Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[JacobH]

Does anyone have a recipe for what they ferment for meat birds? We've been using starter grower, but want to switch to maybe corn, barley, and oats? Is that enough protein? Don't want to break the bank.

 

[simolvsa]

Ok thank you.
I had a look in their bush and just seemed to be digging and rolling in the dirt under there,
seems normal enough to me.
thanks
Simon

 

[simolvsa]

just wanted to confirm a slow bubble when i first open the lid is normal and the smell of something like natural yogurt?
thanks
Simon

 

[JacobH]

just wanted to confirm a slow bubble when i first open the lid is normal and the smell of something like natural yogurt?
thanks
Simon

You got it.

 

[Kassaundra]

Hi folks been awhile since I popped in .. Just been lurking and learning. I have a question.. It may be a repeat and I apologize but have been reading for over an hour today and last night and not found info I need

Hubby brought home some Brewery Grain...2 trash cans full. Its a wet mix. I do not have enough freezer space to freeze it and drying out that much is not an option. So my question is has anyone fermented it with success of keeping it a little longer ? Between the cattle and the chickens we will likely use it up in 10 days time. Im getting lost of opinions on the protein levels and safety of using it so thought I d ask here for feed back Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure if this was answered yet, but yes you can store it as ferment, however since it is brewer grain that has been fermented once you may need to add some fresh grain to the mix to give the microbes enough food.

 

[LindaB220]

just wanted to confirm a slow bubble when i first open the lid is normal and the smell of something like natural yogurt?
thanks
Simon

Simon, I didn't have that. But I make mine up like thick oatmeal and feed it dry. Not covered in water and drained. Sort of like pickles. This is the best decision you can make for the health of your birds. Someone is always ready to help answer questions.

 

[simolvsa]

Ok thank you.
I was under the impression if it isn't covered in water it will get mouldy. Is that not true? I would prefer to drain it in a weeks batch if that is an option. I have noticed a lot less poop so much less than what I ever expected.

 

[JacobH]

Ok thank you.
I was under the impression if it isn't covered in water it will get mouldy. Is that not true? I would prefer to drain it in a weeks batch if that is an option. I have noticed a lot less poop so much less than what I ever expected.

I started out with mine covered in water because I read the same thing. Switched to the oatmeal consistency and it's been much easier. No straining, scoops out easier. No mold.

 

[Latestarter]

Ok thank you.
I was under the impression if it isn't covered in water it will get mouldy. Is that not true? I would prefer to drain it in a weeks batch if that is an option. I have noticed a lot less poop so much less than what I ever expected.

Hey Simon,

and the thread. The ferment process is the enemy of mold... it eats it. The scrapings that will eventually build up on the inside of the bucket may start to show weak mold over time, but just scrape it back into the mix and you'll be good to go. The ferment will show as a grayish colored surface on the top of the stuff you're fermenting... this is NOT mold. it is the "mother" or fermentation. It's the good stuff and you want to keep it and stir it back in as you're shoveling it out for the birds.

As long as you keep the mix moist (not saturated... not necessary) and add new grain/pellets/etc. about once a week, you'll be fine. You have to "feed" the ferment. Good luck!

 

[simolvsa]

Ok cool so the next batch I do I will just make it moist and not wet. I know what you mean about the greyish white layer. Thank you very much this will make it much easier.