"Louisiana "La-yers" Peeps"

[kuntrygirl]

The 20th Julie and I have some Showgirls packed and ready but am bringing you some of those giant frizzled naked neck turkens too

Nice Gracie should be some really nice quality silkies

I will check out the date and let you know Mike. And you better keep those girls over there if you don't want trouble your way. Mike, what do you have other there that I need. I need something different. Did I just say that? Somebody slap me please! I really need some hogs.

 

[TerriLaChicks]

It is clear to me that if we are discussing purchasing any kind or size of cement mixer to mix chicken feed in---we are definitely serious addicts. I'm obviously in the right place.

SO TRUE!

I informed Jim last night that for his next project I want him to start on a cabinet incubator. He did not run screaming out of the room, which is a good sign.


I was wondering how to grind the feed for the fermented feed also? We have an antique cornmeal grinder - I bet that would work?

on your experiment Gracie!

 

[TerriLaChicks]

I will check out the date and let you know Mike. And you better keep those girls over there if you don't want trouble your way.

Mike, what do you have other there that I need. I need something different.

Did I just say that? Somebody slap me please!

I really need some hogs.

I need some cotton patch goslings......

Mike?

 

[kuntrygirl]

It is clear to me that if we are discussing purchasing any kind or size of cement mixer to mix chicken feed in---we are definitely serious addicts.  I'm obviously in the right place. 

SO TRUE!

I informed Jim last night that for his next project I want him to start on a cabinet incubator. He did not run screaming out of the room, which is a good sign.


I was wondering how to grind the feed for the fermented feed also? We have an antique cornmeal grinder - I bet that would work?

 on your experiment Gracie!

I see those old skool grinders at the flea market in Carencro all the time. And they are not expensive at all.

 

[La Mike]

Delawares (laying machines) Ameraucana is about all you might want Julie lol But I think you need silkie,show girls and them frizzeled up turkens. They would look great in that barnyard of yours

Terri so its a date and the cotten patch are sitting but not many eggs so dont know where thats going yet. Will keep you posted

 

[PSJ]

Ok like luvmychicken said. It's the third square. It has a little mountain and a sun in it. Here's what my phone's giving me:

And then when it says URL I think you mean this.

And if it gives you the button just click upload.

If it doesn't give you the upload button then you'll have to describe what the screen looks like.

The URL is used for photos that are already uploaded so you do not have to upload them again. Lets say I wanted to add one of my old pics into today's post. I would go to my photo album on my profile, right click and click "copy item URL" ,and then paste it into the URL space.

I'm pretty good with most technology. I actually took a college course last year in Houston on programming. So if this doesn't work then don't hesitate to ask.

thank you for taking the time to do that! Ive updated my phone before but haven't updated since the latest IOS came out. Guess I need to. Mine doesn't show the "upload from device OR"..... It just has the bottom part where you have to enter the URL. I'm on the mobile version and knew how to get that far, just couldn't figure out why it wouldn't let me use pictures from my phone. Guess I better update! Lol

 

[mzstre]

I wonder if it is possible to do fermented feed with 150 chickens?

http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/fermented-feed.html?m=1


I based mine off info in the link above...


I did grind up some seeds and added some flax to it as well...but you don't have too. Then it was just add feed...covered with 5-6" water and 1/4 cup unpasturized ACV with mother. Stir, cover with towel...wait 24-48 hours to serve/feed. You do need to stir it twice daily for the duration to keep it going. Then you just add more feed

What type of feed did you add? What seeds did you grind up? I think I would need A LOT of feed for all of my animals.


Sounds easy. I may try it this weekend.


Just what I need. More work. :/

I used starter/grower because all my birds are young. But you can use any feed, layer, etc...


I added ground up pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and some scratch.


Warm weather actually helps it ferment...in colder climates they often have to ferment indoors where it is warmer...atleast that is what I have read.


If it's better for the birds...saves on the feed bill...then it's a win! win! IMO

Sure it's possible with 150 chickens!  I have just under 100 (granted a few are chicks).  Right now I have a 5 gallon bucket in the shade near each coop, but I think you might have an easier time with a larger container.  I have heard of some people using trash cans or barrels, but I wouldn't recommend it because they are too deep to mix everything properly.  I get feed tubs from my step dad (he raises cattle) that might be perfect for you.  I store unopened bags of feed in them, and they hold 2 50-lb bags with room to spare.  They are much shorter than barrels and it would be much easier to mix in them.  I can probably get a couple for you if you're interested. They look like this, just a little shorter and wider:

