Feeding question

[LindseyC]

I made mash from starter feed and water for the chicks and they love it. They also always have access to dry food as well. They eat from both and I remake a fresh batch every morning. I am just wondering if that is ok, or if they can eat too much mash?

 

[rebrascora]

Yes, a wet mash in fine and helps prevent them from getting dehydrated which can happen in a brooder. Many of us actually ferment feed.... ie soak their dry feed in water in a loosely covered bucket for a few days, stirring daily until it gets a bubbly texture and feed our chickens that. It has probiotic benefits and is fine for chicks too.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's fine. They won't eat too much chicken feed.
Your feed is likely crumbles and not mash. Mash is more of a powder.
If the feed is made by a local mill, it may be mash. If it comes out of a bag from a major feed company, it is probably crumbles.

 

[lazy gardener]

What rebra said. There is a FAQ article in my signature about the how and why of fermented feed.

 

[LindseyC]

Yes, it is crumbles but get's pretty mushy when I add warm water. So, it's ok to have that available for them every day?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Absolutely! In fact it's a great way to assure hydration. I regularly give my brooder babies soaked feed.

 

[LindseyC]

Great! Thank you!