LOTS of feed being wasted

[subhanalah]

Yes I agree with this one. I elevated on a brick. Something that wouldn't tip over. I wouldn't suggest feeding them fermented food.

okay, and what is your reasoning for this? References?

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Ask on this thread for a link to a blog site that has a FAQ on fermentation that's pretty much complete and that will make it easy for you...it's the only one I'd recommend for newbies to the method as the other one has misinformation that has caused some problems for people.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/645057/fermented-feeds-anyone-using-them

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I would suggest it. For optimal health for your chicks and adult birds, I'd most decidedly suggest it.

 

[nfluencial]

I am sorry if this has already been said, but I took a five gallon bucket, drilled 1" holes at the base about 2" apart from each other all the way around it, got a plastic oil catch pan from walmart and screwed the bucket to a piece of wood and the oil pan to the wood. The pan is high enough to preven the shaving contamination and the spillage is down to a minimum. It took 5 minutes to make and cost me $7. Hope this helps.

 

[Guineagang]

glad to see you solved your problem!

 

[Tabatha]

I would suggest it.  For optimal health for your chicks and adult birds, I'd most decidedly suggest it. 

Definitely. Every day I'm more excited people told me about fermented food. The more I read, the more it makes sense and the more results (at least short term for now) I see. Nothing is wasted and scratched through for one. My birds have firmer, less smelly poo. I've read it breaks down hard to digest proteins in the feed, resulting in higher protein absorption. Also raises vitamin levels in the feed making it, again, better for them. I'll let you know in a week or two if yolks are affected. I know when I first was told about it, I thought "really? You feed your chickens basically moonshine castings?" I was totally wrong. You don't let it ferment to the point that alcohol will poison your chix...just enough to give it a head start on breaking down and the grains/seeds enough time to shed their anti nutrients and maybe sprout a little.

 

[Bunnyla]

I saw online that someone had the food on the other side of the fence so they would peck at the food and they couldn't use their feet or mess in it.. the fence material was a larger slot like 2 x3" wire.. I know your chicks are small now but it might work for when they are older.

 

[GardenerGal]

It's the pro-biotics ("friendly" bacteria that will populate the gut) that are part of the fermentation process, that make fermented foods so important. For the benefits of fermentation, once a week I mix a pan of uncooked oatmeal and plain yoghurt. The chooks polish it off in about 60 seconds. If anyone is concerned about fermenting chicken feed, yoghurt is psychologically easier to deal with.

 

[crazy4chicksmeg]

I actually have an in-ground feeder. My chicks are about 5 weeks old, but it is very warm in Maryland (Like 80 degrees) so I let them outside in their coop. I dug a rectangular hole, suck the feeder in, and secured it with fit and rocks. It takes a bit more effort to fill but it really keeps the chicks from tipping it! Hope this helped!!

 

[evemfoster]

Does it matter what kind of feed is used when Fermenting feed. Is it only scratch or am i missing something. Or can i add a portion of crumbles into the mix.

Scratch is expensive stuff where i live and i don't want to go the BigR store to buy the scratch that is 25% sand that they claim is quality birdseed.