Fermenting "Small Pet Select"

[chickengrapes]

So I have decided to give fermenting a try with my chicken food. I'm successfully fermenting a batch of Small Pet Select scratch, however the pellet food seems off to me. It is definitely doing something because it has all sorts of bubbles, but it smells like sulfur/rotten egg. After I stir the food and release those gases, it smells normal. So, is this typical? Does pellet food take less time to ferment? It's only been 2 days and I thought it should be 3-4 days to work. I read multiple sources that said you can ferment any type of their food, including pellets. Does anyone here have experience with fermenting pellets from Small Pet Select or any other pellet food?

 

[Dephora]

When fermenting, the first day you will see alot of bubbling, alot of action. Especially if you are keeping it in a warm place. When people say "it take 3 days to ferment" they just mean it probably isn't at an acidic enough PH until 3 days, a PH less than neutral, 4-3 is a good indicator you have grown enough good bacteria. But the fermentation starts immediately and you should expect to see bubbling in the first 8 hours.

I ferment in fermenting crocks, so it traps the gasses in the pot, and the "release" of gases can be pretty intense. People often say to "smell for yeast or sweet smell" it really depends on what you are fermenting. I find pellet feed high in fish or kelp has the worst smell. I find barely also has a pretty rough smell too it, even when I start the fermenting with an already established lacto bacteria culture.

Be sure that your feed is not medicated, occasionally I get a strong sulfur/rotten smell when there is a high good bacteria die off. In general a true "rotten eggs smell" is never a good sign, but if you are new to fermenting you might not be able to to distinguish a "something is wrong smell" vs "this food just smells like this".

Mind explaining what your fermenting setup is?

 

[chickengrapes]

Thank you! Such good information!!!

I am just using mason jars with paper towels screwed on as the "lid". I have them on my kitchen counter.

This food does have kelp and barley in it.

 

[Dephora]

Thank you! Such good information!!!

I am just using mason jars with paper towels screwed on as the "lid". I have them on my kitchen counter.

This food does have kelp and barley in it.

Got you, it sounds like you are doing things right. Make sure water is always covering the feed and it should create an environment that makes it impossible for bad bacteria growth, if you have a PH digital reader that can help you feel more comfortable with the process. I know when my fermented feed hits 3.4 that is too low of a PH for bacteria like botulism to grow. Just an added comfort, but not necessary once you get the hang of it.

Also, not sure if where you live limits the brands you can get. But if you are at all near a feedstore, or farm coop, I recommend just buying whatever pellet feed they make there fresh. It will save you money. Years ago when I started with chickens I was going out of my way to get the corn free, soy free, non GMO stuff. It really turned out to not make much of a difference. Fresh milled feed I found locally always fermented better and my chickens had no difference in egg laying or feathers. Of course, we all aren't as lucky to live near a mill or farmstore, but if it is an option I recommend checking it out. Goodluck with your ferment!

 

[Melky]

I personally stick with the layer mash no corn no soy organic myself. Mine is 17% protein. Mine is already going in 2-3 days usually ready to start feeding. see attached for a good article on Fermenting Feed. It has a list of things you can ferment.