Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Lacy Blues]

I think I read on here somewhere but can't find it now. I'm using LAB to ferment grains and I was wondering if I could use COB/molasses. I know I have read that you shouldn't give chickens molasses but I figured that fermenting with the LAB that the molasses would basically just be food for the LAB. Anyone???

Molasses is small amounts is fine. It is actually a detoxifier but too much can cause diarrhea. I used to use the COB, every day, before I started fermenting. I don't use it now because some of the grains are cracked/rolled, which would be ok, but I want them to have whole grains.

I'm not sure what COB is, but I've been mixing a 20% sweet feed into my FF for months now. It has some molasses in it, not sure how much though. I've also seen where others on here have used molasses, but I sure don't remember where either.

COB is Corn, Oats, Barley. Probably the same thing as your sweet feed.

 

[bbsnooks]

whoa, fermented feed meltdown...
everything was going swimmingly, had the wheat seed fermenting with wild yeast for several months, all good, smelled good, then I added some organic layer to the bucket and the very next day it smelled NASTY and spoiled...
what the heck?

we need the smell a vision.. - hope it turns out.. maybe they put fish.. meal in the feed .. it could.. change the smell dramatically..
it may still be good for the chooks.. but not so good for your noes.. .. does it still get the yeast on top - or bubble?

 

[Kilsharion]

we need the smell a vision.. - hope it turns out.. maybe they put fish.. meal in the feed .. it could.. change the smell dramatically..
it may still be good for the chooks.. but not so good for your noes.. .. does it still get the yeast on top - or bubble?

You beat me to it. LOL

whoa, fermented feed meltdown...
everything was going swimmingly, had the wheat seed fermenting with wild yeast for several months, all good, smelled good, then I added some organic layer to the bucket and the very next day it smelled NASTY and spoiled...
what the heck?

It's been mentioned a few times to check your feed for fish meal if you are fermenting indoors. It is absolutely foul - which is why mine ferments outside. There's nothing wrong with it - just stinks to high heaven. Any meat fermenting does.

Check for all the usual suspects; but, pretty much just be resigned to the fact that you're in for a stinky time if you use feed with fish meal. It's great for the flock; but, not so great for aromatic freshness. I've actually gotten kinda used to the smell - isn't that sad?

 

[Kilsharion]

Molasses is small amounts is fine. It is actually a detoxifier but too much can cause diarrhea.

I use molasses regularly and it's fine. Like Lacy says - small amounts are good. Not only is it a detoxifier; but, it's rich in micro and macro nutrients.

 

[zinia8]

My FF consist of COB layer pellets and wild bird seed. It does bubble like crazy. I had one batch get really funky when I added rolled oats. Don't know why but it was horrible. One batch started smelling real strong of vineager and chickens refused to eat it. So this batch which i started with

rooster booster Vitamins & Electrolytes with Lactobacillus

A soluble nutritional vitamin and electrolyte supplement for poultry, containing a source of live (viable) naturally occurring micro-organisms. Comes in a convenient, easy to use 8 oz. container with screw on lid for better storage.

I don't know if its right or not but it is bubbling right along and the hens seem to like it better than the ACV ferment. They have been eating it now for over two weeks.

 

[Kilsharion]

My FF consist of COB layer pellets and wild bird seed. It does bubble like crazy. I had one batch get really funky when I added rolled oats. Don't know why but it was horrible. One batch started smelling real strong of vineager and chickens refused to eat it. So this batch which i started with

rooster booster Vitamins & Electrolytes with Lactobacillus

A soluble nutritional vitamin and electrolyte supplement for poultry, containing a source of live (viable) naturally occurring micro-organisms. Comes in a convenient, easy to use 8 oz. container with screw on lid for better storage.

I don't know if its right or not but it is bubbling right along and the hens seem to like it better than the ACV ferment. They have been eating it now for over two weeks.

Yeah...COB + yeast = alcohol if you aren't using it promptly. When you get a dose of alcohol going, the vinegar converts it to more vinegar. What you were most likely smelling was the result of that conversion.

 

[kacklinkelly]

I am brand new to the fermenting feed experiment. I have some very smelly meat birds that I am wanting to feed the fermented feed to. My first batch never started bubbling. I used layer, water and ACV with mother in it. I think the first failure was due to the fact that I used a metal colander inside a large bowl filled with the water and ACV. I guess the metal was the problem.

So, yesterday I scrapped the first one after 5 days of waiting and stirring. I drilled some holes in a bucket and filled the bottom bucket with warm water and a couple of glugs of ACV with mother. Added the chick starter/grower to the bucket with the holes and lowered it in. I had to add more water and ACV as it all soaked into the feed. It's more than 24 hours and still nothing in "percolating". I have it in my kitchen near the window and have it covered loosely with a paper towel. What in the world am I doing wrong. Everyone makes it sound so easy.

 

[Lacy Blues]

I am brand new to the fermenting feed experiment. I have some very smelly meat birds that I am wanting to feed the fermented feed to. My first batch never started bubbling. I used layer, water and ACV with mother in it. I think the first failure was due to the fact that I used a metal colander inside a large bowl filled with the water and ACV. I guess the metal was the problem.

So, yesterday I scrapped the first one after 5 days of waiting and stirring. I drilled some holes in a bucket and filled the bottom bucket with warm water and a couple of glugs of ACV with mother. Added the chick starter/grower to the bucket with the holes and lowered it in. I had to add more water and ACV as it all soaked into the feed. It's more than 24 hours and still nothing in "percolating". I have it in my kitchen near the window and have it covered loosely with a paper towel. What in the world am I doing wrong. Everyone makes it sound so easy.

The first time takes some time... just be patient and keep it warm... it'll go.

 

[BirdbyGavin1103]

I am all around new to chickens and very excited to give this a try. Not only for the health of my flock but also the potential cost effectiveness. Like many in this economy I am on a very fixed income, and our chicks (and all that comes with raising them) are splurge for my son and myself. But they are one "splurge" that will have benefits (more critters to love) and will repay us down the line (eggs & meat). I felt like a bit of a dolt when I had to look up ACV, I've only been using a mix of it and honey for my knee pain for the last 5 years....

 

[ash10383]

Quote:
how and in what doses do you use molasses?