 ​

 ​

I use a single container rather than nesting 2 together (some people use 2, with the interior one having drainage holes).  I use my regular feed and occasionally add in some BOSS or other whole grains if I have them on hand, but it isn't necessary.  I recommend letting the first batch ferment at least 2 days to get it going good, but you still need to stir it a couple of times daily.  I don't use as much water as ssterling, because I don't drain my FF.  I tried both ways, and this is much easier and less time consuming with so many birds (AND it ferments just as well).  I mix mine until soaks up all the water and has the consistency that reminds me of a slightly thin cornbread mix, then I top it off with a couple of inches of water (because it will soak up more overnight) and stir one more time.  I mix everything once before I feed, because the mother will start to grow and gather on top of the feed (sort of grayish colored) and all the good ferment liquid is on the bottom.  I scoop out without draining and feed.  It does have a little liquid, but my birds LOVE it like that.  They haven't been drinking nearly as much water either. After I feed, I add in more dry feed and water, stir, and it is ready again the next day.​

 ​

I have a VERY important suggestion if your ferment buckets will be somewhere your birds can get to them.  It is important for the FF to get air (thus ssterling using a towel to cover), but it also needs to be protected from debris or animals getting to it.  I use the bucket top and don't press it on, and I still get enough air exchange.  I made the mistake of leaving the lip of my lid too loose on the front side (the other side backs up to the fence and the birds can't get there) this weekend.  My geese, who love FF and who are very smart, took the lid off while we were not home.  I came home to find a near-lifeless silkie who was submerged up to his head and hypothermic.  It took me nearly 2 hours to revive him.  My story had a happy ending, but please make sure you take steps to prevent this.  The birds will try to get in the container once they figure out what's in it. It is nearly impossible for them to get out without assistance. This stuff is like quicksand.​

 ​

It took about a week for me to start seeing a big decrease in the amount of feed I was using.  Keep in mind that you are going to start with a larger amount of feed than you will feed in one day, because you need to have some left over to ferment the next day's feed.​

My birds know when it's close to feeding time. They all gradually congregate at the buckets.

 

[Gracie9205]

Sure it's possible with 150 chickens! I have just under 100 (granted a few are chicks). Right now I have a 5 gallon bucket in the shade near each coop, but I think you might have an easier time with a larger container. I have heard of some people using trash cans or barrels, but I wouldn't recommend it because they are too deep to mix everything properly. I get feed tubs from my step dad (he raises cattle) that might be perfect for you. I store unopened bags of feed in them, and they hold 2 50-lb bags with room to spare. They are much shorter than barrels and it would be much easier to mix in them. I can probably get a couple for you if you're interested. They look like this, just a little shorter and wider:

I use a single container rather than nesting 2 together (some people use 2, with the interior one having drainage holes). I use my regular feed and occasionally add in some BOSS or other whole grains if I have them on hand, but it isn't necessary. I recommend letting the first batch ferment at least 2 days to get it going good, but you still need to stir it a couple of times daily. I don't use as much water as ssterling, because I don't drain my FF. I tried both ways, and this is much easier and less time consuming with so many birds (AND it ferments just as well). I mix mine until soaks up all the water and has the consistency that reminds me of a slightly thin cornbread mix, then I top it off with a couple of inches of water (because it will soak up more overnight) and stir one more time. I mix everything once before I feed, because the mother will start to grow and gather on top of the feed (sort of grayish colored) and all the good ferment liquid is on the bottom. I scoop out without draining and feed. It does have a little liquid, but my birds LOVE it like that. They haven't been drinking nearly as much water either. After I feed, I add in more dry feed and water, stir, and it is ready again the next day.

I have a VERY important suggestion if your ferment buckets will be somewhere your birds can get to them. It is important for the FF to get air (thus ssterling using a towel to cover), but it also needs to be protected from debris or animals getting to it. I use the bucket top and don't press it on, and I still get enough air exchange. I made the mistake of leaving the lip of my lid too loose on the front side (the other side backs up to the fence and the birds can't get there) this weekend. My geese, who love FF and who are very smart, took the lid off while we were not home. I came home to find a near-lifeless silkie who was submerged up to his head and hypothermic. It took me nearly 2 hours to revive him. My story had a happy ending, but please make sure you take steps to prevent this. The birds will try to get in the container once they figure out what's in it.

It took about a week for me to start seeing a big decrease in the amount of feed I was using. Keep in mind that you are going to start with a larger amount of feed than you will feed in one day, because you need to have some left over to ferment the next day's feed.​

My birds know when it's close to feeding time. They all gradually congregate at the buckets.

How much would you say it has reduced your feed intake? My birds waste a lot by scratching it out of their feeders, so I am very interested in this.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I wonder if it is possible to do fermented feed with 150 chickens?

http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/fermented-feed.html?m=1


I based mine off info in the link above...


