Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[pipemum]

My broilers are going to be 4-weeks old by the time I need to buy a new bag of feed. They've been on chick starter. What comes next?

 

[Beekissed]

With that many birds, I bet your feed bill is out of this world and keeping your bird housing from smelling is probably a big chore. This could make your life sooooooo much easier, couldn't it? Not to mention keeping your flocks healthier and less prone to bird related illnesses such as coccidiosis, salmonella, etc.

 

[Beekissed]

My broilers are going to be 4-weeks old by the time I need to buy a new bag of feed. They've been on chick starter. What comes next?

Whatever you want! Depends on how fast you want them to grow..those who want fast growth above anything else will use a grower feed next. Those who want to slow it down a little will cut their regular feed ration with some cheaper whole grains to bring the total protein down a bit so that they get filled up but not on too rich of feeds.

 

[Angelicisi]

Fermented feed ups the protein, after chick starter I use grain and add flock raiser or layer pellets (depending on what's on hand or cheaper at the time) mine get yard time and treats of added proteins here and there. The protein I shoot for has been 24% after ferment but runs up to 28% with "treats" if we aren't careful. No ill effects what so ever here because of it tho.
I love the birds, I let them range, play, keep them comfy & protected, so I hope this doesn't come out wrong...but with meaties- their lifespan is so fast and short and they will grow no matter what so make due with what you have and don't forget that the fermenting process itself adds a TON of benefits they would not be getting from regular dry feed. With a layer flock its good to stick to a quality base but any feed will ferment and allow many benefits even if its a cheaper or already on hand feed. Some people feed meaties 20% to 24% chick starter all the way thru, some switch to grains after 2 weeks and grains only, I like a mix for variety. So, do think about it but don't over think it.

My broilers are going to be 4-weeks old by the time I need to buy a new bag of feed.  They've been on chick starter.  What comes next? 

 

[kuntrygirl]

Ok, I'm searching this thread for the recipe/ingredients. Does anyone know the Post # for the recipe, so that I can print it out?

Can rough rice be used as part of the FF recipe? I know I will use crumble and corn. Does anyone use pellets and how well do pellets break down to mash? Is it better to use crumble instead of pellets? Would 26% protein be too high for broilers? Although after adding corn, it will bring the protein percentage down.

Thanks

 

[pipemum]

Okay, thanks. I think I'll do a mix. I'm not in a hurry for them to grow faster.

 

[kuntrygirl]

With that many birds, I bet your feed bill is out of this world and keeping your bird housing from smelling is probably a big chore.   This could make your life sooooooo much easier, couldn't it?  Not to mention keeping your flocks healthier and less prone to bird related illnesses such as coccidiosis, salmonella, etc. 

For me, the feed bill is high and could definitely come down a bit. As far as the smell, there is no smell in my coops. I have open air coops, so my chicken yard and coops literally have no smell at all. That's why I went with open air coops. They get fresh air circulating 24/7 which is a life saver because if not, it would smell to kingdom come in there.

I know that this could definitely make my life easier. I will purchase those 30 gallon trash cans that you mentioned.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Fermented feed ups the protein, after chick starter I use grain and add flock raiser or layer pellets (depending on what's on hand or cheaper at the time) mine get yard time and treats of added proteins here and there. The protein I shoot for has been 24% after ferment but runs up to 28% with "treats" if we aren't careful. No ill effects what so ever here because of it tho.
I love the birds, I let them range, play, keep them comfy & protected, so I hope this doesn't come out wrong...but with meaties- their lifespan is so fast and short and they will grow no matter what so make due with what you have and don't forget that the fermenting process itself adds a TON of benefits they would not be getting from regular dry feed. With a layer flock its good to stick to a quality base but any feed will ferment and allow many benefits even if its a cheaper or already on hand feed. Some people feed meaties 20% to 24% chick starter all the way thru, some switch to grains after 2 weeks and grains only, I like a mix for variety. So, do think about it but don't over think it.

My broilers are going to be 4-weeks old by the time I need to buy a new bag of feed.  They've been on chick starter.  What comes next? 

Glad to hear that a high protein feed is ok. I wondered about that.

 

[Angelicisi]

I use pellets because I like the breakdown and it seems easier for me, less spills of dry lol

Ok, I'm searching this thread for the recipe/ingredients. Does anyone know the Post # for the recipe, so that I can print it out?

Can rough rice be used as part of the FF recipe? I know I will use crumble and corn. Does anyone use pellets and how well do pellets break down to mash? Is it better to use crumble instead of pellets? Would 26% protein be too high for broilers? Although after adding corn, it will bring the protein percentage down.

Thanks

 

[hogster160]

Ok, I'm searching this thread for the recipe/ingredients. Does anyone know the Post # for the recipe, so that I can print it out?

Can rough rice be used as part of the FF recipe? I know I will use crumble and corn. Does anyone use pellets and how well do pellets break down to mash? Is it better to use crumble instead of pellets? Would 26% protein be too high for broilers? Although after adding corn, it will bring the protein percentage down.

Thanks

I just use my all flock pellets and add to it some scratch, about 1/2 and 1/2. Since winter is coming in, and they are in molt atm (layers), I have been adding some BOSS. The chickens and I seem to like it a little thicker. Like oatmeal. The pellets will break down to mush. The scratch does swell up too. The chick starter is crumble, ends up the same as pellets. I don't really worry about the protein %. They are eating, flying, growing and loving life. I watch the flocks a lot. See how they are doing. That's what I've learned here, from so many helpful people. They will let us know they need something more. I just have to be observant enough to see. Then I will change things up if I need to. But so far, all is good.

Not sure about rough rice as I've not had a chance to use it. I would wait on Bee and ask her.