Soaking chicken feed is an efficient and cost-effective way to promote digestion and absorption of essential nutrients in your flock. Not only that, but it can also improve the quality of your eggs by decreasing waste produced from your flock.
All that’s necessary to do is cover your dry feed with water and let it sit for 24 to four days – this process is known as lacto-fermentation, which can be beneficial to almost any type of feed you feed your flock.
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Boosts Digestive Health
Soaking chicken feed is an effective way to ensure your birds get the most out of their meals. Many grains and seeds have a protective coating which prevents absorption of essential vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients they contain. Soaking helps ensure these essentials get to where they need to go in a more timely manner.
Soaking nutritious grains makes them easier to digest and provides a beneficial dose of antioxidants. Additionally, it helps strengthen a flock’s immunity as well as enhance their digestive health.
Pouring de-chlorinated water over two to three inches of feed in a container such as a jar, bowl or bucket and filling it slightly over the top will allow it to expand during soaking. Results should be visible within 24 hours after starting this process! It’s an economical way to stretch your budget while keeping your bird population content. Plus, they may enjoy their soaked food more than dry, unsoaked versions!
Increases Nutrient Absorption
Soaking chicken feed makes it easier for your birds to digest, by softening its outer coating. This also facilitates absorption of essential nutrients in their stomachs.
Soaked chicken feed is more appealing to poultry, meaning they consume 30-50% less feed – helping you save money on feed expenses. Furthermore, soaked grains expand when exposed to water and become larger in volume – meaning your birds become full faster.
Fermented chicken feed adds probiotics to your diet, which can boost immunity, aid digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. The process known as lacto-fermentation neutralizes phytic acid which may prevent absorption of essential vitamins like folic acid, riboflavin and niacin by soaking grains for 24 hours or more in dechlorinated water before straining out any contaminants. Fermented poultry food can then be created through this simple step by soaking grains for 24 hours or more in dechlorinated water before straining out any type of grain you choose.
Reduces Feed Waste
Soaking grains makes them plump and easier for chickens to digest, allowing them to absorb more essential nutrients while eating less food.
This means less waste for you, which is another great reason to try this method! On average, 16% of a home’s trash is food waste.
Soaking your own chicken feed reduces the amount of water necessary for processing, meaning a lower water bill for you.
To soak your feed, fill a bucket half way with grain (as well as other beneficial items like seeds and legumes that can be fermented) then pour enough dechlorinated or filtered water over top to completely cover it. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion as the grains absorb water.
Reduces Poop
Soaking some grains in a puddle is an eco-friendly way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing the feathers of your flock. In fact, soaking their feed may actually improve their health and help them feel at their best. Recent research from Iowa State University has demonstrated that soaking your corn oxo binder of choice for 24 hours in a puddle reduces the amount of grain your birds require to eat by half. Best of all, this simple process doesn’t necessitate much extra effort or special equipment. Soaking your feed can be the smartest way to reduce waste, save money and keep your flock healthy, contented and safe. You may even recoup some of the expense through increased productivity due to better health. The key is finding an appropriate soaking container and having it handy at all times. The biggest hurdle may be getting birds to actually soak their feed – but with these simple tips in this blog post it should only take around half an hour per flock for them to begin doing so.
