How Much Fermented Feed Should You Give Your Chickens?

Fermented feed has become an increasingly popular supplement for backyard chicken keepers But how much fermented feed should you give your flock? In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of fermented feeds, how much you should feed per chicken, and tips for getting started with fermentation

What is Fermented Feed and What Are the Benefits?

Fermented feed is chicken feed that has been soaked and allowed to ferment, creating probiotics The fermentation process breaks down components in the feed into a more digestible form and increases the nutrient profile through the probiotics created

Feeding fermented feeds provides several benefits:

• Improved digestion and gut health from probiotics
• Increased absorption of nutrients
• Natural boost to immune system
• Lower feed costs as chickens eat less dry feed
• Reduced waste since chickens tend to eat all of the fermented feed

The live probiotic cultures can also help suppress bad bacteria like salmonella. Overall, fermented feeds support the health and productivity of the flock.

How Much Fermented Feed Per Chicken?

The amount of fermented feed you provide will depend on the size of your flock, A good rule of thumb is

Provide 1/2 cup of fermented feed per standard-sized chicken per day.

So for example, if you have a flock of 10 chickens, you would ferment 5 cups of dry feed to feed them for one day.

Things to consider:

• Large fowl breeds may need slightly more
• Chickens that free range extensively may need less
• Adjust amounts based on how much is being consumed
• Provide fermented feed free-choice or divide into multiple small meals

Monitor to ensure all birds are getting enough but not leaving any to waste. The fermented feed should be completely consumed within 24 hours before it spoils.

Tips for Getting Started with Fermented Feeds

Fermenting chicken feed is relatively simple but does take some planning. Here are some tips:

• Use an air-tight container – A 5 gallon bucket with lid works well. This allows anaerobic fermentation.

• Use dry feed – The feed must be dry, not moist or moldy to start. A standard layer feed, organic grain blend, or scratch mix all work well.

• Soak 12-24 hours – Soak the feed in non-chlorinated water for 12-24 hours before setting out to ferment.

• Temperature matters – Ideal fermentation temperature is 70-90°F. In cooler weather, you may need a heating pad. In hot weather, use less water.

• Ferment 2-5 days – Allow the feed to ferment for 2-5 days. It will get bubbly and smell sour or yeasty when ready.

• Feed within 24-48 hours – Consume fermented feed within 24-48 hours before it over-ferments and goes bad. Feed any leftovers first the next day.

Start with small batches, see what your flock consumes, and adjust the amount you ferment as needed. Over time you’ll get a feel for how much they need.

Is Fermented Feed Right for Your Flock?

While fermented feed has many benefits, it may not be ideal for every flock situation. It does require more frequent management than dry feeding. Make sure you have a routine that allows you to ferment and feed out the appropriate amount each day.

Free-ranging birds that get most of their diet from foraging may not benefit as much either. But for most backyard flocks, feeding some fermented feed can be an excellent supplement to support their health and productivity.

If you want to enhance digestion, reduce feed costs, and increase the nutrition in your chickens’ diet, giving fermented feeds is worth considering! Start with the guideline of 1/2 cup per standard chicken per day and adjust amounts as needed. Your flock will benefit from the natural probiotics.