Fermenting Feed Help!!!

[Sunny-Side Up]

So... I was trying fermenting feed for my first time and I think something went wrong. I've followed exactly the directions on Garden Betty on why and how to ferment feed. The problem is that today I went to check on it and it had expanded tons, and part of it wasn't covered in water. I don't know how long this has been, but not more than 20 hours. Also, it has a smell like tuna. I don't know if this is normal.??? I'm fermenting chick starter grower, and I'm on my second day. Anybody have any help?

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's normal for it to expand, it puffs up just like a yeast dough would (and if you poke a hole in it it should deflate). For my flock, ideally, after 24 hrs there should be little to no water left on top, as they don't like it too wet. It should still look damp but thick like thickened oatmeal.

As far as the smell I think it depends on the ingredients in your feed. Maybe the tuna smell is from fish meal? FF always smells gross to me.

 

[Kiki]

It's perfectly fine after only 20 hours.
Don't over think it and next time use less feed or a bigger container.

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

So I can feed it to them now? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Kiki]

I'm not sure I have even read/seen what this Garden Betty recommends.
Can you share what each steps you did?
Did you just use water or did you add something else?

 

[Kiki]

So I can feed it to them now? Thanks so much for your help!

Sure....even if it hasn't quite fermented it is still fine to feed out.

 

[blackdog043]

This is the consistency of my FF, when I feed it out. If it's to wet they don't like it as much, I use Starter/Grower also.

 

[Beer can]

X2 on what Kikisgirls said, bigger container or less feed. I started out with big plastic coffee containers, four of them and rotated. I made big messes a couple times, stuff swells/works. Now I go with a 5gal bucket, much easier.
If you can get real layer mash from a feed mill much easier also, doesn't work/swell as much and can use as much water as you want when you scoop it out water runs right off, easier and better for the 'backslop'. Commercial pellets and crumbles go easy on the water, oatmeal consistency, looks like you got it.
Good thread on here on FF
https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/8695537