Red Ranger- Fermented Feed & Fodder Experiment

[jessivogel]

We ordered 125 male red ranger chicks from Freedom Ranger Hatchery, Inc and received 128 today (June 18, 2020). ALL alive and well. Chicks were shipped a day earlier than expected- so we did a little moving around of the older chicks.

I want to use this thread to document the progress, but also- to be able to come back and see the things I would change next time. Feel free to follow along and add any comments or questions

Upon arrival, I took each chick out and dipped their beaks in the water. Once a good amount of chicks were surrounding the watering cups, I picked some up and set them in the warming barrels and proceeded.

Here is a picture of how we set up their “brooder”. We use this style of warmer for so many animals here on the homestead. I set up two of them

For their water-ers, my favorite method is using the cup water nipples on a 5-gallon bucket with a lid. (Don’t mind the mess on here- we had ducklings in here yesterday)

For their feed-it’s a grain mix made by our “local” feed supply store. I fermented it with some 24% chick starter/grower.

I took the feed down and got a few started eating. And you know how that goes- once one starts, the others join quickly.

Lastly, here is a picture of the shed they are being started in.

Thanks for joining this journey with me!
Jessi

 

[Lone Star Leghorn]

Following. Looks good so far!

 

[hillbillywelder]

Following along

 

[jessivogel]

The chicks took and extra day to ship, so we have had a few losses. And I’ve got a sick kiddo, sorry for no updates yet.
I was adding some beet pulp pellets (to get it used up, because I had no use for them) to the fermented feed- and got kahm yeast. So, I am working on getting that fed out, then I will be starting a new batch.

 

[LapisLazuli]

Update?

 

[De Bauer]

Only thing I suggest is an electrolyte water supplement. If it has probiotics all the better. Depending on their condition upon arrival a bit of sugar in the water for just the first day.

You seem to be getting a good start. I like the barrel brooders. Nice way to keep the heat source high bit retain lots of heat with limiting draft areas.

 

[Captain Quark]

I'm looking at getting red rangers this year (first time for me with chickens - we have quail). I use fermented feed all the time, and see you started the chicks right away on the fermented feed. How did this turn out for you? I would really prefer to use fermented right away but thought the young chicks may not be ready for it. I would love hear how thing went!