Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[tjo804]

Quote:
This is what I am trying to figure out.
Is this advisable?
Because I never even look at bags that are discounted even if they are just split from someone too eager to cut the plastic off the skid.

OH and 20-30 Tastebuds on a chicken tongue is a good amount if I put 20 people in my dining room I would Know right away if I liked it or not. So all I am saying is my chickens do have a preference when it comes to their food.

 

[Tikkijane]

Lol the way they swallow mice WHOLE....they must either be really gross or really delicious haha

Chicken hockey is equal parts gross and hilarious, I have to say. Other critters {like frogs} pull apart pretty easily. Although, it can become tug-of-war if the tail is dangling out the beak and someone else notices....

 

[Robert M]

"Originally Posted by shortgrass

Lol the way they swallow mice WHOLE....they must either be really gross or really delicious haha

"

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Must be related to owls. LOL

 

[curious chickee]

My local feed store sells only chick starter, broiler (high fat), and layer. I want something like flock raiser. I can drive about 15 min further and go to TSC but it is more expensive. Has anyone tried FF chick starter and alfalfa pellets to decrease the protein level in the chick starter. It would save about $7 a month.

 

[shortgrass]

My local feed store sells only chick starter, broiler (high fat), and layer. I want something like flock raiser. I can drive about 15 min further and go to TSC but it is more expensive. Has anyone tried FF chick starter and alfalfa pellets to decrease the protein level in the chick starter. It would save about $7 a month.

You could also cut the broiler or layer mix with something like oats... $5/50# here... That would decrease your cost too, but not sure what protein ratio you're shooting for...

 

[shortgrass]

Chicken hockey is equal parts gross and hilarious, I have to say. Other critters {like frogs} pull apart pretty easily. Although, it can become tug-of-war if the tail is dangling out the beak and someone else notices....

Eww ha-ha ...I just ate dinner...

"Originally Posted by shortgrass 


Lol the way they swallow mice WHOLE....they must either be really gross or really delicious haha "

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Must be related to owls.  LOL

Oh ha-ha I am just surprised they don't choke!

 

[curious chickee]

You could also cut the broiler or layer mix with something like oats... $5/50# here... That would decrease your cost too, but not sure what protein ratio you're shooting for...

I am hoping for something around 17% protein. I like the protein in broiler but too much fat, layer has too much calcium for young chicks.

 

[curious chickee]

I already have alfalfa pellets from my rabbits.

 

[shortgrass]

I am hoping for something around 17% protein. I like the protein in broiler but too much fat, layer has too much calcium for young chicks.

Ah OK...then no on the oats; too much fat...alfalfa is a better choice there
Sorry, I haven't fermented chick feed, so I can't help there, but you might be able to cut the chick feed out completely if you can afford the extra time...you'll save more than a couple bucks, but depends on how many chickens you have...buy bulk grains and legumes and mux it yourself
Try a mix of different grains and legumes; buy bulk at CWT and you can probably cut costs by 50% ..

Here's a link to legumes, grains, protein ratios, etc... http://www.extension.org/pages/67361/legumes-in-poultry-feed#.VY6OfSPnbqB

 

[Robert M]

I, myself, for our own consumption, like chickens fat. When cooked down the chicken fat fights colds and flu.