:: Fermented Chicken Feed – How To And Why You Want To ::
The benefits of fermented chicken feed are numerous and the process couldn’t be any simpler.
Why:
The fermentation process begins to break down the feed, making it more digestible. The fermented feed has better enzyme activity as well as elevated levels of vitamins. The amount of protein in the feed the chickens body absorbs and uses is increased by as much as 12%.
Because of these benefits, the chickens consume less (up to as much as 1/2 the normal amount) and as a result, their waste is decreased as well. Fed on a tray, there is no instinct for the hen to scratch at it as with grain on the ground. This results in less waste of the feed and cleaner digestion. The consumption of feed rich in lactic acid bacteria creates better overall health because of the increase in good bacteria in the poultry’s system.
How To:
Simply get 3 containers. In each container be sure there is enough room to put about 1/2 the amount of pelleted or crumble feed you use as well as enough water to cover it all by at least an inch. You can always increase the amount of feed you ferment as you get a feel for how much your flock actually will need.
Only water the first container of feed on the first morning. Stir it a few times a day and be sure to label it – it should be fed around the morning of its fourth day in your container. (It will ferment for 3 days.) If it seems to expand and feel a little dry, you can add a bit more water. I find my hens like fermented feed that’s not too soupy. It will fluff up as the fermentation takes place… and stirring assists in the process by distributing oxygen.
Water the next two containers on the following two mornings. What you end up with: you’ll feed your first container on the fourth morning of the whole process and then put more feed into it to begin another batch, and so on. A continual supply of chicken happiness and health.
Do you have foods you ferment for your livestock? Do you sprout or soak grains?
I decided to try this method this morning. Do you keep your fermenting feed outside or inside.
Becky Neville recently posted…I’ve Been Grounded
I keep mine usually in the garage where we have an a/c unit just barely cooling. I have noticed Becky that during these warm temps it ferments too quickly for me and I have moved mine inside. It seems just right. During the fall I’ll move it back out into the garage. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for the reply and thanks for the post. I’ve been considering this for awhile, but your post gave me all the information I needed…and I just happened to have 4 perfect containers, just waiting. I had some kefir water that I added to the first batch, and I think I might use kefir water, whey or kombucha in the water each time; that’s how I soak our rice, I might as well use the same process for the birds. ~Blessings to you
Becky Neville recently posted…I’ve Been Grounded
Becky – we are “birds of a feather” 🙂 lol! When I used to do scratch grains I’d use my kefir whey or even my milk kefir! I did a post on “Happy Chickens” – they LOVE IT! I also have started chicken fights over offering my extra kombucha scoby’s to them. That was a sight! It’s so good for them though. I’m so glad this post met a need – really! I’m going to document some grain sprouting for my hens too and tell how it goes. I’ve heard wonderful things and I want to get started on that! – Thanks so much for coming back by and telling me a bit about what you do!
Oh, yes…growing fodder is next on my bucket list. I’ll be watching for your post. Thanks again.
Becky Neville recently posted…I’ve Been Grounded
Becky – I am just kind of blown away at some of our similar endeavors! I don’t know that I could get set up for fodder, but I have a friend that just sprouts in buckets. So that’s what I want to try. Thanks so much for the encouragement. I appreciate you stopping back by! Bless you! 🙂
Oops…I just fed day one…think it was too soupy. I added too much water. Live and learn. 😀
Becky Neville recently posted…I’ve Been Grounded
I just got another bag of pellets Becky (same brand same store) and the feed is much darker when I soak it… And it absorbs much more water. I thought that was interesting. I’m sure your hens gobbled it up anyways right? Or did they look at you croaking a questioning cluck? hahaha!
So just for clarification. Day one all containers are filled w a serving of feed and an inch of water above feed? Day four feed one container and fill it back up like day one. Day 5 feed another container and fill it like day one? And continue to repeat?
What is the difference between your fermented feed and sprouted grains? I have 80 – 100 hens. I feed them sprouted barley as their main diet. Your process appears similar to mine in that day one you fill the bucket with grains and water. I feed out on day four but do water the buckets each day. What makes your grain fermented vs sprouted? I only do this for grain, not for commercial feed which I use only as a supplement for the vitamins and minerals that I cannot find as a separate feed source.