Fermented Feeds

[LindaB220]

It might be over a week old - they stopped liking it the last 4 days. I tried adding more scratch and peck and then also mixing some dry in for better consistency on the plate. They just pick at it and Leave lots of uneaten.
I read that at some point the stuff loses it's nutritional value - maybe this batch is at that point. Which is why I was considering starting a new batch. I didn't let it ferment for the 4 days initially, just 1 day.

Here's a good site that will answer all you questions.

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

 

[QueenBubbles]

That is where I found out about the 4 day thing. I'll just start a new batch according to those directions

 

[LindaB220]

That is where I found out about the 4 day thing. I'll just start a new batch according to those directions

Put a dollop of the old in there and it will be ready overnight.

You are taking out the dry food also aren't you. Otherwise they aren't giving it a chance. It doesn't spoil. I have a friend that makes hers in 33 gal trash can. Uses a paddle to stir. Just keeps re-adding the feed and water when it's almost empty. Never cleans it. I don't either. Good luck

I have my 2 day olds under the tree outside with their ff and water. Happy.

 

[Brada Puhi]

No need to start a new batch. 4 days is the minimum. I think like 3 weeks is the maximum! Maybe even longer.

Aloha, Puhi

 

[QueenBubbles]

No need to start a new batch.  4 days is the minimum.  I think like 3 weeks is the maximum!  Maybe even longer.

Aloha, Puhi

So maybe them losing interest is just I haven't been putting enough feed in lately - if I put in the same amount I take out it stays balanced?

Can I put fruit scraps in too or will that make it alcoholy? What about crumble feed?

Sorry for needing a little hand holding here. I appreciate your guidance!

 

[Brada Puhi]

Aloha,

Fill up half of a 5 gallon bucket with water, add some feed, stir every once in a while to reduce swelling. Add water to cover the top and leave(stir a little) for 4 days. Then just take from that until there is 1/3 left, Fill up your feeder pitcher for tomorrow, then add more feed to your 5 gallon bucket. No need choke water after that.

I used to add every day like you, but youʻre not getting the full ferment.

You can add any kine grain feed- rolled barley, flax, wheat, corn, soy, BOSS, bird seed whatever.

Ferment vegetables on the side. Look up Korean natural farming and watch the youtube with the woman teaching. I forget her name.

Or just feed ʻem the scraps straight.

If theyʻre not interested, feed less until theyʻre hungrier.

Aloha, Puhi

 

[Sourdough1938]

Aloha,

Fill up half of a 5 gallon bucket with water, add some feed, stir every once in a while to reduce swelling. Add water to cover the top and leave(stir a little) for 4 days. Then just take from that until there is 1/3 left, Fill up your feeder pitcher for tomorrow, then add more feed to your 5 gallon bucket. No need choke water after that.

I used to add every day like you, but youʻre not getting the full ferment.

You can add any kine grain feed- rolled barley, flax, wheat, corn, soy, BOSS, bird seed whatever.

Ferment vegetables on the side. Look up Korean natural farming and watch the youtube with the woman teaching. I forget her name.

Or just feed ʻem the scraps straight.

If theyʻre not interested, feed less until theyʻre hungrier.

Aloha, Puhi

Thanks for posting. Good advice

 

[QueenBubbles]

Aloha,

Fill up half of a 5 gallon bucket with water, add some feed, stir every once in a while to reduce swelling.  Add water to cover the top and leave(stir a little) for 4 days.  Then just take from that until there is 1/3 left, Fill up your feeder pitcher for tomorrow, then add more feed to your 5 gallon bucket.  No need choke water after that.

I used to add every day like you, but youʻre not getting the full ferment.

You can add any kine grain feed- rolled barley, flax, wheat, corn, soy, BOSS, bird seed whatever.

Ferment vegetables on the side.  Look up Korean natural farming and watch the youtube with the woman teaching.  I forget her name.

Or just feed ʻem the scraps straight.

If theyʻre not interested, feed less until theyʻre hungrier.

Aloha, Puhi

Aloha Puhi,
Thanks! You answered all my questions and I like the suggestion to feed less to make them hungry - haha. They would rather eat my orange tree leaves than mango peels, apple cores or purslane. I'll have to contain them more so there is less choice!
Thanks again!
Colleen

 

[Chicnextdoor84]

My biddies are on day 2 of fermented feed, they get a good serving in the evening and they

LOVE it. The chicks are another story, they wont touch it

! I will continue to put it in the brooder until someone is brave and then the others will follow. I know my mix is a little soupy because I was trying to make sure it had a good inch of water cover to prevent any molding. Today I will add fresh dry to stiffen it up a bit. I added about a tablespoon of ACV from the mother to the 5 gallon bucket that is for the main flock and no ACV to the 2 gallon glass jar for the chicks. I wanted to see how each would do and they actually both started bubbling on the same day! I added garlic to both mixes and afterwards I read that because garlic is an antibacterial it could prohibit the fermentation or good bacteria? Should I omit that in my future mixes? What is everyone's favorite recipe? I did a flock batch of part chick starter and feather fixer feed ( I have quite a few going through a partial molt),3 grain scratch ( I usually prefer 5 grain+ but they didn't have any), oats, farmer's helper ultrakibble, garlic, BOSS, ACV. My chick batch is made up of chick starter, oats, garlic and oregano. They all smell quite good like Italian pizza dough/ sourdough. I am stirring several times a day with a pillow case rubberbanded around the tops. I am so excited about doing this for my biddies as well as for my wallet! Maybe if I cut my feed bill down the hubby

will stop saying we are at our limit! I myself am ready to build an oasis for more chickies!!

 

[Lilyput]

you don't need to cover with water; as long as starter is alive there will be no mold. I have never had mold in either human sourdough starter or chicken starter. I only use starches and water; I add garlic or any other goody separately when feeding, but don't contaminate my starter.