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

[DaytonHillRabbits]

Hi all,

I'm a newish chicken keeper (have kept chickens in the past but it's been a while), and last time I kept them I used fermented feed as I had read that the health benefits are great and it makes the feed go further.

So this time I think I've decided to go that route again but I can't remember the proper ratio for feed to water to ACV to get the bath going..

I *think* I used to just use a few scoops of feed, cover it a few inches in water and add a couple slurps of ACV to get it going, stir it a couple times a day and store it in a warm spot, and cover it. Am I right or am I missing something? It's been so long I can't really remember details!

Thank you in advance!

 

[barred2rock]

Hi all,

I'm a newish chicken keeper (have kept chickens in the past but it's been a while), and last time I kept them I used fermented feed as I had read that the health benefits are great and it makes the feed go further.

So this time I think I've decided to go that route again but I can't remember the proper ratio for feed to water to ACV to get the bath going..

I *think* I used to just use a few scoops of feed, cover it a few inches in water and add a couple slurps of ACV to get it going, stir it a couple times a day and store it in a warm spot, and cover it. Am I right or am I missing something? It's been so long I can't really remember details!

Thank you in advance!

You really don't need the ACV, just let it sit for 24 to 72 hours uncovered or lightly covered.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

This tells it all.
https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[rIrs roost]

Different people do it different. But that sounds about right. Just don't forget to just cover it instead of putting a lid on it.

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

Oh ok I had the covering backwards.. so just uncovered is good with no lid at all? Also.. I was just reading in another section about using DE as a wormer.. can I just chuck some into the fermented feed and feed through that way? And if so how much should be added to the mix? Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

DE does not work as a wormer.
It only works in a dry environment and hopefully the intestines of your chickens aren't dry.

 

[rIrs roost]

You can cover it but leave the lid loose so air can get to it. Otherwise it will blow up and they'll be ff everywhere. As far a de, I know that some will say different but it is not a natural wormer. I wouldn't use it. It causes problems from what I've researched.

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

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?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There are herbal wormers but if your chickens are shown to actually have a heavy load of worms by a fecal float test, then you need to bring out the big guns which include a variety of worming medications depending on the species of worm.

 

[rIrs roost]

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