protein with whole grains and seed added to average out into the higher teens. I even add a little bird seed, as all plant foods have different phytochemicals that our bodies can utilize. The 16% is more like the triple duty I use. This is better if it is the only feed you use(no added whole grains). Of course Iʻm only a beginner.


Aloha, Puhi

 

[Noodlynoo]

Ive been reading all these threads and links but cant find the answer I'm looking for.

When it comes to starting again with the liquid, can it be given to the chickens, or is it better to throw it out?

 

[RichnSteph]

Ive been reading all these threads and links but cant find the answer I'm looking for.

When it comes to starting again with the liquid, can it be given to the chickens, or is it better to throw it out?

Edited. I miss read your post when I replied the first time.

RichnSteph

 

[Noodlynoo]

Oh right! Thanks RichnSteph!

 

[RichnSteph]

Oh right! Thanks RichnSteph!

Oh! Well maybe I didn't misread your post to begin with and you were fast enough to read it before I tried to edit the embarrassment away.

RichnSteph

 

[kpgoldstar]

Ive been reading all these threads and links but cant find the answer I'm looking for.

When it comes to starting again with the liquid, can it be given to the chickens, or is it better to throw it out?

I'm not sure I understand your question. Starting again with what liquid? What are you throwing out?

 

[Lilyput]

Ive been reading all these threads and links but cant find the answer I'm looking for.

When it comes to starting again with the liquid, can it be given to the chickens, or is it better to throw it out?

Use it; simple recipe, dry feed, water/"liquid", and time. If fresh water and new container, wait 4 days, if some old ff feed left use it.So, if you have liquid left over add your dry feed to an oatmeal consistency. It may only need to go overnight, or it may need an extra day.

 

[Noodlynoo]

Ive obviously got too much liquid. Thanks Liliput.

 

[Lilyput]

Ive obviously got too much liquid. Thanks Liliput.

Or not enough feed. As FF doesn't go bad, I would add dry feed to what you have. My FF has the consistency of cooked oatmeal. If it is a little too moist and I need to feed the chickens I just add dry feed to their meal that day. I only have five hens, so I make mine every day, use most of it and replenish, let it go overnight and it's ready the next morning. People with a lot of chickens use a big bucket and replenish when bucket has a couple of inches left. Don't worry too much about it, you'll be fine. PS I often get a "crust" on mine. This is not bad, just stir it in.