Soaking Starter Feed opposed to actually Fermenting?

[subhanalah]

I also did not use ACV--just starter feed and water.  My chicks have all been on it from day 1 also, and my 6 meat birds.  My birds are thriving and very healthy.

I personally have not seen a post recommending you not ferment starter feed.  The very opposite is true--do it!

some anecdotal evidence supporting FF starter. I recently got some chick's from a friend of mine, they've been eating FF practically since I got them. Two days ago I went back to get another one, and even the runt I have is bigger than this new chick I got, who used to be bigger than the runt. Same exact feed, only difference is that I ferment and my friend does not.

 

[pdirt]

the posts/threads I read weren't doing it until they switched over to grower. 

Well, I do know that there are plenty of folks fermenting their starter for chicks. We will be doing it when we get some chicks here soon. I can't see any reason not to or to wait until they're older.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote: It is best to give them fermented feed from the beginning--then they know no other. Also, a side note: Subhanalah, thank you for the tip to raise the humidity in my mealworm farm--everyone is looking a whole lot better! Love them dark winged beetles, LOL.

 

[subhanalah]

It is best to give them fermented feed from the beginning--then they know no other.  Also, a side note:  Subhanalah, thank you for the tip to raise the humidity in my mealworm farm--everyone is looking a whole lot better!  Love them dark winged beetles, LOL.

I'm so glad it helped! You're well on your way to some busy little beetles!

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote: They are rocking and a rolling a lot! I started out with 6,000 worms--beetles everywhere--it's gross!

 

[Nofowlplay]

Yes you can start it with ACV.  Not more than 1 T for a gallon batch.  But just use a cup or two of your made batch.  1/2 gal water and 2 or 3 scoops of feed Stir good and fit for a few min.   then add more water if necessary.    Sit overnight and it's ready in the morning.  When it gets down to about 3 inches from bottom remake it again.  Will not need more ACV.     


edited for content:  add more scoops if its still too runny.  Should be consistancy of oatmeal.

Is this the recipe for overnight soak without fermentation....or it explaining how to keep a fermented batch going?
I want to use the overnight soak method to get started and see how it goes from there.
Thanks!

 

[LindaB220]

Is this the recipe for overnight soak without fermentation....or it explaining how to keep a fermented batch going?
I want to use the overnight soak method to get started and see how it goes from there.
Thanks!

Yes, I was talking about the overnight fermenting of the existing bucket. Just add water and feed and stir. The initial starting bucket takes 4 days of stirring each day to get it ready. Why not try a small batch of both and see which you like best. The extra 3 days in the beginning is the only drawback and afterwards you get the benefits of extra absorption, saving money on feed, less stinky poop. Loads of benefits.

But yes, just add a little ACV and soak overnight for the regular soaking method.

 

[Chris09]

If your going to soak any mash, crumble, or pelleted feed you will want to feed back any of liquid also there is going to be a lot of nutrition left behind if you don't.

 

[Nofowlplay]

Yes, I was talking about the overnight fermenting of the existing bucket. Just add water and feed and stir. The initial starting bucket takes 4 days of stirring each day to get it ready. Why not try a small batch of both and see which you like best. The extra 3 days in the beginning is the only drawback and afterwards you get the benefits of extra absorption, saving money on feed, less stinky poop. Loads of benefits.

But yes, just add a little ACV and soak overnight for the regular soaking method.

Thank you....I do have a question though...I thought acv was not a good thing to use in the summer because of calcium absorption problems it can cause.

 

[subhanalah]

If your going to soak any mash, crumble, or pelleted feed you will want to feed back any of liquid also there is going to be a lot of nutrition left behind if you don't. 

Mine doesn't have liquid in it. If it has liquid in it, it doesn't have enough dry food in it. I've not been successful AT ALL using the more mushy/sloppy ferment recommended on some websites.

Thank you....I do have a question though...I thought acv was not a good thing to use in the summer because of calcium absorption problems it can cause.

I had problems when trying the "overnight soak" method. Bad bacteria begins growing after about four hours of not being refrigerated. Maybe if you put it in the refrigerator to soak, that would be better?