FF smells like beer - still ok to use?

[msbee]

Please forgive me if this has been addressed before. I did a search, but I couldn't find an answer specifically.

I've been fermenting the chickies' feed, and they love it, but I'm still getting the hang of how much to make each week. At this point I have too much, and I forgot about it for a day or 2, and it smells a little beer-ish. Not a bad smell and no mold, just definitely fermented. Is it ok to still use? I have been adding more feed to each fermented portion just before I serve it because it's a little too wet than I want, and I'm still getting the hang of making the source juuuuust right - not too wet or too dry. I was thinking that would dilute any beer-ish properties to a serving, yes?

Also, can I freeze the extra, do you think? That way I can keep the mother going while I get into a rhythm of adding to the base batch, and I'll have some cold stuff on hand for these hot and steamy days!

Thank you for your input!

 

[AlleysChicks]

As long as it doesn’t smell sour or funky, beer smell is fine. Probably wouldn’t freeze because extreme temp could kill off anything good. Room temp is best.

 

[mountain chicken]

what;s the reason for fermenting the birds feed ?

 

[Folly's place]

So you'll have drunk chickens?
(Sorry, couldn't resist!)
Mary

 

[janiedoe]

So you'll have drunk chickens?
(Sorry, couldn't resist!)
Mary

What if the drunk chicken tries to cross the road? Seriously what is the reason?

 

[Aerliss]

@mountain chicken
@janiedoe
Best article I've read on the subject of fermented feed; https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[dunnmom]

What if the drunk chicken tries to cross the road? Seriously what is the reason?

The premise is based on bioavailability, and that the chickens aren't excreting as much undigested food matter in their poo, making it a more efficient source of nutrition. It can also save money on the feed bill, and help hens lay better eggs.

I have not done it myself, but I've done the reading about it. Actually tried to ferment pellets once, but something went wrong, and I had to throw it out. Didn't smell like it was supposed to.

 

[msbee]

@mountain chicken
@janiedoe
Best article I've read on the subject of fermented feed; https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

That was helpful. Thank you.

 

[Jlachickens]

Please forgive me if this has been addressed before. I did a search, but I couldn't find an answer specifically.

I've been fermenting the chickies' feed, and they love it, but I'm still getting the hang of how much to make each week. At this point I have too much, and I forgot about it for a day or 2, and it smells a little beer-ish. Not a bad smell and no mold, just definitely fermented. Is it ok to still use? I have been adding more feed to each fermented portion just before I serve it because it's a little too wet than I want, and I'm still getting the hang of making the source juuuuust right - not too wet or too dry. I was thinking that would dilute any beer-ish properties to a serving, yes?

Also, can I freeze the extra, do you think? That way I can keep the mother going while I get into a rhythm of adding to the base batch, and I'll have some cold stuff on hand for these hot and steamy days!

Thank you for your input!

I’m here wondering myself, I forgot I started a jar with chick starter, it smelled lovely like a nice beer to me. I wondered if it would get me cheep cheep drunk, or not. So, I gave a little to my dog, call me nuts but thought I should taste it, if I don’t die, should be fine. But for baby chicks I don’t know.

 

[Greta A]

I feed my chickens beer mash from a local brewery. I have never had a drunk chicken. It's been years