Jeff Trapani
Fermenting your chicken feed is one of the cheapest ways to enhance the health of your chickens, boost egg production, and save money at the same time! I ferment my grains and many of my home-grown veggies, so I thought "Why not do it for my baby chicks as well?"
In this article, I will help demystify the process and show you just how easy and rewarding it can be to provide your chickens with fermented feed.
What is Fermentation?
Fermentation is a natural process in which microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, break down sugars and starches in food, such as veggies and grains, into beneficial nutrients. This process not only preserves the food but also enhances its flavor, nutritional value, and digestibility.
... beyond simply maintaining the vitamin content of raw foods, the process of fermentation can actually create new vitamins, specifically B vitamins and Vitamin K2 , as well as some types of enzymes. -Alex Lewin, Author, Real Food Fermentation
To kick-start the process, you'll need a few key elements. Just like germinating seeds or grains, you start by covering the feed with water to capture wild yeast from the air and feed ingredients. The fermentation journey begins here. Typically, it takes around 3-4 days for the microbes to work their magic, and the result is a batch of nutritious, fermented chicken feed.
Benefits to Your Chickens
Fermented feed offers numerous advantages for both your chickens and you as their caretaker:
Easier Digestion: Fermented feed is easier to digest, which improves the feed consumption to production ratio of your flock.
Higher Protein Content: This allows your flock to get more beneficial protein without consuming more feed.
Probiotic Benefits: The probiotics in fermented feed promote good gut health and help your flock combat disease-causing microorganisms. (Gao et al., 2009; Hu et al., 2016; Li et al., 2020a)
Better Eggs: Fermented feed can result in bigger and better-quality eggs with stronger shells. (Engberg et al., 2009)
Stronger Immune System: The beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and probiotics help your flock build a robust immune system. (Zhu et al., 2020; Zhang et al. (2016); Xi-Jie et al. (2007))
Reduced Waste: More of the feed can be utilized for energy and nutrition, which decreases waste, leading to drier and healthier chicken droppings. Chickens can easily kick dried grains out of the feeder which cannot be done with fermented feed.
Perhaps the most significant benefit for chicken keepers is the potential for cost savings. The fermentation process may DOUBLE the feed content, allowing your chickens to consume less while still meeting their nutritional needs. Additionally, because more nutrients are available for the body to use, there's less waste to manage in the coop. This results in drier and easier-to-clean chicken droppings, creating a healthier environment for your flock. Some have reported less smell in the coop and run.
How to Make Fermented Chicken Feed
Ready to dive into fermenting feed? Follow these simple steps to get started:
Supplies:
Organic Non-Medicated Chicken Feed (half as much as your flock normally eats in one day)
Large glass jar (large enough to hold double the amount of feed you're fermenting)
Slotted wooden spoon
Cheesecloth or Bandana
Rubber band
Cool, filtered non-chlorinated water
Instructions:
Day 1, Morning: Measure out the feed into the large glass jar. Pour enough water to cover the feed by a few inches, and stir. Cover the jar with cheesecloth fastened with a rubber band.
Day 1, Afternoon: Check on the feed; add about 1 inch more of water and stir.
Day 1, Evening: Stir the feed; the water level should barely cover the feed. You may start to see a few bubbles after stirring.
Day 2: Stir the feed at least 3 times during the day.
Day 3: Continue stirring at least 3 times a day. You should start seeing bubbles after each stirring. The feed may also have a slightly sour smell, indicating fermentation is in full swing.
Day 4, Morning: Your fermented feed is ready to be served!
You can tell your fermented feed is ready by the presence of bubbles within the mixture, a slightly sour smell, and noticeable changes in the feed's texture. It should be slightly soupy, and the feed may have 'risen,' indicating a strong fermentation process.
Serving Your Fermented Feed
Once your feed is fully fermented, it's time to offer this nutritious treat to your chickens. Pour the fermented feed into a strainer and stir with a wooden spoon to remove excess water. You can either discard the liquid or use it to start a second batch of fermented feed, which will ferment faster due to the existing cultures.
Introducing fermented feed to your flock is usually a breeze, as most chickens prefer moist feed over dry feed. Once your chickens devour it, you can confidently transition to fermenting their entire daily ration of feed. Remove any leftover fermented feed at the end of the day to avoid attracting unwanted organisms and mold. If you run out of feed, you can always mix some dry feed into the meals. If you have TOO MUCH feed left over, it can be refrigerated for a day or two or placed into freezer bags and frozen for future use. Don't serve fermented feed cold! Let it sit to room temperature before feeding or lightly warm up in a sauté pan.
General Fermented Feed Tips
Choose chicken feed with whole grains for the best results.
Make sure the feed is room temperature or slightly warm before feeding.
Don't expect to see bubbles until the second day of fermentation.
Don't worry! A slightly sour or yeasty smell is a sign of healthy fermentation
If the feed looks or smells moldy, do not serve it.
Use glass, wood, or plastic containers and utensils, as metal can interfere with fermentation.
Ensure all feed is submerged in water to prevent mold spores from collecting on the damp feed.
Avoid drowning your feed in water; aim for a thick, soupy consistency.
Use cheesecloth or a porous material to cover the jar.
Store the fermenting feed in a protected, dark, and somewhat cool location.
If not fermenting for a few days, clean the jar with vinegar and warm water.
By harnessing the power of natural fermentation for your flock, you're not just enhancing the health and well-being of your flock but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient homestead. It's a small change that can yield big rewards, both for your chickens and your home. Happy fermenting!
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