My Fermented Game has weakened

[Ruralhideaway]

I've been fermenting with the same culture going since maybe September. I've noted how things slow down in cooler house temps and adapted for that with a 2x daily gentle warm up on a slightly warm cast iron pan. Changed feeds multiple times. Everything has worked and stayed good and sour, fast and fluffy. Pretty fool proof really.

Last few weeks despite the same management my ferment seems weak, not very sour, has that sweet sort of smell that I associate with not quite ready. I changed to larger version of the same container, BPA free plastic. The bigger one isn't new, it's been holding dry pellets in the kitchen.

The only real change has been adding some Hiland Naturals grower to the mix, which is a ground grain type feed.

Any suggestions? Could ACV help? Do I need to start over?

 

[JaeG]

I think grain does take a bit longer to ferment to the extent that dry feed does.

I'll tag @lazy gardener as she's an expert in fermented feed (and many other things too).

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I think grain does take a bit longer to ferment to the extent that dry feed does.

I'll tag @lazy gardener as she's an expert in fermented feed (and many other things too).

Her posts are always sensible thank you! She doesn't know it yet but I'm plotting a greenhouse, likely I'll drive her nuts.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I use ACV in my fermented feed.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Does it contain the cultures we are trying to encourage? I've never found a definitive answer.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I started by using https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ter-easy-fermented-feed-method-w-video.65375/

 

[Ruralhideaway]

That's my usual set up exactly. Maybe its the addition of the more complete grains. I'm no longer getting the "loaf" they describe on top. Still including the usual pellets, maybe 40% the new feed.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That could very well be it and it takes longer to ferment.

What all is in your new feed?

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Here's the label http://www.hilandnaturals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/02-NGM-Chick-Grower-18-600x600.jpg
And it looks like this. Mixed with a Flock Grower.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm guessing it's taking longer to ferment b/c of the whole grains. I use warm water, never hot for my FF. You might try to let it ferment longer. I'm just now adding a second bucket so that I can get a longer ferment going. I feed out one bucket full per day.