Quote: KG, I agree with you completely.
alessadry: You are going to hear a lot of things here on BYC, and even at your local feed store that are total nonsense. When you hear something that does not make sense, seek advice from several reliable sources, and then, make your own decision based on your educated research.
Wet feed is perfectly fine. Fermented feed is even better. If you dish up some wet feed, and let it sit for a day or two in the hot sun, or a warm brooder, there is a chance that it could sour, or get moldy. Fermented feed is not likely to do so, because it is cultured with beneficial bacteria and yeast. If it sits for a while, it will simply grow stronger in it's culture.
Egg yolk, even whole egg is perfectly fine, and does not require grit. It is not a fibrous food. It is very soft, and will slide right on through the digestive tract just like their prepared chick starter will, whether that starter is dry, moistened, or fermented.
I do prefer to give egg to my chicks separate from their FF. That way, if they don't eat a crumble of egg, (not likely to happen) it is more apt to dry out. If it dries out, it is not as much of a bacteria magnet. Just my personal preference.
The notion that feeding wet feed will cause crop impaction simply does not hold water. (pun intended) When chicks eat dry feed, they also drink water. Guess what that water does when it reaches a crop full of dry or even moistened feed! The crop is a very elastic digestive organ. It is designed to accommodate any swelling that might occur when water mixes with dry or wet feed.
Fermented feed is even better for your chicks than wet feed. It is loaded with beneficial bacteria and yeast. Those microscopic organisms: break down the antinutrients in the grains to make them easier to digest. Populate the chick's gut with beneficial organisms (probiotics) which enhance digestion, as well as help build the immune system. Studies have shown that chickens who eat FF have more, and longer villi in their intestines. Those villi are the means by which the nutrients are absorbed on a molecular level from the intestines to be circulated through the blood stream. A gut that is well poplulated with beneficial organisms is crucial for a healthy immune system. A gut that is well populated with BO will keep disease pathogens in check, including cocci. A chicken with a healthy immune system is not as prone to infection with internal or external parasites.
