Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[galanie]

I think the problem was with the way I drained the scoop. Because flies, gnats, and even wasps drown in 5g bucket all the time, no problem. But the small scoop strainer I had only holds about 1/2cup of feed, and I let it drain about 5 minutes before feeding. It takes 2 scoops to feed the kids. Their really is very little water draining out of it, just enough for flies and gnats to drowned in. I think that's why I the bad mold was able to get a start in the drain bucket. Just nit enough good bacteria to fight of the invasive junk. And the main reasons that I decided it was bad was the fact that a) the chicks quit eating it, for no obvious teason. And b) I actually like the smell of the FF feed, so when this other stuff induced involuntary gag reflex. Something wasn't right. It doesn't even smeel like fermentation now. It's just foul. Anyway, I have a new batch been cooking since last night, and wilk start them on it tonight. And I'm being more careful with where I let the stuff drain. I don't expect any further problems.

Not quite sure what happens to mine but it does get smelling bad enough to make me want to hurl. I put nylon stocking over the top to keep the flies and gnats out, too. It's just that after a month or so, it starts to go "off." Must be a wild bug I have floating around here or something. The white fungus stuff doesn't bother me at all but that odor. Wow. Worse than an old rat carcass.

 

[MyTDogs]

The smells y'all are describing sound to me like bacterial contamination. Is it possible the pH gets too high & stops fermentation? Maybe topping it off with some more ACV periodically? I have only been running mine for a week or so. We'll see how long it lasts. I think Kasaundra(?) said hers was going for a year or more...

Not quite sure what happens to mine but it does get smelling bad enough to make me want to hurl. I put nylon stocking over the top to keep the flies and gnats out, too. It's just that after a month or so, it starts to go "off." Must be a wild bug I have floating around here or something. The white fungus stuff doesn't bother me at all but that odor. Wow. Worse than an old rat carcass.

 

[Island Roo]

If I had a sulphur smell (rotten eggs) it would get tossed.

The smell from mine has developed over the past week - I can tell the fermentation is getting stronger. More bubbles too.

Today it still has a similar sour grain kinda smell but I'm sure there was alcohol scent when I stirred it. Are my chickens gonna get drunk?

This batch was started with ACV. It's been sitting at about 70 degrees. Well water - low calcium in the water.

I'm feeding the beast in the bucket finisher pellets and scratch grains. Mmmm... since I started finisher i'm getting the booze.

 

[myhubbycallsmechickeemama]

OMGosh...it's 9:30 PM mountain time and I still have 5 meaties out foraging in the grass. Ugh, I'm ready to go to bed but I know I won't be able to sleep until I know they are tucked safely in the tractor. All the big girls have gone to bed already but the CX are having a block party I think...ya know, eatin' a little grass!! LOL!

 

[MyTDogs]

That's when you need a border collie

 

[myhubbycallsmechickeemama]

LOL...I know huh!?! They are finally all buttoned up for the night!! I had to physically pick one of the little turds up and put her in the tractor. I think she would have been happy to forage all night!!

 

[ROCKIN R FARM]

Mine are pretty much like this but I just left the ends open and stuck some leftover pipe bits on bottom with pvc glue to keep it steady. I feed outside too and cleaning the thing is simple plus no worries about drainage. I don't fill it enough to worry about feed spilling out the ends.

this is a great idea. I am going to have to go to do a search around the farm to see what size or if any pvc pipe we have to make a feeder like this. Be great for my small cages, and also my other pens where I have to search for anything to be used as feeders lol

 

[galanie]

The smells y'all are describing sound to me like bacterial contamination.  Is it possible the pH gets too high & stops fermentation?  Maybe topping it off with some more ACV periodically?  I have only been running mine for a week or so.  We'll see how long it lasts.  I think Kasaundra(?) said hers was going for a year or more...

That's probably exactly what is happening. When it gets smelling that way, it isn't fermenting any more. I'm going to try adding a little more ACV from time to time. We have exactly the opposite ph problem most of the country does. We're too alkaline, from the soil to the water.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

so yesterday was the first day of ff- i set thedrained bucket on top of a stump and decidedto just thow it on the ground (i don't have my feeders ready yet) before i got to it,one hen was already licking some drainage off the stump ( do chickens really lick any thing?) at least i think she was, they all ate it up, including the cracked corn which hey normally leave and pic up later. i left the gate open forthe last broody and her bunch,thought maybe it was time o roam some, shedidn't want t but the layer hens came in from where i don't know, and finished her helping off, then left...i think thi stuff is becoming a ig hit...you know, just a bit of info, my grandmother used to drink a tablespoon of acv in a glass of water everyday, she made it to 97 with very few health issues...

 

[galanie]

I've seen a cockatiel lick something, I never knew birds could do that till I saw her do it. So I guess a chicken could too Mine don't normally eat the cracked corn in scratch either, but they love the fermented stuff.