Yes, that's what I call the "starter" method (like sourdough starter). Some people add ACV to get the ferment started, but it's not necessary. Just add dechlorinated water to the feed and stir - it should be pretty soupy. After 2-3 days, it should smell ferment-y and there should be bubbles coming to the surface. You can use a slotted spoon to scoop out the feed and leave some of the liquid (and feed is ok) in there to start the next batch. Medicated chick starter contains amprolium, a coccidiostat, and since it's not an antibiotic - it inhibits thiamine (vitamin B1) uptake in the coccidia protozoa - my guess is that it would ferment fine but I'm not sure whether the fermentation process itself would affect the efficacy of the amprolium.Oh Ok.. Just wasn't putting the mother together. I would refer to it as culture, like when making yogurt or cheese. I do not ferment feed but have read that peeps just use their crumbles and add water. After 2 or 3 days it is ready. Then you use half of it and add some more to your batch. You probably should not use the medicated feed to start. The medicated feed is probably Ok to add after it is going, since the medication is not an antibiotic. I forgot what the medication is since I never considered using medicated feed. [COLOR=FF0000]That does not mean that I consider it to be BAD. [/COLOR]
WISHING YOU BEST
Dani, I started using FF about 4 years ago, and never looked back! My flock shows all signs of having the nutritional edge over birds of my friends who have birds of the same age and from the same source and being fed feed from the same feed stores. (they lay sooner, longer, and more, their feathers are super glossy) You can use what ever feed you are currently using to make your fermented feed. You don't need a "mother" nor do you need to use any unpasteurized ACV to get it started. There are plenty yeasts and microbes floating around in the air to do a good job getting your culture started, if you leave it uncovered so it can get "seeded". As far as using medicated feed, I'm sure it can be done. But, since I've never used medicated feed, I can't answer your question re: how the Amprolium in the feed affects the ferment. IMO, if you're using medicated feed, better to ferment it than not to. Perhaps this article, or even the person who wrote it can answer that specific question. Wishing you the best, and a happy ferment!!!
