Fermenting Chicken Feed

[jwpeter]

I recently read about the health benefits of feeding chickens fermented seeds and the cost benefits over dry seeds. My first flock of 4 are now 4 weeks old and I'm thinking it might be too soon to offer them fermented seeds. I would appreciate any thoughts/comments on this subject.

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC! You can ferment their chick crumbles. Just moisten it into a mash add a few drops of raw apple cider vinegar, and let it set overnight. Start wetter than you think, it absorbs and expands.
I started mine out on this from day one. Very easy for babies to eat......

 

[AllenK RGV]

Mine did enjoy fermented feed when they were young. They do not like it now at 8 months of age. It is a waste of time as they become mature IMO.

 

[Percheron chick]

I start mine on FF. Never too young to start.

 

[jwpeter]

Welcome to BYC! You can ferment their chick crumbles. Just moisten it into a mash add a few drops of raw apple cider vinegar, and let it set overnight. Start wetter than you think, it absorbs and expands.
I started mine out on this from day one. Very easy for babies to eat......

Thank you!

 

[lazy gardener]

@jwpeter , there is a FF FAQ article in my signature that you can copy into a search bar. It will tell you all you need to know about the how and why of FF. I have been fermenting feed for my birds for over 5 years now, and they do great with it. Be prepared for your chicks to initially balk at trying something new! When I start chicks on FF, I do so at a very young age. I put a little plop of it on a paper plate, and sprinkle some dry crumble or some scrambled eggs (their favorite treat) on top of it. After a few days of this, I remove the dry feed completely b/c they are converted to the FF.

Aside from the nutritional benefit of FF, there is extra benefit: no waste, and rodents are not able to carry it off, so it cuts down on attracting rodents and wild birds.

 

[ARPdrummer]

all of my chicks (except for 6 that I got at a week old) have had fermented feed as their first food. So it's never too early You just have to be sure to have a chick feed. I use scratch and peck chick starter and love it
As they get older, my plain is to add sprouted seeds to their diet and maybe some fodder as well