Funny Pattern Over Fermented Feed?

[OreoH]

Hi everyone! I've been trying to ferment feed for my flock for the past couple of days, and all was going well until this weird spider web pattern appeared overtop.

I mix it periodically throughout the day, and there is always enough water over it. I covered it with a paper towel, too. It seems like some sort of weird film over it, that is capturing the bubbles. It doesn't disappear when I mix it.

Any ideas on what it could be, or if I can still feed it? Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That looks like scoby. That shows the ferment is working.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCOBY#:~:text=SCOBY is the commonly used,such as kombucha and kimchi.

 

[OreoH]

That looks like scoby. That shows the ferment is working.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCOBY#:~:text=SCOBY is the commonly used,such as kombucha and kimchi.

So it's still safe to feed with it on?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yes, it should be.

Here is a good read compiled over time by another member here.
https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[FortCluck]

So it's still safe to feed with it on?

You’re supposed to stir it in. It’s good to have that.

 

[blackdog043]

It's fine!

I can't tell if that's grain feed or crumble/pellet, but if it's crumble/pellet all that water is not necessary. It will just make extra work to strain it. For grain it should be covered with water.

 

[OreoH]

It's fine!

I can't tell if that's grain feed or crumble/pellet, but if it's crumble/pellet all that water is not necessary. It will just make extra work to strain it. For grain it should be covered with water.

Really? Wow! I thought I read that if it was exposed to air it would mold. It is grower crumble. Thank you! Any idea how much water I should have then?

 

[jgarner1327]

sorry for this dumb question, are chickens supposed to get fermented grain?

 

[OreoH]

sorry for this dumb question, are chickens supposed to get fermented grain?

I think it's more of a supplement, not a requirement. It has lots of good probiotics and it's something the chickens enjoy. No such thing as dumb questions!

 

[jgarner1327]

I think it's more of a supplement, not a requirement. It has lots of good probiotics and it's something the chickens enjoy. No such thing as dumb questions!

Thanks! Is there some info on How do I make fermented grain and how much should they get?