Fermenting feed

[azygous]

I've been feeding fermented feed to my flock for two years, and my five-week old chicks have been getting their chick starter fermented, too. Chicks are doubling in size each week so they will need more food every week than the previous week. To make sure they are getting enough to eat, I keep their dish full right up to the time they go in for the night. The adults just get fed twice a day.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Had a break in chickens, getting started again....Getting 4 2wk old chicks tomorrow (FRI), Wed started fermenting mixture (1 cup chick starter submerged in water + about 1T ACV, stirring 3x day, got netting over the top with lid placed on top), when should I see something happening? I did FF couple years ago, temps in the 80s, don't recall it taking "this long" to bubble Would it be ok to feed the chicks this, or wait until it ferments?

 

[lazy gardener]

Where do you have your FF? I see you're in Hawaii, so temp shouldn't be an issue. No action yet? It wouldn't hurt to start using it today, but, save back some to feed the new batch.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Lazy Gardener - Thank you for your support, pretty discourage right now but still trying....
The only difference is I'm using a plastic (clear plastic from the top of a cake container) instead of a glass jar. This morning it's still not bubbling and smells like "feed". Hubby suggested pouring in a glass canning jar I had laying around, so poured the mixture in it & put a netting over the top to keep bugs out. It's on my counter shelf, keeping fingers crossed. The last time I used a glass cookie (2gal) jar worked great with a mesh covering the top, but have been reading not to use glass as it may explode. So I got a 5 gal food grade bucket to mix feed in when the chicks are older. Will see how this works, I pick my chicks up today. I use ACV in their water, so either way they'll get some ACV.

 

[ChickNanny13]

This is what my FF is looking like....Any comments?

 

[lazy gardener]

Your glass won't explode if you don't cap it! How long has it been sitting? Did you put unpasteurized ACV (with the mother) in it? How much? Is it open to the air? You shouldn't need to cover it if it's in your kitchen. Any bubbles yet? I just read your post # 22. I think the problem you're having is that you're using way too much ACV. You don't want to pickle that feed! Just introduce a bit of the fermentation bacteria/yeast from the raw ACV. For a cup of feed, I'd use about 1/4 teaspoon. And even then, it's totally unnecessary. Also, you don't need that much liquid. Just enough to make it the consistency of cooked oatmeal.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Golden Feather - K think I used too much ACV (Braggs with Mother). Started this mix on Wednesday, should I dump the "pickled feed" or can the chicks eat it? Will remake with less ACV & less liquid. Don't know why I'm having so much trouble this time, when I first tried it couple years ago (had to give up chickens for a while) it bubbled the next day. Will try, thanks a bunch.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Perhaps you could split the batch thats already fermented, and add more water and feed to cut the ACV? Thats what I do when I get a little heavy handed with the vinegar anyway

 

[ChickNanny13]

Lazy Gardner - I started a new batch with less water & 1/4 tsp of ACV, I see air pockets in the "mush". Did start them on the ACV water, one day & I can smell/see the difference in their poop. Can't wait to start the FF. The weather this Summer has been intense heat & humidity (Hawaii) wondering in the humidity is a factor? Thanks a bunch.

 

[ChickNanny13]

howfunkyisurchicken - That's a great idea, will do that....Thanks