Trying fermented feed

[rc4u]

i guess without mashing the protiens are not just right for the conversion eh?? but this is how beer was discovered just letting grain get wet and natural yeast took...i dont think it would be impossible for it to happen..but control is key...i have not fermented feed myself...

I brew as well. It is more like vinegar than beer if you know your stuff .

 

[acro1010]

It is possible to ferment the grains for alcohol. I was trying to say the process for fermenting feed is more like vinegar is all.

 

[acro1010]

It is possible to ferment the grains for alcohol. I was trying to say the process for fermenting feed is more like vinegar is all.

As a matter of fact my first try was more like alcohol. I had to add vinegar to it for a little jump start.

 

[acro1010]

I have one batch right now that I kept the lid on 90% tight it now smells like poop. I now have the lid on looser and added ACV w/mother to it hopes it will turn around. Does anyone have any experience with this issue?

 

[LogCabinChicks]

I've been feeding fermented feed for 5 months...I call it chicken crack. They seriously LOVE it! Here is what I do. I use a large mayonaise tub (the Sam's club big size--I thinks its a gallon size? I'm not home, so I can't run and check), I fill it half way with hot water, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and then I put 6 solo cups (yes, very accurate measurement lol) of layer feed. Cap it and leave it in my sink overnight. Sometimes it will overflow the first night. Anyway, on the second day, I can smell it, smells just like my wine when it is fermenting in the primary bucket. On day three, its perfect. I have 10 hens, they eat half of a container every day. I have 2 going at all times. They don't waste a bit of it. I put it out at 6 am and by night its pecked clean. I also have a feeder with dry feed, but I only put a few cups in a week. They really like the fermented much better.

they also are reaping the benefits of all our garden scraps right now. I'm sure in the winter they will be eating a lot more-- the garden supplements a lot.

Hope that helps.

 

[LogCabinChicks]

I have one batch right now that I kept the lid on 90% tight it now smells like poop. I now have the lid on looser and added ACV w/mother to it hopes it will turn around. Does anyone have any experience with this issue?

it shoudln't smell like poop. lol, it should smell a lot like yeast.

 

[acro1010]

I guess stirring it is the key in my problem. TRY TRY TRY Again.

 

[acro1010]

I was also wondering what everyone puts on top of their container during the process??

 

[lazy gardener]

I rotate 2 containers, one has a little tightly woven mesh bag... kind of like sheer curtains poufed over the top. The other has a big plastic lid loosely set on top. They would be fine without any cover at all. I mainly cover them to deter fruit flies. You want to let the air in as much as possible. ACRO1010: I'm wondering if your ferment went anaerobic b/c it was tightly covered? An other question: does your feed have any fish meal in it? That would make it smell worse.

 

[acro1010]

I rotate 2 containers, one has a little tightly woven mesh bag... kind of like sheer curtains poufed over the top. The other has a big plastic lid loosely set on top. They would be fine without any cover at all. I mainly cover them to deter fruit flies. You want to let the air in as much as possible. ACRO1010: I'm wondering if your ferment went anaerobic b/c it was tightly covered? An other question: does your feed have any fish meal in it? That would make it smell worse.

No, no fish meal. I put ACV w/Mother in it and took the lid off and set it back on top without pushing it down tight. Do you think this batch will turn around?