Small flock and fermented feed?

[Brightdays]

We only have 4 hens so I don’t need to make a giant batch of fermented feed. I’m currently only fermenting scratch and using a large mason jar. I have a second one started. I give them a bit on a pie tin every other day or so.

Any tips for using fermented feed for a small flock? Should I add in their feeder pellets too? The first batch I did that with seemed to just make a sludge.

Thanks

 

[BeachFarm2019]

I find the pellets do tend to make sludge, the granulates tend to work better for fermentation. With my small flock; I start off with a mason jar that can hold when fermented double the amount of what they would get for the day. After 48 hours, I scoop out the amount they get for day, in another container I put in the dry serving size and add what's left from the fermentation container on top of the new and mix it up adding some more liquid so that dry gets fully covered. I than repeat the process the next day.

 

[MaSlanger]

I find the pellets do tend to make sludge, the granulates tend to work better for fermentation. With my small flock; I start off with a mason jar that can hold when fermented double the amount of what they would get for the day. After 48 hours, I scoop out the amount they get for day, in another container I put in the dry serving size and add what's left from the fermentation container on top of the new and mix it up adding some more liquid so that dry gets fully covered. I than repeat the process the next day.

I'm in the same boat, with 4 chicks, going on 2 weeks. What would be your recommendation with the cick starter?

 

[BeachFarm2019]

I'm in the same boat, with 4 chicks, going on 2 weeks. What would be your recommendation with the cick starter?

You can do the same thing as I stated above with the chick starter. Though I would take the amount you normally feed them dry and cut that in half when fermenting it. After a day or two of seeing how much of the fermented feed they eat a day you can adjust how much you make daily.

 

[MaSlanger]

You can do the same thing as I stated above with the chick starter. Though I would take the amount you normally feed them dry and cut that in half when fermenting it. After a day or two of seeing how much of the fermented feed they eat a day you can adjust how much you make daily.

Perfect, and from what I've read, the feed, liquid ratio to start is equal parts and a splash of ACV, yes?

 

[BeachFarm2019]

Perfect, and from what I've read, the feed, liquid ratio to start is equal parts and a splash of ACV, yes?

Yes! Though I have noticed mine like theirs a little bit more moist so I do add a bit more water to my mix. Any extra "juice" you can just drain into the new batch you're making

 

[MaSlanger]

Yes! Though I have noticed mine like theirs a little bit more moist so I do add a bit more water to my mix. Any extra "juice" you can just drain into the new batch you're making

Excellent, thank you! I began my first batch. Looking forward to seeing how they take it!

 

[Glk]

You can do the same thing as I stated above with the chick starter. Though I would take the amount you normally feed them dry and cut that in half when fermenting it. After a day or two of seeing how much of the fermented feed they eat a day you can adjust how much you make daily.

X2.. I have fed fermented chick starter from day one and they love it. They are 7 weeks now and doing really well.