Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[bobbieschicks]

Okay good idea, I will put one of the smaller waterers inside. They are saying the storm could last a couple of days so it would be good to have some water out there. I know I won't want to have to go out in severe weather to give them water.

 

[B J Hopkins]

I've been feeding FF now for almost 3 weeks. Still have messy poo, but am getting more eggs. Feathers are VERY shiney. My chickens have loved it from day 1. Don't know if it has anything to do with hens going broody or not, but one of my Cochin hens is now broody for the 4th time in the past 11 months! I didn't want any winter chicks, but she insisted. If all 5 eggs hatch it would be nice if they were all female (I read a bit back FF may increase the # of females).

OH, my 4 turkeys love FF also.

 

[Missa Chickabee]

I once had my girls go without water 11 hours or less - forgot to secure a door and they were locked away from it - when I got back and opened the door, they drank steadily for 10 minutes. I think if you have to empty and refill it only partway to move it in there, or get a plastic one gallon waterer for temporary use, I would do something to make sure they have water. Do you still have a chick waterer?

On a farm I lived on a few years ago Bob the Silkie Roo disappeared for three days after a bratty little child had visited and done a little tour on her own.

. We finally finally finally found him.....Bob,dear Bob. On the third day we kept hearing a distant crowing when we were inside the barn...like he was stuck inside the walls or something. We searched every square inch of that barn. Stumped, we were.

Then there was a staring at something. And then a slow-motion dawning of realization as one of us walked over to the overturned galvanized metal bucket sitting there.....and kicked it over. Out came Bob. He looked a bit like one of BK's birds after 'the chicken holocaust'. 3 days.

Bob just walked past the water to the grain and started eating..and eating eating.....ignoring the water for some time. The only silkie I ever knew up close. His girlfriend, one of the 25 sex-links we had, was overjoyed to see him again. (A dog finally got Bob. We all missed him, especially his girlfriend. But he didn't die of dehydration.)

Disclaimer: Do not attempt to simulate this at home.

 

[Beekissed]

Okay good idea, I will put one of the smaller waterers inside. They are saying the storm could last a couple of days so it would be good to have some water out there. I know I won't want to have to go out in severe weather to give them water.

Y'all don't normally keep water in your coops?

 

[Missa Chickabee]

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys_feelings.html Now....give it up!

Ok. I'll be 60 in March. But I am very young and cool for my age.

 

[bruceh]

i am 49 years old. i will be 50 december. i enjoy my chickens. i have been doing fermented feed for a couple months or so. from what i have noticed with the birds. is the birds seem livelier and have a good rhythm to their step, less bickering amongst the group. very shiny feathering,. less feed used., no waste of feed, eggs are heavier, egg production is more frequent, water intake is far less

my overall feelings of fermented feed is this. ( without being technical)
the birds appear in better health
less feed used
eggs are heavier in weight
eggs being produced is up
cleaner coop and less smell
the chicken droppings are a very solid and firm
less water intake

i also do meat chickens. the jury for me is still out on this. i just have to many variables at this time to make a solid statement .
i will say this. the feathers on the cx are full and shiny. the birds are very healthy and active at 8 weeks.

i am raising 7 chicks ( 4 bcm and 3 welsummer ) that are now 3 weeks old. the fermented feed does wonders for these birds. they are feathering out beautifully . their growth rate is fantastic. the chicks are taller and the tail feather are coming in fast. water consumption is low.



edited to add. i am fermenting in my basement in 5 gal buckets .

 

[Leahs Mom]

Ok. I'll be 60 in March. But I am very young and cool for my age.

I think we're ALL young and cool for our age. Do you remember what your mom was like in her 50s and 60s?

 

[Beekissed]

On a farm I lived on a few years ago Bob the Silkie Roo disappeared for three days after a bratty little child had visited and done a little tour on her own.

. We finally finally finally found him.....Bob,dear Bob. On the third day we kept hearing a distant crowing when we were inside the barn...like he was stuck inside the walls or something. We searched every square inch of that barn. Stumped, we were.

Then there was a staring at something. And then a slow-motion dawning of realization as one of us walked over to the overturned galvanized metal bucket sitting there.....and kicked it over. Out came Bob. He looked a bit like one of BK's birds after 'the chicken holocaust'. 3 days.

Bob just walked past the water to the grain and started eating..and eating eating.....ignoring the water for some time. The only silkie I ever knew up close. His girlfriend, one of the 25 sex-links we had, was overjoyed to see him again. (A dog finally got Bob. We all missed him, especially his girlfriend. But he didn't die of dehydration.)

Disclaimer: Do not attempt to simulate this at home.

LOVE your stories!!!! The Erma Bombeck for the Chicken Age.

 

[Beekissed]

I think we're ALL young and cool for our age. Do you remember what your mom was like in her 50s and 60s?

Yep....pretty much like she is in her 70s. Well....except she line dances and square dances now and she didn't back then. Back then she turkey hunted a good bit and won the big turkey contest away from all the guys a lot.

 

[armorfirelady]

I will be 41 in q couple of months......some days I feel 80 some days in my 20s.......but rarely do I feel like I am in my 40s

Keeping active keeps me young

And I am a firm believer that your only as old as you feel !!!