Fermenting chicken feed, Good idea?

[black_cat]

And I think the feeder you’ve made from the plastic jug will work great. I’m going to make one like it. Thanks for the idea!

No problem! We made it because when we were renting our birds, we were given a feeder meant for chicks, so we needed an easy, cheap solution. We have a big rock in the bottom so they don't knock it over.

 

[Sally PB]

We made it because when we were renting our birds, we were given a feeder meant for chicks, so we needed an easy, cheap solution. We have a big rock in the bottom so they don't knock it over.

I made a waterer out of a milk jug that is just like your feeder. I use a plastic peanut butter jar filled with sand instead of a rock for ballast. I bring the sand jar in at night now and put it next to the woodstove so that it can act as a heat sink the next day in the water.

Didn't mean to get off topic. Here are 4 links to fermenting chicken feed. Most talk about adding some grains to commercial feed, but you don't have to. I haven't tried this yet, but probably will soon. Now that garden season is over, I can add a couple of projects into my day.

https://www.gardenbetty.com/why-and-how-to-ferment-your-chicken-feed/
https://homesteadandchill.com/fermented-chicken-feed/
https://www.permaculturenews.org/2016/06/20/cut-your-chickens-feed-bill-by-fermenting/
https://timbercreekfarmer.com/4-easy-steps-to-fermenting-chicken-feed/

 

[One Lucky Momma]

I think fermented feed probably offers minimal benefits to egg layers and heritage hens, while for meat birds it's leaps and bounds better than feeding a dry ration and the differences are obvious and huge.

ChocolateMouse does an amazing job of putting that in laymen’s terms. I would suggest, though, that the benefit to ALL chickens (and most other creatures, us included) comes from the fermentation process increasing the nutritional availability of the food by boosting the gut flora.

 

[CaroleW]

Yes I've fermented some - but now feeding some sprouted grain - may also grow some out to fodder or cover crop and let them graze. Many different ways of feeding - also look at the EdibleAcres YT videos on his chicken composting system where he uses sprouted grain (ez - not complicated). I think at some point he has fermented grain in that system too. Sometimes his compost system is way out of control but I like the concept.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yeah, it's just also a lot of effort to ferment and egg hens do well without the constant probiotic boost so I don't think the benefits are worth my time. Much better instead to put my effort towards more tangible projects like treat balls and the like IMO.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Much better instead to put my effort towards more tangible projects like treat balls and the like IMO.

Can you recommend a recipe for treat balls? A lot of folks seem to turn up their noses when the term “treat” is mentioned; I’ve always thought of them as potentially healthy food, just maybe in a more entertaining form.

But back to the the question, I believe a stronger gut flora results in a stronger immune system. And we could all use some of that.

 

[black_cat]

I’ve always thought of them as potentially healthy food, just maybe in a more entertaining form.

Same here! I like a recipe for any treat mix with 3 parts layer feed, 1 part scratch, and 1 part plain oatmeal. It's predominantly what they're eating already, but with some fun treats added in.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Oh, haha, I mostly wing things. Feed, scratch mix, meal worms, oat meal, sunflower seeds, corn starch and eggs (shell and all) mushed together and baked.

I also like to make balls of fresh veggies either with wrapping them or tying them together or hanging them in wire baskets.

I also grow fodder/sprouts in the winter so they get fresh greens.

 

[black_cat]

Mine like suet feeders with stuff in them a lot.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

It doesn’t have to be that complicated. And I think the feeder you’ve made from the plastic jug will work great. I’m going to make one like it. Thanks for the idea!

Ditto. And it isn’t that complicated. Forget the cheese cloth and distilled water. You don’t need it. Throw some feed in a container, cover it with water. And let it sit for about three days.

I’m trying to find an article that got me going... it was great.

FOUND IT!! https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

It was from another thread here on BYC, so I don’t want to take the credit. But it will answer ALL your questions!