Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Bethel3330]

Ok, let me be honest. I'm a laboratory technician and canner, so bacteria and food safety freak me out a little (in other words, I'm very cautious). The only thing I've ever fermented has been pickles, and that had to stay submerged and in brine. That lacto-fermentation is anaerobic. How do I know I'm getting the right thing with this process?
I started this Monday evening and the smell I got this evening shocked me a little. I almost threw it out. But it had the smell of the grain behind it and was sour, so I was hoping it was because I just am not used to it.
Being someone who loves pickles, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread I hope it turns into something more recognizable soon.
Why is the advice given here so different than every blog? Just an honest question. I know many are copy n pasted, but I thought articles mother earth news put out were at least somewhat reliable?
Thanks all

 

[LindaB220]

Ok, let me be honest. I'm a laboratory technician and canner, so bacteria and food safety freak me out a little (in other words, I'm very cautious). The only thing I've ever fermented has been pickles, and that had to stay submerged and in brine. That lacto-fermentation is anaerobic. How do I know I'm getting the right thing with this process?
I started this Monday evening and the smell I got this evening shocked me a little. I almost threw it out. But it had the smell of the grain behind it and was sour, so I was hoping it was because I just am not used to it.
Being someone who loves pickles, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread I hope it turns into something more recognizable soon.
Why is the advice given here so different than every blog? Just an honest question. I know many are copy n pasted, but I thought articles mother earth news put out were at least somewhat reliable?
Thanks all

Keep at it. It will come. Four or five days and start feeding. White mold on top is the good stuff. Stir it in and feed.

 

[Renee97038]

Ok, I fed my first dish of fermented starter to my Cornish cross chicks this morning. I left for work, came home and they hadn't eaten any of it. Should I have removed the dry feeder that they are used to? The chicks are 10 days old.

 

[Triple Willow]

Ok, I fed my first dish of fermented starter to my Cornish cross chicks this morning. I left for work, came home and they hadn't eaten any of it. Should I have removed the dry feeder that they are used to? The chicks are 10 days old.

Hi and welcome to fermented feed! Yes take the other feed away. Sometimes they need a little encouragement to make any change. You might try sprinkling a little of your dry feed on top of the fermented. Once they get a taste or two look out! Sometimes I hate feeding my CX because they go totally NUTS when they see the feed bucket! LOL

 

[Renee97038]

I just thought it was the starter liquid I used, 2 Tbsp of raw fermented sauerkraut juice, 4 cups feed and covered it with water. It smells good to me but a bit like sauerkraut.

Thanks for the advice to sprinkle dry on top of it.

 

[Bethel3330]

Keep at it.  It will come.   Four or five days and start feeding.   White mold on top is the good stuff.  Stir it in and feed.   

Thanks Linda. It's smelling a bit better today.

 

[RoseMarie1]

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!!!

lol I know what you mean.

 

[RoseMarie1]

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.

lol I have learned to take just a bit of sunflower seeds or some lettuce or something and toss it some where else to where I can put it in their bowl. I always try and spread it out in the trough since I do two feed bowls and I wound up slapping one of the hens upside the face with my scoop by accident when I was doing it one day. NOW she will stay back when I am trying to put it out. They're always starving. lol
I bought them a quart of plain yogurt today and you should have seen those girls go at that stuff this evening!

I haven't given it to them in a lonnnnnng time and I noticed a couple of them had a severe diarrhea yesterday and I am thinking it's from this heat. So I figured I would give them some yogurt for their little bellies. They really enjoyed their treat. I waited until almost dark to give it to them so it would be cooler and they all came off the roost and came outside the door where I had it and chowed down.

 

[weliveintheforest]

I have to get one of my children to sprinkle some dry feed at the far end of the tractor so I can get my hands in with the bowls of ff or I lose them! If I do it myself they finish it up too quick and come after me! Hands and feet are not safe around my Mistrals at feeding time!

 

[melbu23]

So I am new to all this and have my very first batch of red broilers (21 in all) in the brooder. They should be two weeks old tomorrow or Monday (I am not sure if the hatchery shipped them the same day as they hatched or the next day. Anyhow, right now they are on starter feed but I am looking to start fermenting at least when I finish the stater.
Forgive me if I ask stupid questions.
1. Do you buy commercial feed at s TSC or equivalent or do you buy grains and self mix your feed?
2. If you self mix, would you mind sharing your recipe? There are plenty online but all seem very complicated.
3. I would love to be organic and GMO free but I am not sure that is realistically even possible

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I want my chicks to eat the best I can offer.