Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Ullie]

Stop presenting a choice and they will eat it readily enough. They will eat it if they are hungry and they will eat it every day you put it in the feeder...just stop giving them a buffet of choices. Same food, just a different texture and with improved nutrition so there really is no need to present them with a choice.

Ok

 

[aoxa]

Two weeks is when the CX went through their chick starter, I think..and that's when I started them on a whole grain mix and then layer/whole grains.  That was also when they went out on their first free ranging. 

 
I didn't introduce it gradually...just started feeding it.  Meaties will eat anything you put down...be careful if you ever fall down in the coop. 

okay, thanks! I missed that step some how. I have so much to learn.
I had read some where that the feed wasn't switched from grower to layer feed until they started laying, and I thought that I had to wait until then to add the whole grains...

I guess I'll be heading to the feed store in the morning!!

I have whole grains mixed in with chick starter from day 1. Millet, BOSS, corn, barley and oats are all in that mix. They do not like the BOSS right now

 

[finnfur]

I have whole grains mixed in with chick starter from day 1. Millet, BOSS, corn, barley and oats are all in that mix. They do not like the BOSS right now

I didn't start FF until about 1 month old and they didn't go for the BOSS. It stayed in the tray for about a week . They must have gotten hungry waiting on dinner one day and ate it all. Since then they pick it out first. Just needed to learn about it I guess.

 

[aoxa]

I have whole grains mixed in with chick starter from day 1. Millet, BOSS, corn, barley and oats are all in that mix. They do not like the BOSS right now

I didn't start FF until about 1 month old and they didn't  go for the BOSS. It stayed in the tray for about a week . They must have gotten  hungry waiting on dinner one day and ate it all. Since then they pick it out first. Just needed to learn about it I guess.

My adults aren't huge fans of it either. They much prefer the barley, oats and corn - but will eat it as well. Just not first

 

[mrsamplias]

Quote: Just back from the feed store and going to mix up the grains, and add to the FF. It makes so much sense to give it to them now. They free range all day and eat grass, weed seeds, leaves, etc. I'm so grateful for all of the patient wisdom shared so generously on this thread!

 

[mrsamplias]

Grains/feeds used in this manner? Right now, the chick starter, but when it is done(#50 bag), I'll switch to cracked corn, barley and wheat grains. I'll venture to say they will probably have to ferment a little longer then the fine starter crumbles. old. He seemed reluctant to eat the mix and acted like he was eating poop or something the first few times he ate it.

Now he seems to have developed quite a taste for it and is cleaning his plate well! His feces have improved in color, texture and odor also since he first arrived.

Curious as to what grains people are putting in their FF. Bee, is this what you continue to add?

 

[cutechick2010]

I have whole grains mixed in with chick starter from day 1. Millet, BOSS, corn, barley and oats are all in that mix. They do not like the BOSS right now

What are your prices like for the millet? I just ordered a bag for the first time to put in my FF mix, and holy cow! It is $25 for a 50# bag!

 

[Lacy Blues]

You might be able to get a bag of wild bird seed for less?

 

[Beekissed]

Curious as to what grains people are putting in their FF. Bee, is this what you continue to add?

I switch it up now and again...have been adding steamed barley to even out my proteins but the last stuff I mixed was oats, wheat, barley, a little cracked corn and a little BOSS...along with the layer mash and a very light sprinkling of the calf manna that is still hanging around in the mix from when I first got this flock back and wanted to add some quick fats before winter~now they are fat and almost too fat, so am cutting the richness of that mix with some lower protein grains now.

I usually move to a 50% mix of mash and whole grains for winter anyway to save on the feed bill during low egg production times, so I'm right on schedule with the whole grain mix I just added.

 

[pichuris]

What are your prices like for the millet? I just ordered a bag for the first time to put in my FF mix, and holy cow! It is $25 for a 50# bag!

Holy cow is right. Look for a local grain mill. I haven't checked other places but the local grain mill sell wheat/millet mix for $18 for 100#.