Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[TexasLisa]

Well, I think it is my turn to ask about fermenting. I have never done it before, and really want to start. I have been going crazy reading everything I can. It was a lot and got kind of confusing, but I think I got it all down. Just wanting to make sure I have it, and will be doing it right.

I plan on using a 5 gallon bucket with snap shut lid, leave it propped open, dont shut unless I am shaking. Put in enough feed to last a few days, and cover with water. Stir every couple hours, and make sure there is enough liquid to keep it covered. Wait at least 4 days, it will be bubbly and have a sour smell. Scoop enough for the chickens to eat in a short time frame, feed twice a day. Every time I remove some of the feed, add more to replace, and just maintain water level. I will be fermenting just regular layer feed and maybe add some scratch also. Or just throw the scratch out.

One thing that confused me was when I just start the bucket, I have read that normal tap water it fine, but also that you need to use non-chlorinated water. Which is it? Also, that you should put ACV in it to get it started. Do I keep adding the ACV every time I add water, or just to get it started? Is it a must that I add it? I have also read that you can just leave the lid open and it will naturally do what the ACV does for it, it just might take longer and you run into the chance of mold?

I am just trying to make sure I get this all right the first time around, before I start experimenting with fermenting new foods, or buying whole grains and doing it that way. Sorry for the long post!! But any help will be so greatly appreciated.

You are going to shake 5 gallons???

Just how tall are you???

I bought a $3 shower cap, poked holes in it and I used that to cover my bucket. I use a broken mop handle to stir it. We have sulphur in our water and it doesn't seem to hurt it.

Good Luck!

Lisa

 

[amenfarm]

 

[lazy gardener]

Once again, I got attacked by the chicks in a feeding frenzy. This time, they drew blood. So, I think, I'm going to have to outsmart them by putting a decoy blob of FF at one end of the tractor and then sneaking the big dish into the other end. Not sure how to actually get the decoy blob in there without getting mauled... Little predators, they are!!!

 

[LindaB220]

Kassaundra, Where have you been lately? Not heard from you in a long while. I have something for you to see. Please google "fowlrus" and click on the first entry in the list, then on the top of the page click on "showgirl". Then tell me what you think of them. I don't like naked necks, but these are something else again! : )

Oh Beverly, too funny. I can see them making a lot of them.

 

[LindaB220]

Mine has never been hurt by tap water. I do not know if the "new chlorine" I think something like chloramine would cause problems, I think ours is just the old fashioned chlorine. I also don't know if our tap water has fluorine or not.

If you choose to add acv you only need to add it once as a jump start, but it isn't ness. Either grains or feed will work, or both.

In 2+ (almost 3) years I have never got mold in mine, it has a loose cover most of the time, but if I think it is going to rain I let the cover stay off to catch rain water. I always keep a water cover on mine, I know Bee does not. I have the same ferment I started with, and I did water and feed / grains. Mine is outside year round in a large 30 gallon black plastic trash bucket.

Interesting about the water coverage. I thought you weren't suppose to. I guess different strokes.

 

[thedude]

Sound like a plan. Barley and oats have more protein than corn so use more of it. Try to keep 18% at least. Are they layers? If they are CX you'll need at least 20%.

Ok, thanks. These aren't layers, they are CX meat birds.

I didn't know those contained more protein. I mixed in the rolled barley and cracked corn. I'll add in the oats. The meat bird feed is also mixed in there at a higher ratio at the moment so it should still be good. Plus the free range factor.

 

[thedude]

Just an update to confirm that the FF does work. It's been almost a week and there are noticeable changes.

1. The poop is definitely not an issue anymore - Mostly solid and the stink is pretty much gone. Before FF when you got near the tractor it was stinky, now i can barely smell it.
   
2. Less feed and definitely less food waste. Since it can't be "flicked" around it is all gone and not spread everywhere. I'm also trying to "make my own feed". Right now just adding rolled barley and cracked corn to the Nutrena Meat Bird feed to "stretch" the food. I'll add other grains shortly.
   
3. Part Time Free Ranging - definitely a plus as well. Supplements the feed with bugs, grass, etc. and they get exercise. I'm not able to let them free range full time

My goals with this are pretty simple: cut down feed costs and cut down stink.

With supplementing the Meat Bird crumbles with diff grains the costs will drop from $23-$24 per bag to $17-$18. The costs will likely be even less since a bag of feed will last longer.

 

[Kassaundra]

Interesting about the water coverage. I thought you weren't suppose to. I guess different strokes.

I started fermenting before this thread from an Okie byc'ers info and he said to cover w/ water, so I always did. When this thread came along and Bee discovered it did not need to be covered, I was already in a habit that wasn't "broke" so I never saw the need to change it. Either way will work.

 

[Triple Willow]

Once again, I got attacked by the chicks in a feeding frenzy.  This time, they drew blood.  So, I think, I'm going to have to outsmart them by putting a decoy blob of FF at one end of the tractor and then sneaking the big dish into the other end.  Not sure how to actually get the decoy blob in there without getting mauled...   Little predators, they are!!!

I'm having the same problem. Today I was wanting them in the pen so I could "walk" a few feet and get their feed. I tossed a big stick into the pen and they all ran after it and I pushed the door up behind them. LOL But they pushed the door back open and came after me...ahhh.

 

[LindaB220]

Just an update to confirm that the FF does work. It's been almost a week and there are noticeable changes.

1. The poop is definitely not an issue anymore - Mostly solid and the stink is pretty much gone. Before FF when you got near the tractor it was stinky, now i can barely smell it.
   
2. Less feed and definitely less food waste. Since it can't be "flicked" around it is all gone and not spread everywhere. I'm also trying to "make my own feed". Right now just adding rolled barley and cracked corn to the Nutrena Meat Bird feed to "stretch" the food. I'll add other grains shortly.
   
3. Part Time Free Ranging - definitely a plus as well. Supplements the feed with bugs, grass, etc. and they get exercise. I'm not able to let them free range full time

My goals with this are pretty simple: cut down feed costs and cut down stink.

With supplementing the Meat Bird crumbles with diff grains the costs will drop from $23-$24 per bag to $17-$18. The costs will likely be even less since a bag of feed will last longer.

Thats great Dude, keep in touch and let us know how it's going.