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

[DaytonHillRabbits]

Guys,

So the feed I decided to go with is Blue Seals Egg Layer Plus. It's very expensive compared to your run of the mill Layena etc.. goes for $25.99 per 18 kg bag.

I'd like to use something with it where I'm fermenting to kind of stretch out the value. Can I use BOC (Barley Oats Corn) generally sold as a goat or cow ration around here. Can I use that say half and half in the ferment with the BS Egg Layer Plus? Only thing is its molassed.. will that affect the ferment? The BOC goes for $13.95 a bag so it's attractive for that reason. I assume Barley Oats and Corn are all acceptable for a chicken to eat
.

 

[lazy gardener]

Do a thorough comparison between their Extra Egg and their Back yard Basics. I did a comparison, and aside from the Extra Egg coming in a fancier bag, and having some advertising hype that is not included in the BYB, from what I can see, they are essentially the same feed, same amount of protein and the same ingredients. I samve my money, and ferment the BYB. IMO, having fresh feed is the most important factor. If you intend to cut your feed with scratch, you are providing a false economy IMO. I wouldn't use the goat/cow ration to cut your chicken's feed. You will be cutting their protein too much, and the molasses will give them cavities.

 

[Hdghawg]

Thank you for all the advice!

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!

Does it matter if it sits in the feeder all or most of a day uneaten? I'm thinking it wouldn't be any worse than it sitting in a bucket until you feed it.

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

I suppose you're right, it shouldn't go bad if it doesn't in the bucket! Don't know where that train of thought came from haha.

Called the feed store and apparently they do have some of the BOC with "very little" molasses as well as what they call Chicken Scratch Feed. He said that the layer rations are complete feeds so it isn't necessary to supplement unless I want to use it as a treat as some hobby poultry people tend to do. I just wanted it to help expenses and make the Extra Egg go further. Not sure what I want to do now.

 

[Hdghawg]

I suppose you're right, it shouldn't go bad if it doesn't in the bucket! Don't know where that train of thought came from haha.

I always thought the same until recently and am also not sure why. I started filling up my feeder so they don't "starve" between feedings. Once they're laying good and know exactly where to lay they will free range more often than not.

I mix my Layena+ with a cheaper mix I feed my five old hens. I don't think the newer ones need all that calcium right now as I'm only getting 3 eggs out of 14 for the moment and the old hens don't need any. Once the new girls get to laying good I'll go straight Layena+.[/QUOTE]

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

So.. the chickens have been home now since Tuesday... and... they will not eat the ff... what now? These are birds who were factory farmed so I'm sure they're never seen it before, but ... no desire to try it.. I've left it out there thinking they'd get hungry enough eventually but this is day 3 and no dice. I threw some bread yesterday and they didn't even know what that way.. they did eat it eventually though. The ferment I chucked on the ground and when I went out to check that little bit was gone, so I assume one of them must have discovered it but NONE of the feeders were touched at all.

Poor girls!

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

Here is a picture of the little ladies!

 

[JaeG]

So.. the chickens have been home now since Tuesday... and... they will not eat the ff... what now? These are birds who were factory farmed so I'm sure they're never seen it before, but ... no desire to try it.. I've left it out there thinking they'd get hungry enough eventually but this is day 3 and no dice. I threw some bread yesterday and they didn't even know what that way.. they did eat it eventually though. The ferment I chucked on the ground and when I went out to check that little bit was gone, so I assume one of them must have discovered it but NONE of the feeders were touched at all.

Poor girls!

Maybe put some pellets on top of the fermented feed if that's what you think the were used to being fed. They will eat the familiar food and get a taste for the fermented feed. Fingers crossed it won't take too long. Yes, poor things!

 

[lazy gardener]

Put some dry feed on top of the ferment.

 

[DaytonHillRabbits]

I did try that today, and that is how they managed to get the ferment I had poured on the ground, but they won't touch whats in the feeders, I did toss some pellets on top of that this evening to try to peak their interest, they have to be starving. Hopefully they put a dent in it when I go out to close the coop later tonight.