Let's talk fermented feed!

COWLOVINGIRL

So, I'm looking for some feed motivation. How do you guys ferment your feed? DO you ferment your feed? Do you have any tips? Thanks everyone!😀

vickeym

We have fed fermented feed for several years now for our chickens and when we have them for the pigs as well. We are using a grain mix made by a grain farmer here that has the vitamin supplements already in it instead of commercially produced pelleted feed. Though we have fermented that in the past.

We usually add the feed quantity we need per day to one or more buckets add water to at least completely cover feed by a couple inches and let soak for a minimum of three days. So we mix several buckets to start then just replace what we use each day. At first you will have to check it a few times during the first day or two to make sure the feed stays covered with water. We just use extra water to start with.

The morning we plan to use it we tighten the lid down on the bucket leaving one edge a little loose and turn it upside down over another bucket and let the liquid drain out. We save the liquid to start the next batch and divide the feed up among our chickens.

For the pigs we do our own blend of grains and a hog concentrate we buy for the vitamins and minerals needed. Otherwise the process is the same. We have also just drained through a wire mesh sieve or other non metal (unless it's stainless steel) mesh of some type.

The feed seems to be easier for them fermented than giving whole grains, and there are lots of natural probiotics and such.

LaurieLovesLearning

We are currently doing this for our pigs. Water in barley, sitting for 2 days. It is enough water to cover the grains when it's put together (as @vickeym stated). There is no ratio that we go by.

The feed puts weight on the pigs and will on chickens because it is starting its digestive process early. I have heard that it will increase lay, but I have no proof of that. Some of that is always determined by breed chosen & light exposure. Animals love the fermented feed.

If doing this for chickens, make sure there is no mold present as any mold can hurt them. This is why it is important to make sure the grain stays covered with water.

vickeym

Yes, LaurieLovesLearning is correct. The animals all loved it. We would still be using the fermented feed right now, except for the temperatures. We were -7 this morning. That makes it very hard to deal with a wet feed outdoors.

Not only can it freeze in the fermenting buckets but often the feed will freeze into one big chunk before the birds can eat it all. But they do love it and it is very good for them.

LaurieLovesLearning

We ferment ours in our unfinished basement, so it doesn't freeze. It could also be done in a heated garage or warm barn if a person had one.

COWLOVINGIRL

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/906083#Comment_906083

I just had an aha moment! My fermented feed would always get mold on it and I wondered why but the chickens didn't seem to mind that much, so I thought it was fine. Yikes! Now I know. I've never made sure the feed was covered with water either. I guess I've been doing it all wrong. It's never to late to change. Well, thank you so much @LaurieLovesLearning!

COWLOVINGIRL

Using the new method this morning!

LaurieLovesLearning

Here is an article on the benefits of fermented feed & one person's method for her 3 hens.

https://www.gardenbetty.com/why-and-how-to-ferment-your-chicken-feed/comment-page-3/?fref=gc

COWLOVINGIRL

Thanks @LaurieLovesLearning!