How to get a batch of fermented feed started...

[ChickenCanoe]

IMHO, it isn't sufficient to 'think' they have worms. All chickens on the ground will probably have some worms but without a fecal test there is no way to know if they need medicating.

 

[barred2rock]

Oh, that's good to know.. what do people use as wormer? I know raw Pumpkin seeds are used in rabbits but can chickens eat those? Other options?

Chickens can indeed eat pumpkin seeds. Another natural dewormer (no idea if it actually works) is cayenne pepper or any other very hot pepper. Chickens don't sense the hotness of peppers. Just be sure you're not using it in powder form or they may get it into their lungs.

 

[rIrs roost]

IMHO, it isn't sufficient to 'think' they have worms. All chickens on the ground will probably have some worms but without a fecal test there is no way to know if they need medicating.

Your absolutely right. You don't always see worms in their poop.

 

[h2oratt]

I use safeguard when I think that they have worms. Not sure about the pumpkin seeds.

What dosage do you use?

 

[lazy gardener]

FF: if just getting started, leave it open to the air so it can get inoculated with the organisms it needs to ferment. After it's percolating along nicely, you can cover it loosely if you so desire.

Worms: DE is useless for reasons stated. Putting it in your FF will only make your feed bill go up. Some people do put it in their dry feed if they have issues with grain mites or other insects. If you have a fecal float test done, and it picks up a helminth load that warrants treatment, then, ask your vet what product to use. All animals have internal parasites, even you and me. You'd be surprised what lurks in the gut of the average American. It's only when those parasites get overpopulated that treatment is warranted. It's estimated that 10% of the animals in a flock carry 90% of the parasite load. Those are the weak animals, that... if one wants to build a strong herd or flock would and should be culled from the flock. The weak animals tend to be vectors for disease.

As a preventive measure, you can give them all sorts of natural herbal materials: pumpkin seeds, ginger, garlic. You can do a search for others. If allowed to free range, your flock will self medicate. My flock eagerly skeletonizes the rhubarb leaves in my garden every fall. This, when they have access to 4 acres of varied vegetable matter.

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

Thank you for all the advice!

Another question. With Fermenting the feed... how often should they be fed? Morning and night? Once a day? And how much (I know this is relative) for 6 Lohhman brown birds approximately?

I can't remember very well but I think when I was feeding it before I fed before I left for work, filled the trough pvc feeders, and then before supper when I got back from work Id fill it again, and the birds ALWAYS attacked me for it.. they never did that when I was feeding just crumbs it was funny... they LOVED the FF.

I know some who only give feed once a day and others who keep the feeders full (but not FF as I assume that would dry up or go bad).

Thanks again!

 

[lazy gardener]

You're going to have to play around with it until you find the right amount for them. I generally fill feeders in the morning, and if the feeders are empty in mid/late afternoon, I feed the flock again, trying to not feed enough so that there's any left when they go to roost. Don't want to leave feed behind for varmints.

 

[jeria]

What type of feeder do you use? I'm thinking about using FF for mine.

 

[lazy gardener]

I use a combination of dog food bowls, and gutter feeders. You can find a nice rubber bowl at your local feed store. Just don't use metal in contact with FF.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I use cat food bowls since I don't have many chickens and like to have multiple feed stations so everyone gets a chance to eat. I've also considered (and seen people suggest) pie pans.