Very helpful with lots of detail. I can do this and I know why I want to and why it will help my chickens. thank you!
Fermenting Chicken Feed: A Straightforward Method
- Author PioneerChicks
- Publish date
- Article read time 8 min read
Hello I've been thinking about trying this. I have a small flock and want to
Try the fermentation to extend the feed
.I've been feeding lay mash .does it matter the type of feed I'm wondering.
Enjoyed the article it thoroughly and clearly covered the subject....so easy to try this (I thought
Thanks
Try the fermentation to extend the feed
.I've been feeding lay mash .does it matter the type of feed I'm wondering.
Enjoyed the article it thoroughly and clearly covered the subject....so easy to try this (I thought
Thanks
PioneerChicks
I've never used mash myself, but I imagine it would be similar to pellets. Once they soak in the water, pellets turn to mush. I'm pretty sure the fermentation would work. Check for the bubbles on day 2-3. If you don't see any and are pretty sure it's not fermenting, maybe give pellets a shot.
Have fun!
Have fun!
PioneerChicks
Thank you for the tip! I'll add it next time I update!
what kind of hen is this? I have one, too.
PioneerChicks
Yay! I'm excited for you to try!
That's Enna, my (Spangled) Old English Game Bantam hen. Very sweet girl! Game bantams are very small, Enna is roughly the size of a normal 2 month old chick. Because they are rather uncommon, I'd guess you probably have another breed of chicken, maybe Speckled Sussex, that has similar coloring. I'm not an ID expert, but if I could see a couple pictures of her I might be able to tell.
That's Enna, my (Spangled) Old English Game Bantam hen. Very sweet girl! Game bantams are very small, Enna is roughly the size of a normal 2 month old chick. Because they are rather uncommon, I'd guess you probably have another breed of chicken, maybe Speckled Sussex, that has similar coloring. I'm not an ID expert, but if I could see a couple pictures of her I might be able to tell.
PioneerChicks
I've never had to deal with rats, but I'm wishing you luck! Maybe make a post in the Pest and Predators forum of BYC.
Do you mean ACV? It stands for Apple Cider Vinegar. But I don't know a lot about it yet. You hear mixed results. I recommend asking others for their opinions and researching it, then decide what you think is best. Sounds like @NHChickengirl uses it with good results.
Do you mean ACV? It stands for Apple Cider Vinegar. But I don't know a lot about it yet. You hear mixed results. I recommend asking others for their opinions and researching it, then decide what you think is best. Sounds like @NHChickengirl uses it with good results.
Great, consise and to the point.pictures always help..
I keep many sourdough starters as well as make my on vinegars...only natural to give some fermented foods to our flocks since fermented foods are good for us humans...and some of the ladies would like while others might not...thinking of sauerkraut 
I keep many sourdough starters as well as make my on vinegars...only natural to give some fermented foods to our flocks since fermented foods are good for us humans...and some of the ladies would like while others might not...thinking of sauerkraut 
PioneerChicks
I've heard mixed results about ACV, especially in FF. I'll look into this and try to add some info soon. Thank you!
What an interesting and informative article!!!
I have given my girls plain, natural yogurt and they seemed non-committal on the taste. Your article's advise has inspired me to take action and try my hand at fermented foods! They help my digestion and absorption in a big way.
The photos are very helpful - thank you for sharing those! I definitely would have panicked upon seeing the kham yeast in the bucket if you hadn't shown the photos!
Great job on this article, well done!!!
I have given my girls plain, natural yogurt and they seemed non-committal on the taste. Your article's advise has inspired me to take action and try my hand at fermented foods! They help my digestion and absorption in a big way.
The photos are very helpful - thank you for sharing those! I definitely would have panicked upon seeing the kham yeast in the bucket if you hadn't shown the photos!
Great job on this article, well done!!!
It is my personal belief that whole grains are healthier overall for the chickens, and there is a rumor that extra nutrients are released from grains by fermenting. But pellets and crumble will also ferment and create probiotics. The most noticeable difference is that the pellets/crumble turns to mush, and the grains swell up. I find the grains easier to handle because of this. The point is, both work, but grains tend to be easier to handle and are rumored to be healthier.
Have fun on your adventure!