Hello all,
I'm very much a newbie. My chicks were 1 week old yesterday, and arrived from MPC one week ago today. I've decided to try fermenting their feed at least occasionally. I did try to search the forums, but didn't find a definitive answer to my question (sorry if I missed it somewhere).
So here is my question: since it expands so much, do you measure the feed before or after fermentation? I keep reading about how fermentation will save on feed costs because they will eat less, but also to not feed more than they will eat in one day. First and foremost of course I don't want to feed them too little, especially now while they're still growing. On the other hand, I don't want to end up wasting feed because I'm making too much at a time. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.
TIA
Julianna
Hey Julianna. It's easy to "over think" the whole fermented feed process. I suggest that you start out with a qt. container. Put about 1.5 cups of dry feed in the container, add water (approximately the same amount) and stir the mixture to get the water mixed in well. Leave it uncovered. It should be about the consistency of soft mashed potato, soft serve ice cream, drop biscuit dough. Let it sit, uncovered until it swells up and gets puffy. It takes about 2 - 3 days for your initial ferment. You may see some bubbles, and you may see some grey/brownish/white stuff sitting on the top. You can stir the FF every day. When you see signs of bubbles, or when it looses it's puff when you stir it, it's ready to feed. Beware, chickens of all age and size are resistant to change. They will think you've put a monster in their brooder when they encounter that first plop of FF. To help them over their fear, I sometimes sprinkle some dry crumble on top of it. Or if you've been giving them scrambled eggs, (that's a daily treat for my new chicks) you can put some scrambled eggs on top of the FF. Soon, they will be mobbing the FF and having food fights over it. Be sure that you don't put out enough that they can get mired in it, or do a face plant in it. I just keep putting out a plop every day, and when that's gone, give them an other plop. You can continue to give them dry feed, just to be sure they don't run out of feed. As for your original container: When it's almost empty, add more dry feed, and more water. The new batch will be ready in 12 - 24 hours. I like to use up my FF within 2 - 3 days. You can continue to increase your batch size until you find an amount that works for your adult flock.
There is a FAQ article in my signature covering the how and why of fermented feed.
Hello
Complete newbie here so I’m apologising in advance
Do I make it up myself?
@Bluechick2u .......do you still come on to this forum?
Thank you
There is a FAQ article in my signature covering the how and why of fermented feed.
