Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Regin]

Quote:
edited for grammer and smelling

I've been feeding FF for 16 months. And have developed a proceedure that works well for me.
I'm feeding two batches a day right now. Each batch is 12 lbs. of feed and 18 lbs. of water in a five gallon bucket,

I mix 5 lbs. of 18% mash (local supplier) with 1 lb. 48% soy meal mix. I fill up 10 to 11 coffee containers from 50 lb bags.

In a 5 gal bucket I put one of the 6 lb. meal batches and 18 lbs. of tepid water (about 2 1/4 gallons)
I add a couple of big spoons full of fermented mix from a previous batch.
Stir with my drain shovel, cover and let sit over night or as long as you like.
Add another 6 lbs. of the grain mix stir, cover and let it sit for 1 to 3 days.
It soaks up the water and benefits from a stir every couple days.

I prefer to have it 3 to 4 days old to feed. but , I really need a few more buckets.
Sometimes if I don't keep up with it good, I have to feed 1 day old FF.
Ideally it is the consistency of oatmeal, but it's more liquid if not fermented as long.
I don't strain it.

Experiment with your feed components and weigh or measure so that you can recreate your successes.

 

[chrissyr]

I've been feeding FF for 16 months.  And have developed a proceedure that works well for me.
I'm feeding two batches a day right now.  Each batch is 12 lbs. of feed and 18 lbs. of water in a five gallon bucket,

 I mix 5 lbs. of 18% mash (local supplier) with 1 lb. 48% soy meal mix.  I fill up 10 to 11 coffee containers from 50 lb bags.

In a 5 gal bucket I put one of the 6 lb. meal batches and 18 lbs. of tepid water (about 2 1/4 gallons)
I add a couple of big spoons full of fermented mix from a previous batch.
Stir with my drain shovel, cover and let sit over night or as long as you like.
Add another 6 lbs. of the grain mix stir, cover and let it sit for 1 to 3 days.
It soaks up the water and benefits from a stir every couple days.

I prefer to have it 3 to 4 days old to feed.  but , I really need a few more buckets.
Sometimes if I don't keep up with it good, I have to feed 1 day old FF. 
Ideally it is the consistency of oatmeal, but it's more liquid if not fermented as long.
I don't strain it.

Experiment with your feed components and weigh or measure so that you can recreate your successes.

y phone won't let me multi quote, so thank you all for the info.
I guess I just figured covering it with water and seeing that ferment film was the only way to go.
Ya I'm mixing and carrying everyday to 2 areas with 5 pens.
I think I will try to 5 gal bucket for 4 days.
So to be clear:
Let it all ferment with no water covering for 3-4 days.
Carry to barn and use for 3-4 days then start over with backslop?

And Regin: what is this drain shovel? Do you have pics?

 

[chrissyr]

When I inherited my grand parent's property, along with it came at least 60 aloe vera planters...some so big, they need to be moved with a dolly.  I've kept them this long out of sentiment but have now decided most (all but one) must go, one way or another.  

Can these plants be used for chicken feed, fermented or otherwise?

I have space in the barn to to store them and can then throw them at the pigs, a few a time, if they're not good for chickens.


Thanks for any advice.

Turk

not sure about chickens but if you put an ad on craigslist you may make a pretty penny for established aloe Vera . And I would hang on the at least a few plants if possible. You may regret getting rid of too many because of their benefits

 

[N F C]

When I inherited my grand parent's property, along with it came at least 60 aloe vera planters...some so big, they need to be moved with a dolly. I've kept them this long out of sentiment but have now decided most (all but one) must go, one way or another.

Can these plants be used for chicken feed, fermented or otherwise?

I have space in the barn to to store them and can then throw them at the pigs, a few a time, if they're not good for chickens.


Thanks for any advice.

Turk

Here's a pretty extensive list of plants that are toxic to birds. I just took a quick look and did not see Aloe Vera listed but you probably ought to check the listing yourself in case I missed it.

http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html

 

[Regin]

Quote:
The first step has all the water and half of the feed with a starter from a previous batch.
You can use Active Vinegar if this is your first batch.

If you let it sit in a warm place overnight it will let the ferment get started good.
Then I dump in the other half of the feed mix and stir it up good.
Let it sit one to three more days, stir and serve.

I've had the same ferment going for over a year. I only added more vinegar one time.

A drain shovel or trenching spade has a blade that is narrow and a little longer than a regular shovel.
It is made for digging narrow trenches. I like it for digging planting holes and post holes.
oh, and stirring chicken feed.

 

[N F C]

I'm ready to try FF for my layers. We're on well water but in the house we have a water filtration system. Does it matter which water source I use to start the fermentation? I can easily enough use either, just wondering if well water or filtered water will make a difference.

Thanks!

 

[Latestarter]

I'm ready to try FF for my layers. We're on well water but in the house we have a water filtration system. Does it matter which water source I use to start the fermentation? I can easily enough use either, just wondering if well water or filtered water will make a difference.

Thanks!

It makes no difference whatsoever. Use whatever source is easiest and closest. Congrats on choosing FF for your birds. I think you'll notice a marked difference in their appearance and performance within a week after starting. Let us know!

 

[N F C]

It makes no difference whatsoever. Use whatever source is easiest and closest. Congrats on choosing FF for your birds. I think you'll notice a marked difference in their appearance and performance within a week after starting. Let us know!

Thanks Latestarter! The feed is cooking up in a bucket right now, I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[LindaB220]

I've been feeding FF for 16 months. And have developed a proceedure that works well for me.
I'm feeding two batches a day right now. Each batch is 12 lbs. of feed and 18 lbs. of water in a five gallon bucket,

I mix 5 lbs. of 18% mash (local supplier) with 1 lb. 48% soy meal mix. I fill up 10 to 11 coffee containers from 50 lb bags.

In a 5 gal bucket I put one of the 6 lb. meal batches and 18 lbs. of tepid water (about 2 1/4 gallons)
I add a couple of big spoons full of fermented mix from a previous batch.
Stir with my drain shovel, cover and let sit over night or as long as you like.
Add another 6 lbs. of the grain mix stir, cover and let it sit for 1 to 3 days.
It soaks up the water and benefits from a stir every couple days.

I prefer to have it 3 to 4 days old to feed. but , I really need a few more buckets.
Sometimes if I don't keep up with it good, I have to feed 1 day old FF.
Ideally it is the consistency of oatmeal, but it's more liquid if not fermented as long.
I don't strain it.

Experiment with your feed components and weigh or measure so that you can recreate your successes.

Wow, that's a lot. How many chickens does you have. I have 2 five gallon buckets about 3/4 full that lasts me4 days. I have 37 chickens now. Some are younger. It looks like a good mix. though. Drain shovel? Hmmmmm

 

[chrissyr]

So on the 3 day ready to feed ff:
I like to mix a little sunflower oil in with their feed.
Would the oil spoil the feed if I put it in on the first day of feeding?
I'm hoping to make enough to last 3-4 days. It would be easy if it was all ready to go and not have to mix daily