Fermented feed

[rosemarythyme]

I’m thinking about trying to ferment, but I’m nervous. So you just feed them in the morning a certain amount and once it’s gone it’s gone? I have 4, how do I know if they’re getting enough?

If it's your sole source of feed you may have to do more than one feeding a day. Once you get a hang of how much they eat on average on a given day, you should be able put out exactly as much as they'll eat.

My approach is to offer fermented feed first thing in the morning, and then have dry feed available during the rest of the day. That way there's no need to worry about precisely doling out the right amount in the morning.

 

[Jenthehen127]

I’m thinking about trying to ferment, but I’m nervous. So you just feed them in the morning a certain amount and once it’s gone it’s gone? I have 4, how do I know if they’re getting enough? They’ll be in a run for most of the day other than maybe an hour or two when I’m home and able to be outside with them. I’m new to chicken raising and I have so many questions! I’m doing research, but it’s just so overwhelming when you feel you don’t have a starting point.

So this is what I'm doing...mind you I have been a chicken owner for 6 weeks! Lol! But, I ferment feed for my girls. I put some in a dish for them in the morning. Once its gone they have regular dry feed in a feeder. So they are able to eat at will, all day. My girls love their morning mash. Not sure how others are doing it¡

 

[MommA2K]

If it's your sole source of feed you may have to do more than one feeding a day. Once you get a hang of how much they eat on average on a given day, you should be able put out exactly as much as they'll eat.

My approach is to offer fermented feed first thing in the morning, and then have dry feed available during the rest of the day. That way there's no need to worry about precisely doling out the right amount in the morning.

Do you use the same type of feed that you’re fermenting for their dry feed?

 

[Jenthehen127]

I do use the same feed right now because my girls are chicks/6 weeks. Once they are older I will most likely try another blend for their fermented mash. I'm still researching these things!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you use the same type of feed that you’re fermenting for their dry feed?

Nope. I offer layer pellets as the dry feed, and I ferment whole grain grower. The chickens prefer the grower but if I offer it to them dry, they'll pick out the grains they want, so fermenting it prevents them from doing that.

Reason I use both grower and layer is because it provides a little extra protein, a little less calcium... and I like to overcomplicate things.

 

[MommA2K]

I do use the same feed right now because my girls are chicks/6 weeks. Once they are older I will most likely try another blend for their fermented mash. I'm still researching these things!

There’s so much out there

 

[MgnRose]

It’s so interesting reading about what works for everyone! The bucket idea is brilliant!

For my 5 ladies- I have two quart sized jars going at a time, started 2 days apart. I fill the jar 3/4 full and 1/3 ferment starter from the last batch and the rest with water. I cover the feed by about 2 inches the first night, checking in the morning and usually adding water to cover the top. It’s definitely a balancing act because I like to keep the top of the feed barely covered with water to prevent mold from occurring, but not so much water that the mash gets soupy.

When the jar is super bubbly ready to go, I just scoop the top off with a spoon and put it in a pie pan & add turmeric, thyme (both for an immune system boost), and veggie scraps from last nights dinner. They get their mash for breakfast & dinner, with their feeder full of dry feed. My girls really love their mash, so much so in fact that I get grumbles and side-eyes if I feed them anything else!

You’re doing a great job feeding them fermented feed! It definitely takes some experimentation to see what works for you & your flocks needs (I’m sure we have all had the mini explosion experience!). It may be a little more work, but the benefits to their health and your wallet are definitely worth it!

 

[Jenthehen127]

There’s so much out there

You aren't kidding!!!