Ferment your feed!

Introduction

Fermenting chicken feed can enhance its nutritional value, improve digestibility, and potentially save on feed costs. This tutorial will guide you through the basic steps of fermenting chicken feed, ensuring a healthy and beneficial diet for your poultry.

Step 1: Choose Your Feed

• Select the type of feed you want to ferment:
  • Chicken pellets
  • Scratch grains
  • Whole grains (considered most beneficial)

Step 2: Prepare the Fermentation Vessel

• Use a clean bucket or container to hold the feed.
• Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the feed and water.

Step 3: Add Feed and Water

• Fill the bucket with your chosen feed.
• Cover the feed completely with water. This helps keep the feed submerged and reduces air exposure, which can lead to mold growth.

Step 4: Keep Feed Submerged

• Use a weight or another method to ensure the feed stays under the water surface.
• Stir the mixture at least twice a day to prevent gas pockets from forming.

Step 5: Monitor Temperature and Light Exposure

• Store the bucket in a cool, dark place to avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Ideal conditions support proper fermentation.

Step 6: Fermentation Time

• You can start feeding your chickens at any time during the fermentation process.
• However, aim for around three days for optimal fermentation, as this is commonly recommended.
• Look for bubbling, which indicates fermentation is occurring. It should smell tangy, similar to plain yogurt.

Step 7: Assess the Fermentation

• If the mixture smells foul or off-putting, discard it to prevent feeding your chickens spoiled feed.
• Always keep your feed clean to avoid contaminants, such as rodent droppings or urine, which can spoil the batch.

Conclusion

Fermenting chicken feed is a straightforward process that can enhance your flock's health and nutrition. By following these steps—choosing the right feed, preparing your container, and monitoring the fermentation—you can ensure a successful batch. Experiment with this method to see if it helps reduce your feed costs. Happy fermenting!