Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Beekissed]

I wouldn't use DE and I would use the FF and the ACV....sounds like she may have an overgrowth of cocci in her bowels? This shouldn't be any threat to YOUR flock because you have the remedy for all that in their bowels already from feeding the probios necessary to keep an overgrowth of cocci in check. Whatever is going on in there is probably going to be corrected with the use of the FF and ACV. Should be interesting to see all that go away the more she is inoculated with good probiotics.

 

[Kassaundra]

If not beer, then could I use any old vinegar, with a mother in it, or does it have to have apples, too?

You don't actually have to add anything except water the grains will ferment on thier own. I have been fermenting for over 1.5 years grains and have never added any yeast or vinegar or anything.

 

[Taniamax]

I wouldn't use DE and I would use the FF and the ACV....sounds like she may have an overgrowth of cocci in her bowels? This shouldn't be any threat to YOUR flock because you have the remedy for all that in their bowels already from feeding the probios necessary to keep an overgrowth of cocci in check. Whatever is going on in there is probably going to be corrected with the use of the FF and ACV. Should be interesting to see all that go away the more she is inoculated with good probiotics.

Thank you Bee. I appreciate your feedback! I will skip the DE then and just use FF and ACV. I will let you know what happens. How long do you think I should isolate her for?

 

[Beekissed]

How long have your flock been on FF? If it's been awhile and if you have some NuStock I'd treat her legs, dust her with ashes in case she has any mites or lice and then I'd turn her in with the flock. Of course, that's just me....I'm a little more reckless than most folks on chickens.

 

[colburg]

A nice, double layer of bubble wrap would make an excellent insulator for the FF bucket. I'm using hay but if I didn't already have that going on in my coop, I'd use the bubble wrap...and I may still use the BW because of the hay debris getting in my mix. Already found out that I do not like that...I know, more greens, but the hay I have is old and non-nutritious so it just messes up my mix.

Bubble Wrap!! Great idea. I picked up a couple of the swimming pool noodles that were on sale for .99 but didn't get enough to do everything I wanted. When I went back, they were sold out. I've been trying to figure out how I was going to insulate the water and feed.

Thanks Bee.

 

[NotAFarm]

So, I have a question. I just traded a cockerel for a one year old hen a couple of days ago. I have her isolated right now, but I noticed that she has some slimy looking reddish stuff in her poo. I started her on fermented feed right away. Does anyone have any idea about what it might be? Do I need to do more than FF and vinegar water for her? What about diatomaceous earth - would that help? I definitely don't want this in the rest of my flock. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks.

Here is a link with pictures of different droppings. What you describe sounds like "intestinal shedding". Some of the pictures are really gross.....just a warning...........

http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[Suzierd]

I put it on my facebook page too. Hopefully people will take the time to watch. Easy to bury our heads in the sand about this stuff. It's pretty scary when you think about long term consequences.

How did you post this to FB? Just copy the link?
How do we avoid GMO feed for our chickens? I can't even find organic feed. Is there any common brands that isn't GM? This is so upsetting, no wonder we have so many health problems.

 

[galanie]

The only way to be sure feed isn't GMO is to get organic. Sorry you can't find any. Your feed store should be able to order you some, though.

 

[Taniamax]

Here is a link with pictures of different droppings. What you describe sounds like "intestinal shedding". Some of the pictures are really gross.....just a warning...........

http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

Thank you! I think you are right. It looks exactly like the pictures here described as intestinal shedding. I have noticed this once in a while with my llamas, too, but was told not to worry about it by a friend of mine who is a pro with llamas. I've never seen it in any of my hens before, though, so it concerned me. What a useful link! Thanks again.

 

[galanie]

Yes.  They DO GM alfalfa and it's becoming prevalent.  A friend sent me this documentary on GMO and how its affecting US and our animals if anyone is interested in watching.   It's pretty interesting.   

I want to thank you as well for this. I too posted it on my FB page and already have a couple of converts. My daughter in law was diagnosed with multiple food allergies this spring. Goes right along with what the film says but they are on the Paleo diet. Whatever works for them but I thought the cause was GMO foods even before I knew anyone else saw the link.