Chickenman MAN
Let me tackle 2 questions here for you.
What is the feed medicated for?
Medicated feed like chick starter is treated with Amprolium It prevents coccidiosis in young chickens. Older chickens usually do not get coccidiosis, because they usually developed immunity to it. The culprit is Coccidia ,, a tiny single-celled parasites
What are fermented grains, and what are they good for?
Fermented grains and fermented feed are just what the name implies. The chicken world is divided on the use of the fermented feed. Those that use it claim that it is better for their flocks health, and also feed consumption is supposed to be reduced.
The other portion of peeps that choose not to use fermented feed, feel that it is an unnecessary step. (including myself) I keep chickens as pets, and my flock is small. I would not notice a monetary difference in my budget by using fermented feed. It is also a step to give me extra work, and to make sure that the fermented feed gets consumed in due time period. BTW all my chickens do live long healthy lives, on dry feed and it is just common plain simple, Alflock, and not organic.
Alflock is 2% calcium, and 18% protein. I have layers and non-layers. That is why I opt for the lower calcium than Layer Feed, 4% calcium. I do always provide Cracked Oyster Shells free-choice. I haven't encountered soft shelled eggs, with the way I allow chickens to choose what they need. Chickens do get some additional calcium from free-range greens they consume.
I'm not posting my views about fermented feed to encounter any type of debate. If it works for you and your flock, I SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS.
I did bring the subject up on a different forum, and QUESTIONED,,??? If fermented feed is soo good, and money saving, Why are the large egg production farms not doing it???
Response answer was,,,, that feed does go bad if not consumed in due time.
Let me tackle 2 questions here for you.
What is the feed medicated for?
Medicated feed like chick starter is treated with Amprolium It prevents coccidiosis in young chickens. Older chickens usually do not get coccidiosis, because they usually developed immunity to it. The culprit is Coccidia ,, a tiny single-celled parasites
What are fermented grains, and what are they good for?
Fermented grains and fermented feed are just what the name implies. The chicken world is divided on the use of the fermented feed. Those that use it claim that it is better for their flocks health, and also feed consumption is supposed to be reduced.
The other portion of peeps that choose not to use fermented feed, feel that it is an unnecessary step. (including myself) I keep chickens as pets, and my flock is small. I would not notice a monetary difference in my budget by using fermented feed. It is also a step to give me extra work, and to make sure that the fermented feed gets consumed in due time period. BTW all my chickens do live long healthy lives, on dry feed and it is just common plain simple, Alflock, and not organic.
Alflock is 2% calcium, and 18% protein. I have layers and non-layers. That is why I opt for the lower calcium than Layer Feed, 4% calcium. I do always provide Cracked Oyster Shells free-choice. I haven't encountered soft shelled eggs, with the way I allow chickens to choose what they need. Chickens do get some additional calcium from free-range greens they consume.
I'm not posting my views about fermented feed to encounter any type of debate. If it works for you and your flock, I SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS.
I did bring the subject up on a different forum, and QUESTIONED,,??? If fermented feed is soo good, and money saving, Why are the large egg production farms not doing it???
Response answer was,,,, that feed does go bad if not consumed in due time.
Many of my other chickens lived in excess of 8 years. I do not keep a spreadsheet of all my chickens, so just quoting and remembering the extra long ones. Generally heritage breeds will pull thru to around 10+ years. 
