Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[AK mom]

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[Robert M]

You're welcome.

 

[Robert M]

No problem. I've raised chickee-boos since 1980.
But this FF is good.

 

[Justin-Dallas]

Hi Y'all ... Ive been fermented feeding my chickens a Chick'N'Mix from the feed store here in South Africa. My meaties love it, its got whole grains (sunflower, flax, corn, pea). I ferment it a few days & keep topping up so there is that sourdough aroma (like a little yeasty). I mentioned what I was doing to the lady at the feedstore & said I should look out for the birds developing 'Sour Crop'.

Any of you learned guys have any input or advice on this?

From what I understand, fermented feed, although slightly sour/fermented is actually pro-biotic, and is lacto-fermented (like youghurt), as well as pre-digested (so shouldnt impact/compact the crop). Additionally it develops the anti-nutrients into a more usable form for the birds.

 

[Latestarter]

You understand completely right. The fermentation is consuming the yeasts. I've never heard of sour crop developing from feeding FF...

"Sour crop is a yeast infection in the crop leading to thickening of the crop wall, dilation of the crop and birds losing condition and possibly dying. Sour Crop is caused by a disruption of the normal bacteria that inhabit the crop with an overgrowth of Candidia (a fungal species) often occurring." <--- from: http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/digestive-problems/index.aspx#sour_crop

 

[KKatrin60]

I am pretty new to chickens, and am interested in the fermented feed..my question is where do you buy the grains? Feed store or grocery store? I am feeding crumbles, scratch and fresh fruits and vegetables. Would love more info. Thanks

 

[curious chickee]

I just use layer pellets/ crumble from my feed store.

 

[birds4kids]

Fermented layer feed would be right for layers but not meaties, they need more protein and less calcium.

 

[curious chickee]

I have FF layer for my layers, FF 20% breeder for my exhibition birds and FF chick starter for babies

 

[curious chickee]

I have 3 seperate buckets, one for each type of feed