Why You Should Ferment Your Chickens Feed
Fermenting chicken feed has become a hot topic among chicken keepers. While it may seem like a strange process, it’s similar to making sourdough bread (anyone else also in their sourdough era?) and offers many benefits for both you and your flock. The fermentation process breaks down antinutrients, increases nutrient absorption, and creates a feed rich in good bacteria that boosts chickens’ immune systems. In this article, we’ll discuss why fermenting your chicken’s feed might be a great option, how to do it, and the benefits it offers.
Why Ferment Your Chicken Feed?
1. Nutrient Boost: Fermentation increases the bioavailability of B vitamins, folic acid, and other essential nutrients. It also helps reduce phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, which can block nutrient absorption.
2. Better Gut Health: The lactic acid bacteria that form during fermentation help improve the chickens’ gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and acting as a natural barrier against harmful microbes like E. coli.
3. Less Waste, Less Feed: Fermented feed expands, meaning you need less feed to satisfy your chickens, cutting down on your feed bill. With better nutrient absorption, chickens also produce less poop, leading to cleaner coops.
4. Improved Egg Quality: Regularly feeding chickens fermented feed has been shown to increase egg production, with thicker shells, heavier eggs, and improved egg quality overall.
How to Ferment Your Chicken Feed
Fermenting chicken feed is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients and tools. Follow these steps to get started.
Materials Needed:
- Gallon buckets (with lids) or large mason jars
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Dry feed, whole grains, or a combination of both
- Tap water or dechlorinated water
- Optional: a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to kick-start the fermentation
Steps:
- Start with Enough Feed: Add the feed you need for 2-3 days (about 1 cup per bird) into your container.
- Add Enough Water: A key part of the process is that the water level should always be above the feed to prevent mold growth. Pour water over the feed until it’s fully submerged, leaving 2-3 inches of space for the feed to expand. Ensure the water level remains above the feed as it absorbs moisture.
- You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water if desired. This helps lower the pH and can speed up the fermentation process. I like to do this as ACV has been shown to have health benefits for chickens.
- Stir the Mixure: Stir the feed and water thoroughly so that all of the dry feed or whole grains are saturated. Stirring also helps incorporate oxygen and spreads the good bacteria throughout the feed.
- Start the Fermentation Process: Cover the bucket or jar loosely to allow gas to escape during fermentation. Place the container at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
- Stir Daily and Monitor Water Levels: Over the next 3-4 days, stir the mixture daily to keep the feed submerged and well-aerated. If the water level drops below the feed, add more water to keep the feed submerged. It’s important to avoid letting the feed sit exposed to air for too long, as it can promote the growth of bad bacteria.
- Check for a Sweet Smell: The feed should start to smell slightly sweet. A sour smell with a hint of sweetness means the fermentation is progressing and there is a presence of lactic acid bacteria which indicates a successful fermentation. If it smells rotten or really sour, discard it as this means bad bacteria have taken over.
- Feed Your Chickens: After 3 days, scoop some of the fermented grains from the top and serve it to your chickens. Replace the water as necessary to maintain the water level for the next batch. You can also start a new batch after using some of the liquid from the previous one.
Tips for Successful Fermentation
- Batch Cycling: Leave some of the liquid from your first fermentation as a “starter” for your next batch. This will speed up the fermentation process for future batches.
- Water Level Management: Make sure the feed remains submerged throughout the process. If too much water evaporates, top it off with fresh water to prevent mold growth.
- Storage: If you don’t feed all the fermented feed within a few days, store it in the fridge to slow down the fermentation. This prevents it from spoiling.
- Sanitization: Wash your bucket or mason jars every few weeks to prevent mold growth.
- Fresh Batches: It’s a good idea to always have a new batch fermenting as a backup so you never run out of fermented feed.
- Amount of Feed: Start small if you’re new to fermenting, use a small flock amount, and gradually increase the size of your batches once you get comfortable with the process.
Optional Additions
You can experiment with adding different whole grains like sunflower seeds, barley, or oats to your fermented feed. Mixing a variety of grains increases the nutritional profile and keeps the diet diverse for your chickens.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Sour Smell or Mold: If you notice mold or a very strong sour smell, the fermentation may have gone wrong. This could be due to too much feed and not enough water. Discard the batch and start over with better water management.
- Not Fermenting Fast Enough: If the fermentation is taking too long, try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity, or move the container to a warmer spot.
Tips For Your Chickens
- Fresh Water: Make sure your chickens have access to fresh water alongside the fermented feed to help with digestion.
- Introduction of the Feed: Introduce fermented feed gradually if it’s new to your chickens. Start with once a day or every other day until they adjust to the new diet.
By regularly incorporating fermented feed into their routine, your chickens can enjoy the full range of health benefits, including improved gut health, better egg production, and less waste from their feed.
When to Feed Fermented Chicken Feed
- Morning Feed: Many chicken keepers prefer to give fermented feed in the morning when the chickens are hungrier. This allows them to benefit from the nutrient-rich feed throughout the day.
- Balanced with Dry Feed: If you prefer not to switch entirely to fermented feed, you can alternate with dry feed, offering fermented feed 3-4 times a week and dry feed on other days.
- During Specific Seasons:
- Winter Months: Fermented feed can be especially beneficial in the winter because it’s easier for chickens to digest and helps them retain nutrients, boosting their immune system during colder weather.
- Summer Months: In hot weather, keep an eye on the water levels in the fermented feed to prevent it from drying out.
How Much Fermented Feed to Give
Chickens generally eat about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fermented feed per day, per bird. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the size of your flock, breed, and whether they have access to free-ranging.
Bottom Line
Fermenting chicken feed is a great option for any chicken keeper looking to improve their flock’s health, boost egg quality, and save on feed costs. Whether you have a small flock or raise meat chickens, the benefits of fermentation far outweigh the effort involved. Your feathered friends will thank you with stronger eggs, better gut health, and an overall boost to their immune system. Give it a try, and good luck on your fermented feed diet journey!
What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!
Related Posts:
What do Chickens Eat?
What to Feed Chickens When Out of Their Food
How Long Can Chickens Go Without Food?
Homemade Flock Block Recipe
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