⠀ HOW TO FERMENT FEED FOR CHICKENS OF ALL KINDS

[stacyh40]

I decided to try fermented feed for my chickens, i have 1 cups of feed started in a quart jar. Figured i would start small first to see if i can keep up with it since i'm gone a couple days a week for work and not sure what the hubby will think since he is in charge of them when i'm gone.

 

[snow5164]

I decided to try fermented feed for my chickens, i have 1 cups of feed started in a quart jar. Figured i would start small first to see if i can keep up with it since i'm gone a couple days a week for work and not sure what the hubby will think since he is in charge of them when i'm gone.

I use quart jars for my 30 hens, they eat in a trough ( rain trough with ends) I pour in dry seed then a jar of fermented on top, no straining as the liquid is packed with goodness ( i add oil too)I've done it since my first chicks and I saw the terrible mess and waste of seed. Small is good and that way you can keep the seed feeder in there and feed this as a topping....

 

[snow5164]

I've been thinking about getting into this...I have layer pellets that I feed. Is this what is fermented? I'm always so confused by this as I see seed mixes, etc. used also.

If so, what sort of container do you all use to feed them with? We have the "typical" hanging feeder, but I feel like the fermented feed would just get stuck...Is this so or do you find it works fine?

We bought a plastic rain trough( like on your house) glued on end caps , you can cut it to any length you want I have 3,5 and a 4 foot ones. Easy to clean and many can eat at once.

 

[snow5164]

My feeder

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

Not only does fermentation preserve the vitamins in your grains, it also creates new vitamins, primarily B vitamins like folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin.
In short, fermenting your chicken feed leads to better eggs, better hen health, and lower feed costs. Less feed also means less poop, which none of us can complain about!

Read more at http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/05/why-and-how-to-ferment-your-chicken-feed/#I11qfLZGrI0qvbRI.99

For my flock of three hens, I use a gallon-size glass jar
image: http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=gardbett-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000DDWOI

. Larger flocks may require five-gallon buckets or storage bins, so long as they come with a lid. If you can only source a plastic container, try to ensure it’s BPA-free. The acids in lacto-fermentation can increase the chances of BPA leaching into your liquid, and while there hasn’t been any concrete studies on how much BPA is actually leached, I’d rather not take my chances.

Fill your container about one-third to one-half full with the feed of your choice. You want to leave room for the grains to expand.
Add enough dechlorinated water to cover the grains by a couple of inches. Why dechlorinated water? Because most municipal water — the stuff that comes out of your tap — contains chlorine and chemicals designed to kill bacteria, including good bacteria. You can use filtered water for lacto-fermentation, or simply set your tap water out for 24 hours to allow time for the chlorine to evaporate.

At feeding time, I bring the chickens a scoop or two of fermented feed and clear the dish when it’s empty. I don’t leave fermented feed out for a long period of time since the bacteria is most beneficial when it’s served fresh. Only leave enough feed out that your chickens can finish within half an hour.
Read more at http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/05/why-and-how-to-ferment-your-chicken-feed/#I11qfLZGrI0qvbRI.99

Glenda Heywood
Also she uses a glass deep bowl to feed in.

 

[northeastDad]

I have been feeding soaked/fermented oats in addition to the dry feed for along time . The worse it smells the more they love it

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

I have been feeding soaked/fermented oats in addition to the dry feed for along time . The worse it smells the more they love it

that is great information.
thanks for reply
I wondered about whole oats.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

I have been feeding soaked/fermented oats in addition to the dry feed for along time . The worse it smells the more they love it

what do you feed this In?

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

I decided to try fermented feed for my chickens, i have 1 cups of feed started in a quart jar. Figured i would start small first to see if i can keep up with it since i'm gone a couple days a week for work and not sure what the hubby will think since he is in charge of them when i'm gone.

This is excellent information
and good thoughts on small amounts.
I wonderd about size.
thanks so much for his infromation

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

My feeder

this is excellent picture and sample of what to feed it in.
what is this made of?
I have never seen this?
Is it a large plastic item?