I did grind up some seeds and added some flax to it as well...but you don't have too. Then it was just add feed...covered with 5-6" water and 1/4 cup unpasturized ACV with mother. Stir, cover with towel...wait 24-48 hours to serve/feed. You do need to stir it twice daily for the duration to keep it going. Then you just add more feed

What type of feed did you add? What seeds did you grind up? I think I would need A LOT of feed for all of my animals.


Sounds easy. I may try it this weekend.


Just what I need. More work. :/

I used starter/grower because all my birds are young. But you can use any feed, layer, etc...


I added ground up pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and some scratch.


Warm weather actually helps it ferment...in colder climates they often have to ferment indoors where it is warmer...atleast that is what I have read.


If it's better for the birds...saves on the feed bill...then it's a win! win! IMO

Sure it's possible with 150 chickens!  I have just under 100 (granted a few are chicks).  Right now I have a 5 gallon bucket in the shade near each coop, but I think you might have an easier time with a larger container.  I have heard of some people using trash cans or barrels, but I wouldn't recommend it because they are too deep to mix everything properly.  I get feed tubs from my step dad (he raises cattle) that might be perfect for you.  I store unopened bags of feed in them, and they hold 2 50-lb bags with room to spare.  They are much shorter than barrels and it would be much easier to mix in them.  I can probably get a couple for you if you're interested. They look like this, just a little shorter and wider:

 ​

 ​

I use a single container rather than nesting 2 together (some people use 2, with the interior one having drainage holes).  I use my regular feed and occasionally add in some BOSS or other whole grains if I have them on hand, but it isn't necessary.  I recommend letting the first batch ferment at least 2 days to get it going good, but you still need to stir it a couple of times daily.  I don't use as much water as ssterling, because I don't drain my FF.  I tried both ways, and this is much easier and less time consuming with so many birds (AND it ferments just as well).  I mix mine until soaks up all the water and has the consistency that reminds me of a slightly thin cornbread mix, then I top it off with a couple of inches of water (because it will soak up more overnight) and stir one more time.  I mix everything once before I feed, because the mother will start to grow and gather on top of the feed (sort of grayish colored) and all the good ferment liquid is on the bottom.  I scoop out without draining and feed.  It does have a little liquid, but my birds LOVE it like that.  They haven't been drinking nearly as much water either. After I feed, I add in more dry feed and water, stir, and it is ready again the next day.​

 ​

I have a VERY important suggestion if your ferment buckets will be somewhere your birds can get to them.  It is important for the FF to get air (thus ssterling using a towel to cover), but it also needs to be protected from debris or animals getting to it.  I use the bucket top and don't press it on, and I still get enough air exchange.  I made the mistake of leaving the lip of my lid too loose on the front side (the other side backs up to the fence and the birds can't get there) this weekend.  My geese, who love FF and who are very smart, took the lid off while we were not home.  I came home to find a near-lifeless silkie who was submerged up to his head and hypothermic.  It took me nearly 2 hours to revive him.  My story had a happy ending, but please make sure you take steps to prevent this.  The birds will try to get in the container once they figure out what's in it.​

 ​

It took about a week for me to start seeing a big decrease in the amount of feed I was using.  Keep in mind that you are going to start with a larger amount of feed than you will feed in one day, because you need to have some left over to ferment the next day's feed.​

My birds know when it's close to feeding time. They all gradually congregate at the buckets.

Excellent info!!

I have been looking for those types of buckets for about a year now. I can't find them anywhere. I see them at the feed stores but they never have any extra.

Can you tell me exactly what does fermented feed do for your chickens and how does that have anything to do with decreasing their feed. Does FF "fill them up", so they are not hungry? What does it do? I still don't understand. Fermented grapes gets me tipsy so what does fermentation do for chickens?

How much do you feed to 150 birds and how often do you feed it to them?

 

[Gracie9205]

Excellent info!!

I have been looking for those types of buckets for about a year now. I can't find them anywhere. I see them at the feed stores but they never have any extra.

Can you tell me exactly what does fermented feed do for your chickens and how does that have anything to do with decreasing their feed. Does FF "fill them up", so they are not hungry? What does it do?

I still don't understand. Fermented grapes gets me tipsy

so what does fermentation do for chickens?

How much do you feed to 150 birds and how often do you feed it to them?

From what I have been reading Julie, the fermented feed does fill them up more and they are less likely to waste food by scratching it all over the place. The ferment also does for chickens what a probiotic does for humans. Here is my summary of what I've read today: less waste, better nutrient absorption, heavier eggs with harder shells, and heavier birds. Seems like a win to me.