Another Post About FFF (Feeding Fermented Feed)

[AppleMomma65]

Hello! My chickens have access to feed in their coop (i.e., the self-feeder is filled). I'd like to try fermented feed but wondering: Is giving fermented feed more of a "treat" or an actual meal replacement? If meal replacement, I won't do as I'm not in the habit of going out to feed them at 6 a.m., especially since they have access to food in their coop. If more of a treat, I may try. My chickens also manage to hang out underneath the bird feeder when they feel inclined to actually come out past the threshold of their coop and free-range. A lot of their daily "treats" come from hanging out there. I'm not going to stop them from free ranging, or stop feeding the birds so their access to this is here to stay - at least for the winter months here in N. Wisconsin. Of the 11 ladies I have, 6 or 7 are laying right now. Thoughts/opinions on adding fermented feed to my chickens diet?

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Hello! My chickens have access to feed in their coop (i.e., the self-feeder is filled). I'd like to try fermented feed but wondering: Is giving fermented feed more of a "treat" or an actual meal replacement? If meal replacement, I won't do as I'm not in the habit of going out to feed them at 6 a.m., especially since they have access to food in their coop. If more of a treat, I may try. My chickens also manage to hang out underneath the bird feeder when they feel inclined to actually come out past the threshold of their coop and free-range. A lot of their daily "treats" come from hanging out there. I'm not going to stop them from free ranging, or stop feeding the birds so their access to this is here to stay - at least for the winter months here in N. Wisconsin. Of the 11 ladies I have, 6 or 7 are laying right now. Thoughts/opinions on adding fermented feed to my chickens diet?

Hello! My chickens have access to their regular pellets in their coop, so I just go outside at around 8-9 AM and put the fermented feed on a platter with some dry feed mixed in. It is a meal for them, but they treat it like it's candy! I recommend feeding this for sure! My ladies only get it once every few weeks, just because it is kind of a hassle. Good luck!

 

[JaeG]

Some people have dry food in a feeder that's available at all times and also offer a meal of fermented feed. Our birds get a bit of a treat in the morning when they first are let loose, they free range all day, and then they get their meal of fermented feed as they go into the coop at night to be shut in. I leave enough in there that they have some left in the morning to eat until we are able to let them out, usually around 8am.

Chickens go nuts for fermented feed and will act like it's the best treat ever once they are used to it. Initially they may eat more than usual but that soon tapers off and they start to eat less.

If you haven't found it these are the best instructions for fermented feed I have found (so simple):
Fermented Feed FAQ | Tikk Tok (wordpress.com)

 

[Acre4Me]

Some people really get into fermented feed. Personally, I don't want the extra work or storage of the feed, so I will mix a wet mash for my girls with just feed and water when I decide to give it to them, and they certainly do love their wet feed.

FF has microbes actively growing in it and processing the feed, so there are different schools of thought on that. The microbes are thought to be beneficial for a variety of reasons, but others point out that the formulated feed has been altered by the growing microbes, potentially in a negative manner because the microbes are consuming/living off of the feed and producing microbial waste products. Some feeds already have microbes added to them for gut health, so in that case, it would be redundant. fermented foods for humans are thought to have health benefits, but usually it is simple foods that are fermented (like a head of cabbage + salt to make sauerkraut). Really just a personal decision as to whether you want to do the FF process or not.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Some people really get into fermented feed. Personally, I don't want the extra work or storage of the feed, so I will mix a wet mash for my girls with just feed and water when I decide to give it to them, and they certainly do love their wet feed.

FF has microbes actively growing in it and processing the feed, so there are different schools of thought on that. The microbes are thought to be beneficial for a variety of reasons, but others point out that the formulated feed has been altered by the growing microbes, potentially in a negative manner because the microbes are consuming/living off of the feed and producing microbial waste products. Some feeds already have microbes added to them for gut health, so in that case, it would be redundant. fermented foods for humans are thought to have health benefits, but usually it is simple foods that are fermented (like a head of cabbage + salt to make sauerkraut). Really just a personal decision as to whether you want to do the FF process or not.

I also mix a wet mash! It is so much easier and the chickens don't really care whether it's fermented or not. Plus, they go crazy for it!!

 

[RebeccaRN]

Hello! My chickens have access to feed in their coop (i.e., the self-feeder is filled). I'd like to try fermented feed but wondering: Is giving fermented feed more of a "treat" or an actual meal replacement? If meal replacement, I won't do as I'm not in the habit of going out to feed them at 6 a.m., especially since they have access to food in their coop. If more of a treat, I may try. My chickens also manage to hang out underneath the bird feeder when they feel inclined to actually come out past the threshold of their coop and free-range. A lot of their daily "treats" come from hanging out there. I'm not going to stop them from free ranging, or stop feeding the birds so their access to this is here to stay - at least for the winter months here in N. Wisconsin. Of the 11 ladies I have, 6 or 7 are laying right now. Thoughts/opinions on adding fermented feed to my chickens diet?

I take out fermented feed a few hours before their bedtime as a bedtime snack. Otherwise they have regular food free choice and free range all day

 

[JaeG]

The only risk with a mash is in hot weather when things like botulism can grow in it if it is left out all day. This won't happen in the more acidic environment of fermented feed.

I don't understand why people think fermenting is difficult. Once you've got it going you just feed out most of it, then add more feed and water to your container and in 24 hours it's ready to go again. There's no need for multiple batches. I don't even stir mine other than when I add feed and water each night. And there should be no draining off of excess water involved as you only need enough water to turn it to a thick oatmeal consistency that's easily scoop-able.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Just started feeding my flock fermented feed about 2 weeks ago. They LOVE it. Give it mid morning after they have eaten their "regular food". Has anyone had problems with it giving their chickens diarrhea? A few seem to have loose poops and I was wondering if this could be he culprit. No other changes in feed or environment to explain it.

 

[JaeG]

Just started feeding my flock fermented feed about 2 weeks ago. They LOVE it. Give it mid morning after they have eaten their "regular food". Has anyone had problems with it giving their chickens diarrhea? A few seem to have loose poops and I was wondering if this could be he culprit. No other changes in feed or environment to explain it.

Fermented feed is supposed to have the opposite effect but it could just be their systems adjusting, especially to the extra water. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Fermented feed is supposed to have the opposite effect but it could just be their systems adjusting, especially to the extra water. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

Thanks! They really do like it, and do not seem ill in any other way.