How to transition to fermented feed

[MountainMomma359]

I just started feeding fermented food to my 5 week Olds and they seem unimpressed. I made sure it is thick and have sprinkled treats on top. Any other suggestions? Any experience on how long it will take to adjust. Is it a "when they're hungry enough they'll eat" situation, because they barely touched it so far.

 

[NatJ]

I just started feeding fermented food to my 5 week Olds and they seem unimpressed. I made sure it is thick and have sprinkled treats on top. Any other suggestions? Any experience on how long it will take to adjust. Is it a "when they're hungry enough they'll eat" situation, because they barely touched it so far.

I would leave the familiar dry feed available.

I would also give them a very small amount of the fermented feed, at least once a day. If they eat it up, give larger amounts. But small amounts at first make sure you don't waste too much.

It often takes a while for chicks to try something new, and then decide they like it. Or sometimes they decide they do not like it. Chickens can be odd that way.

(Personally, I have not tried fermented feed. I have always kept dry feed available for all chickens in my care. But I have also given them chicken food with water added to make it wet, and many kinds of "treats," so I have some experience with introducing chicks to new things. Time and repeated exposure usually do the trick.)

 

[Shadrach]

I just started feeding fermented food to my 5 week Olds and they seem unimpressed. I made sure it is thick and have sprinkled treats on top. Any other suggestions? Any experience on how long it will take to adjust. Is it a "when they're hungry enough they'll eat" situation, because they barely touched it so far.

This might make you smile.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...o-fermented-facts-myths-and-experience.74414/

 

[saysfaa]

You might try feeding it without treats on top. They will find it anyway. They won't fill up on the treats or hope for more treats. Any comparison they make will be between their food dry and their food fermented instead of between treats and their food fermented.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I transition my chicks to fermented feed early on, and just switch the food one day. Of course, everyone is initially alarmed (and cross) that there's something different, and they may refuse to eat for a day. Once someone tries it, though, that's enough for the rest to follow suit.

How does the FF smell? What's your method for making it? I'm wondering if there's something going on with it that might make it unappetizing to them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would leave the familiar dry feed available.

I would also give them a very small amount of the fermented feed, at least once a day. If they eat it up, give larger amounts. But small amounts at first make sure you don't waste too much.

It often takes a while for chicks to try something new, and then decide they like it. Or sometimes they decide they do not like it. Chickens can be odd that way.

x2. Chicks especially can be suspicious of new food. I just keep putting it out in small amounts until someone feels like trying it. It can take a few days, or even a few weeks, for them to decide it's food.

 

[MountainMomma359]

Guys I spoke too soon, the next day I took some more out and had dry food as backup with me, but as soon as i sat it down they gobbled it up. They have been eating it without complaint since. I'm doing a 2 parts water 1 part feed and let set x 3 days. I ferment food fairly often so I feel confident it isn't off. I love the little smacking sound they make when they eat it.