Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[aoxa]

The room my FF is in smells really sour and gross, but when I smell the feed itself it smells better.  I've noticed if I let it get too dry the smell is much strong and much stinkier. I just use the one bucket method.  My chickens still love it no matter how smelly it is.  But I don't offer them any dry feed.  I bet yours would still eat the FF if they didn't have the other available. (though I'm not sure I'd feed vomit-smelling stuff).

Side note: I used to live in KG! 

When you don't have water on top of the feed, it will mold within a few days. It starts to stink by that point.

My chicks are showing the new ones to eat it Everyone loves it!

 

[smyers32]

I haven't been there for several years. Where did they put a walmart?? I honestly can't remember the last time I was there. I think they were just breaking ground for the new High school maybe? The food lion and all that area was built while we were there. I wanna say we moved in 2001-2, but I lived/worked on a farm in Colonial beach for a couple years after that. And I had been down to visit friends a few times since then, but it's been a few years.

 

[smyers32]

When you don't have water on top of the feed, it will mold within a few days. It starts to stink by that point.
My chicks are showing the new ones to eat it

Everyone loves it!

If I actually keep it covered in water, it's too wet and the chickens won't eat it, but as long as it's moist enough to not dry out on top then the aroma stays pleasant. I've never seen any mold on it. But I stir it morning and night to keep the stuff on top from forming a crust. I also keep it loosely covered with a light cloth.

 

[aoxa]

When you don't have water on top of the feed, it will mold within a few days. It starts to stink by that point.

My chicks are showing the new ones to eat it Everyone loves it!

If I actually keep it covered in water, it's too wet and the chickens won't eat it, but as long as it's moist enough to not dry out on top then the aroma stays pleasant. I've never seen any mold on it. But I stir it morning and night to keep the stuff on top from forming a crust.  I also keep it loosely covered with a light cloth.

I keep 1 inch of water on the top and stir it in twice a day. If it is too wet, I add in more scratch and feed. After that I add a bit more water to keep feed covered.

Before I stir in the water.

After.

I also use a plastic strainer to get rid of any excess juices.

 

[mickey328]

I keep mine covered with the water/ACV. When it's time to feed, I use a strainer and let it drain for a bit. They gobble it right up.

 

[smyers32]

Yeah, I don't want to have to take time to strain it. I like to just scoop and go! It's been working well for me. Aoxa's pix reminded me that mine does have some water on top after it sits for a few hours, but not enough that it's completely covered.

 

[aoxa]

Yeah, I don't want to have to take time to strain it. I like to just scoop and go! It's been working well for me. Aoxa's pix reminded me that mine does have some water on top after it sits for a few hours, but not enough that it's completely covered.

All you have to do to avoid straining is add another couple scoops of scratch and it will soak up access water. That's what I've been doing when I'm short on time. Anything to prevent mold.

 

[smyers32]

Eh, I haven't had any mold.
mine before stirring:


Looks like there's more BOSS than what's really in it, that stuff always floats to the top.

 

[Noncentzter]

Here is a pic of my feeder made from scrap 2x4s and rain guttering..yes, it's got a coating inside that keeps the feed from coming in contact with the metals.

I'm back a few pages trying to catch up from the weekend, but what did you use for the coating?

 

[bobbieschicks]

I haven't been there for several years. Where did they put a walmart?? I honestly can't remember the last time I was there. I think they were just breaking ground for the new High school maybe? The food lion and all that area was built while we were there. I wanna say we moved in 2001-2, but I lived/worked on a farm in Colonial beach for a couple years after that. And I had been down to visit friends a few times since then, but it's been a few years.

The Walmart is on Route 301 between the Bayberry community and the Sheetz by B Gate off Owens. There's also a CVS at the intersection of Rt3 & 301 that opened when the King George Pharmacy closed. Both Food Lions (Dahlgren & Rt3 one) are still open.