Help! How to Introduce Fermented Feed to the Pickiest Flock Ever

[minou33]

I am convinced our flock (5 hens) isn't normal. They are 16 weeks and still very picky with their food and don't really like treats (no fruits, veggies or herbs...which is sad because we have a FARM!) They like grass, weeds, and sunflower seeds (along with their feed) and that's pretty much it.

I had planned on feeding them fermented feed (Scratch and Peck brand) but they didn't like the texture of it and would just shake it off their beaks. So I had been feeding it to them dry, but am worried that they aren't getting all the nutrients in this form. I switched to layer pellets the other day since running out of grower feed, but they have zero interest in it. I am kind of at a loss here of how to feed these guys. I didn't expect them to be so complicated! I am probably going to try a bag of grower crumbles since they aren't laying.

If you feed fermented feed how did you get your chickens to eat it?! Do they eventually learn to like it? And what is your feeding schedule? I know some people only feed fermented, which seems like it would be one just one big meal a day. Is this hard on their digestion since chickens seem more like natural foragers? Or do you break this down into smaller feeding throughout the day? I know some feed fermented meals along with free access to dry feed...but I know my chickens would just ignore the fermented feed and eat only the dry feed.

Any advice on how to introduce fermented feed or the pros and cons of this would be appreciated!

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. Chickens can definitely be picky. Some say their birds love strawberries but none of mine have.

I would start mixing whatever you're feeding now with the new stuff to get them switched over. A little more of the new and less of the old each day for dry feeding.

As for FF, my flock prefers it a bit on the thick and dry side rather than really wet and soft. It can take a little bit of trial and error to get it right. If it's a bit too soft I just add some dry food until it's the right consistency then feed. Also, I know some people ferment for 3 days before feeding but my flock wouldn't eat it that way. I only ferment enough to feed for one day plus a little bit to jump start the next batch. I feed it twice a day and replenish the food water in the bucket each night after the second feeding. That said, I leave dry food in a gravity feeder at all times so they can eat if they're hungry.

Try sprinkling some scratch on the FF to encourage them to try it. It might take a few tries but they'll come around.

Also, some municipalities treat water with stuff that can hinder fermentation so I use the filtered water we drink to make it rather than what comes from the tap.

 

[minou33]

Hi there. Chickens can definitely be picky. Some say their birds love strawberries but none of mine have.

I would start mixing whatever you're feeding now with the new stuff to get them switched over. A little more of the new and less of the old each day for dry feeding.

As for FF, my flock prefers it a bit on the thick and dry side rather than really wet and soft. It can take a little bit of trial and error to get it right. If it's a bit too soft I just add some dry food until it's the right consistency then feed. Also, I know some people ferment for 3 days before feeding but my flock wouldn't eat it that way. I only ferment enough to feed for one day plus a little bit to jump start the next batch. I feed it twice a day and replenish the food water in the bucket each night after the second feeding. That said, I leave dry food in a gravity feeder at all times so they can eat if they're hungry.

Try sprinkling some scratch on the FF to encourage them to try it. It might take a few tries but they'll come around.

Also, some municipalities treat water with stuff that can hinder fermentation so I use the filtered water we drink to make it rather than what comes from the tap.

Thank you so much! That's great advice. I had read from one my chicken books (because I'm a noob obviously) to switch feed over cold turkey since chickens will just pick out the food they like and ignore the new stuff--but doing it gradually as you suggested may make more sense. I did initially ferment for 3 days but I will try a shorter time. Are you just fermenting for 24 hours for the first batch? Are you feeding the fermented feed at the recommended daily feeding amount per bird.. or are you feeding a little less to encourage them to eat throughout the day? We have a well luckily so we don't need to worry about city water.

 

[igorsMistress]

My pleasure! You just can't cave when you see the new stuff left and refill the feeder until the new is gone.

I only fermented for 12 hours the first feeding, made it at night and fed in the morning. Then by the time night came it had been about 24 hours for the second feed. That's the max for my flock. The little bit that's left over gets mixed into the next batch, don't wash the bucket. Over time it ferments a little faster and smells a bit more because you're feeding it. I get a nice white bloom on the top consistently now.

Is the S&P in natural form or processed? I think sprinkling a little of that on the FF might be a good way to introduce and make the switch too. Then leave the new crumble out in feeders for snacking between feedings. It could prevent the picking through stuff and leaving the new behind.

 

[bradymars]

Try feeding fermented whole oats. nice and clean not like fermented pellets. Do you handle your chickens on a regular basis to check there weight. If there not hatchet breasted then there eating what they need. Have they been wormed. You can also add whole corn as it will put the weight on. Good luck

 

[minou33]

My pleasure! You just can't cave when you see the new stuff left and refill the feeder until the new is gone.

I only fermented for 12 hours the first feeding, made it at night and fed in the morning. Then by the time night came it had been about 24 hours for the second feed. That's the max for my flock. The little bit that's left over gets mixed into the next batch, don't wash the bucket. Over time it ferments a little faster and smells a bit more because you're feeding it. I get a nice white bloom on the top consistently now.

Is the S&P in natural form or processed? I think sprinkling a little of that on the FF might be a good way to introduce and make the switch too. Then leave the new crumble out in feeders for snacking between feedings. It could prevent the picking through stuff and leaving the new behind.

Do you ever clean out the bucket or you are constantly re-using it? Is mold ever an issue? Yes, S&P is in a natural form. I will add that it on top since I don't have scratch feed. I just started a fermenting batch and will see how it goes.

 

[minou33]

Try feeding fermented whole oats. nice and clean not like fermented pellets. Do you handle your chickens on a regular basis to check there weight. If there not hatchet breasted then there eating what they need. Have they been wormed. You can also add whole corn as it will put the weight on. Good luck

They aren't underweight. I just spoil them and when I see they don't like their feed I feel bad. Are oats by themselves a well-balanced feed? I am introducing pellets/crumbles because they pick through other feeds and I really want them to get the full nutrients.

 

[bradymars]

No oats aren’t a complete feed but are the best grain for chickens. Ferment whole oats not rolled. What I do is feed my dry feed in measured amounts as mine are separated, I feed in the a.m. In the late afternoon I feed the fermented oats with some cayenne powder mixed in, just a little as it’s strong. I drain my oats with a frye basket.

 

[igorsMistress]

Do you ever clean out the bucket or you are constantly re-using it? Is mold ever an issue? Yes, S&P is in a natural form. I will add that it on top since I don't have scratch feed. I just started a fermenting batch and will see how it goes.

Never wash my bucket and never have mold issues. I feed all but a minor amount every day.

Have you ever had sourdough bread? It's just like feeding a sourdough starter. You remove some and feed the yeasts and bacteria that ferment with fresh food to work on and it doesn't spoil.