Fermented chicken feed can help provide your flock with a boost of probiotics and enzymes for improved digestion and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, its softening effect improves digestion.
Start by gathering supplies: you will need a large glass jar or bowl (we use Mason jars), filtered water, and your preferred chicken feed, crumbles, or pellets.
Contents
Benefits
Fermenting feed is an ideal way to create natural probiotics for your flock while saving money by giving your flock access to more nutrition for less money.
Fermented feed can be more easily digested by chicken’s crop and gizzard, while soaking helps break down phytic acid, an antinutrient which prevents proper absorption of vitamins.
Fermented feed for chickens increases beneficial bacteria while suppressing disease-causing organisms that could otherwise threaten their flocks. Research suggests that laying hens fed fermented feed have better egg production, nutritious eggs, healthier plumage and higher levels of antioxidant activity than those fed dry feed (R.M. Engberg et al. 2009).
Start a new batch of feed fermenting more rapidly by inoculating it with brine from your day 4 fermentation process. Whole grain-based layer feed will provide easier breakdown into beneficial nutrients during this step of the fermentation process.
Preparation
Fermenting seeds and feed awakens their energy, making it easier for chickens to absorb nutrients. This allows them to consume less without feeling full and save you money on feed costs! In addition, probiotics like lactobacilli help support digestive health while increasing egg production!
To create fermented chicken feed, first start by filling an airtight glass or stoneware container approximately halfway with feed. Add enough dechlorinated water to cover it by several inches, stirring it daily and adding extra liquid as necessary until all parts of it have been submerged by several inches.
After about four days, your feed should be ready for consumption. It should have a bubbly texture with a tart flavor. A layer of foam or film may form over top; don’t be alarmed! You can pour off this liquid or use it for another batch of feed production.
Serving
As fermentation occurs, you will notice that your feed becomes thicker, almost like a mash, with a slightly sour aroma – an indicator of proper functioning! This should give you confidence that everything is going according to plan!
At minimum, stir the feed at least once daily and ideally three times. Use a slotted spoon to strain out fermented feed into serving bowls for your flock; once they adjust to this new food they’ll love it! It may take them some time, but they’ll soon love every morsel they devour!
Keep adding water as needed to cover the feed, especially during the summer when its volume will expand significantly. Dechlorinated water is essential as chlorine inhibits healthy fermentation; for glass jars it would be wise to put them in a pan or dish to catch any overflow.
Storage
Fermented feed can be an economical and natural solution to improving digestion, absorption and egg quality in your flock. In addition, it reduces waste while supporting healthy gut microbiomes in their gut.
To create fermented chicken feed, you’ll need a large glass or ceramic jar, filtered water, crumbles, pellets or scratch. For optimal results, make this feed every day before refrigerating for up to one week if possible.
Add enough water to cover the feed and stir it periodically during fermentation, which should take 48-72 hours and result in slightly bubbly food with an intensely tangy aroma. Pour out an appropriate ration daily based on how many chickens are in your flock and let them munch away throughout the day; any excess must be discarded as it may attract unwanted organisms or mold quickly.
