Funky fermented feed

[meggers38]

Hello everyone, I have started my first batch of fermented food for my chickens. It's on day 4 and the smell is a little yeasty...and a little funky. It's part feed, part corn, part oats. I'm not convinced that it hasn't gone bad, there isn't a lot if fermentation happening and I did neglect to stir it once a day. Should I toss it?

 

[Perris]

the feed part is probably making it smell 'funky'; the corn and oats would produce the yeasty smell. Stirring isn't necessary. Have you seen any bubbles? Can you post a photo of it?

 

[meggers38]

the feed part is probably making it smell 'funky'; the corn and oats would produce the yeasty smell. Stirring isn't necessary. Have you seen any bubbles? Can you post a photo of it?

 

[meggers38]

There are some bubbles, just not like normal fermentation.

 

[nuthatched]

I'd cut out the corn and oats, just their feed is fine. Corn and oats are treats.

 

[Perris]

thanks @meggers38 , but can we have a photo from the side, showing the contents?

 

[meggers38]

thanks @meggers38 , but can we have a photo from the side, showing the contents?

 

[meggers38]

The feed was at the top of the jar, then sunk down. I think I'll toss it, it's not looking good.

 

[Penpal]

Don't toss. Offer it to the chickens and let them decide. Use a gravy strainer and scoop it out.

If by feed you mean chicken kibble, you don't ferment that for four days. More like a few hours. Only use enough water to soak it, the kibble should absorb all of the water. It will be soft and mushy, but they like it.

If by oats and corn you mean whole grain, they need about 72 hours. They will not be mushy, well you can see for yourself.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I ferment my feed but it's not grain but crumbles or pellets ... Is your feed grain?
The consistency if like oatmeal, no "standing" water. Ratio is 1:1 although when I first start I watch for the consistency. It's more a sour dough smell ... love it. I replace as I go, mixing 2 - 3x day. Pic is of what I leave in the container, adding 2cups feed/water each day. I don't add anything to their fermenting feed ... Corn & Oats are treats which they really don't need. When we "treat" we off set the nutritional value of the feed we're feeding which is all they need and balanced,