Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[aoxa]

Oh, so the barred are BR roo over EE hen?  Same mix on the older one?

Barred rock roo over EE hen yes. The other one was fathered by an EE.

 

[Lacy Blues]

I've a question that has nothing to do w/FF.

Years ago my family had some chickens. I remember my Dad having my older brothers White Wash the chicken house every summer. Why? And do people still do this?

I believe that the white wash had lye in it and it was used after cleaning the coop to kill bugs that might try to make a home among the boards of the walls.

 

[maryhysong]

I think this question may be for Pigeon - but if anyone else has input, please!!!

I am thinking I want to try to come up w/ a feed that is TOTALLY LEGUME FREE. Right now I use soy-free (for various reasons). There are peas in the mix to make up some of the protein. However, it seems obvious to me that the birds wouldn't choose to eat a legume if they were choosing their own feed. Additionally, I think that the bio-availability of the protein from legumes (and probably grains as well unless they are fermented or sprouted) is pretty low.

So...that being said, I'm wondering how you might suggest formulating a totally legume-free feed that keeps the protein level at 16 - 17%. I do currently use fish meal in the mix and perhaps upping that may help.

I get my feed from a feed mill that formulates for me. When I originally got it, I told him what I didn't want in it and he formulated to protein level around that. I'm going to call him again and see what he comes up with if I ask for totally legume-free, but wanted to get input here first.

I can understand avoiding soy (and corn) due to GMO issues, but why do you want to cut out legumes altogether? Have I missed something somewhere?

 

[aoxa]

SO cool, Aoxa!!!

That made my day! I can almost smell the ferment-y goodness from here.

Thanks guys I thought it was pretty neat as well. First time I noticed any bubbling!!

 

[daleeper]

I think I need to clarify - I'm not wanting to do it without the plant matter (clover & alfalfa), it's the seed (the peas, etc.) that I want to avoid. Does that make more sense?

What is it about the seed that you are wanting to avoid or concerned about? Just curious.

 

[galanie]

In south Texas everyone used to whitewash a band around 3 feet up around trees to keep the caterpillars off them. Bad webworm problems there. Anyway, I inherited mom's old recipe box and in it is a recipe for Whitewash:

10# hydrated lime
1 qt. kerosene
2# salt
1/4 lb dichloride crystals

Mix all dry ingredients. Add enough water to make a paste. Kerosene until whips. Stir and add cold water till (it stops here, I imagine she means till it's the right consistency.)

Don't ask me what "Kerosene until whips" means. Sadly I can't ask her either.

 

[B J Hopkins]

This morning I saw for the first time the bubbling in my FF. It was really neat. Kinda sounded like "Snap, Crackle, Pop". Had to stir up the mix to see/hear it. Now I know for sure they are getting FF and not just a wet feed.

 

[aoxa]

This morning I saw for the first time the bubbling in my FF. It was really neat. Kinda sounded like "Snap, Crackle, Pop". Had to stir up the mix to see/hear it. Now I know for sure they are getting FF and not just a wet feed.

Doesn't it make you feel all warm inside? I was so proud when it started bubbling!

 

[Suzierd]

Doesn't it make you feel all warm inside? I was so proud when it started bubbling!

I love the bubbling! That and the yeast smell and you know your doing something right.

 

[aoxa]

I love the bubbling! That and the yeast smell and you know your doing something right.

I thought it would really stink before starting this.