Fermenting feed for layers?

[lazy gardener]

Don't worry about it. IMO, eggs are perfectly designed, to keep the chick safe until it's time for the chick to come out, and chicks are perfectly designed to be able to break out of the egg when the time is perfect. Sally Sunshine posted some fantastic articles about the physiology of the developing chick and the cascade of events which happen in perfect sequence to allow the chick to hatch.

 

[wwowgold]

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[RonP]

Haven't seen this question answered& was kinda wondering the same thing? Anybody got an answer?

Do a search, lots of information on this topic.

Short answer, not a problem, stronger healthy chicks.

 

[akhadley]

I'm just wondering how often to provide fermented feed? Is this an "all the time" kind of thing; use fermented feed forever instead of the regular dry pellets? Or is it more of a thing that should only be given periodically? Just don't want to overdo it if that's possible. I only have 3 chickens so won't go through my feed too fast.

Possible to mix the fermented feed with dry pellets too?

 

[LindaB220]

The bacteria in ACV converts alcohol into acetic acid (vinegar), not the other way around. Alcohol can cause liver issues, but not vinegar.

The reason people use ACV (or any vinegar) is to lower the pH of a new batch of ff. It doesn't have to have "the mother" or any thing like that, even white vinegar will work.

The reason that people use buttermilk is to both lower the pH and add a few more beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

But neither is required. But lowering the pH will speed up, slightly, the fermentation process of a new batch. And increase your chances of it turning out right..,a handy tool if you've never fermented before.

You could also add a few cabbage leaves, if you have some around, to add some lactic acid bacteria. It will help speed it up...but again, not necessary.

This assumes you are using non chlorinated water. If you have chlorinated water, call your municipal water supply to find out if its chlorine or chloramine. The former can be off gassed, as ChickenCanoe said, the latter needs other methods. Sounds like some folks do okay with it. There's a chance it might work just fine but it's also increasing your chances of it going bad. Or you can try adding starters like buttermilk or salt less kraut juice or several cabbage leaves...but I haven't experience with chlorinated water.

I did not know this. Neat idea.

 

[LindaB220]

I'm just wondering how often to provide fermented feed? Is this an "all the time" kind of thing; use fermented feed forever instead of the regular dry pellets? Or is it more of a thing that should only be given periodically? Just don't want to overdo it if that's possible. I only have 3 chickens so won't go through my feed too fast.

Possible to mix the fermented feed with dry pellets too?

Try this site for your questions. I think Tikktoc has everything in one easy place. Some of the threads are so long that she developed the faq sheet for this specific instance. Personally I'd make up a gallon jug of it and feed it for all feed other than treats or scraps. I feed one time a day and put out enough to last the whole day.

 

[lamont0113]

I am curious about fermented feed because my brother has been giving me spilled corn from his harvest. It usually has gravel in it so it can't be ground to make it more digestible. Chickens can sort out the rocks so that is not a problem. Sometimes the corn I get is wet and drying it on a small scale is problematic. I was wondering if fermenting it could be a better solution. I tend to get more than I can quickly use at harvest time. Can you only make what you can use quickly? or will it keep once it is fermented.

Thanks

 

[hensinmaine]

The simple recipe I follow is: each morning, take 1/2 quart mason jar of feed and cover to the top with water. Set on the counter. That is day one. The natural lactobaccilus bacteria will begin the anaerobic process of fermentation safely as long as all feed is covered by water.

Repeat with a new jar on day two.

On day 5, the first jar will be ready to feed your girls.

They love it. The probiotics are good for their gut and the fermentation makes the food more easily digested.

 

[Mister B]

My uncle used to do this for his pigs. He would almost fill a 55 gallon drum with corn and then add water. He would do this every few days and feed it to his hogs. He swore they grew faster. I didnt think about using it with chickens.

 

[lamont0113]

My concern is I have more than a weeks worth of grain that is damp. I either need to dry it all or ferment it all at once. Fermenting sounds easier and more digestible for the flock. If I ferment it all at once, will it keep until I can get it fed? This process sounds similar to making silage except (if I remember correctly) that takes longer. Is it the same process?

Thanks