I started fermenting!!!!!

[jeria]

Have you tried the fruit fly traps they sell at Lowes/Home Depot? They are little plastic apples that you put nectar in and set it out and it traps the flies. When it dries up you are supposed to throw it out, but I add a little more water to it and it continues to work! We had problems with those little buggars when I grew black berries.

Haven't tried them. will go check them out this week. thanks.

 

[1983Dan]

Hi all,
please can you tell me about fermenting food and why you do it. I am new to chickens but want them to have the best life.

 

[Dayrel]

Hello 1983Dan. This link is the best source for info on fermented feeds. If you still have questions afterwards, feel free to post them here.

Fermented Feed FAQ

 

[1983Dan]

thank you Dayrel just read though it. I will be starting my chicks on it.

 

[1983Dan]

So I have just give my boys and girls their first fermented food. I was worried that they my end up covered head to toe in it, but they were fine. I put enough feed in thinking it my have lasted 24hr put it all went. next stage is to make a feeder. Thank you again Dayrel

 

[jeria]

HI all. How do you all handle doing fermented feed as the daylight gets less? I leave in the dark and get home as it is getting dark or dark? The chicks are mostly asleep. I've gone back to adding in dry crumbles at this point. They keep tipping everything over though both the fermented and the rail feeder for the dry. The fruit flies are less in my house since I moved the jars into the garage.

 

[Dayrel]

Daylight has no effect on fermenting. Temperature will affect it though as the bacteria will breed more slowly when it is cool/cold.

 

[blackdog043]

this

HI all. How do you all handle doing fermented feed as the daylight gets less? I leave in the dark and get home as it is getting dark or dark? The chicks are mostly asleep. I've gone back to adding in dry crumbles at this point. They keep tipping everything over though both the fermented and the rail feeder for the dry. The fruit flies are less in my house since I moved the jars into the garage.

You will have to fill the FF at night or in the morning. I have FF in my coop overnight sometimes. I don't worry about critters getting in. You might need to get different feeders. I use this: http://https://www.tractorsupply.co...l-feeder-2x175-qt-capacity-black?cm_vc=-10005
for my FF. I made two key hole slots and attach it to the wall of the coop. I use a 5 gal no waste feeder for the crumble. Maybe you could put a piece of wood above your feeders, so the can't get on them and tip them over?
Your FF may not ferment very good in the garage when it gets colder. I believe it's best to be at least 70 degrees, to ferment.

 

[jeria]

Daylight has no effect on fermenting. Temperature will affect it though as the bacteria will breed more slowly when it is cool/cold.

Thanks, probably good info for many. It's not the fermenting I'm concerned about I make bread and have mad many a gallon of beer and wine so understand yeast well.

 

[jeria]

this

You will have to fill the FF at night or in the morning. I have FF in my coop overnight sometimes. I don't worry about critters getting in. You might need to get different feeders. I use this: http://https://www.tractorsupply.co...l-feeder-2x175-qt-capacity-black?cm_vc=-10005
for my FF. I made two key hole slots and attach it to the wall of the coop. I use a 5 gal no waste feeder for the crumble. Maybe you could put a piece of wood above your feeders, so the can't get on them and tip them over?
Your FF may not ferment very good in the garage when it gets colder. I believe it's best to be at least 70 degrees, to ferment.
View attachment 1149412

Sounds like you keep some crumble available also. So if I can figure out a non tippable solution putting in plenty of feed say in the am or at night will keep them well fed and happy, and feed them inside instead of in the run to lessen critter chances? I'm heading into end of the year and tax season which often means 12 hours between leaving for work and getting home. I work for transfer agent for mutual funds. Would be opening the pop door in the am and closing it up when I get home making sure the girls are inside, of course. I live alone so cannot depend on anyone else.