How to Ferment Chicken Feed (And Why Your Flock Will Love It!)
Looking for a way to cut down your chicken feed costs and boost your flock’s overall health?
Good news — fermented feed is the answer you've been clucking for! 🐓✨
Fermenting chicken feed is a simple, low-cost method that offers a ton of benefits for your flock — from better digestion to stronger immunity, plus it helps you save money in the long run. Whether you're raising a few backyard hens or managing a full coop, fermented feed is a game-changer.
🐥 Why Ferment Chicken Feed?
Here’s why more and more chicken keepers are getting on board with fermenting feed:
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✅ It’s easy to do — no fancy tools or skills required
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✅ Your chickens eat up to 1/3 less feed, which means more savings
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✅ Probiotics & beneficial yeasts develop during fermentation
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✅ Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
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✅ Supports gut and immune health
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✅ Provides extra hydration
Not only will your chooks be healthier, but you'll also notice shinier feathers, better egg production, and possibly even less waste around the coop.
🛠 How to Ferment Chicken Feed (Step-by-Step)
It might sound like a science experiment, but fermenting feed is super simple. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need:
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Chicken feed (pellets, mash, or crumbles all work)
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A clean container (like a bucket or large jar)
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Non-chlorinated water
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A loose-fitting lid or cover
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A spoon or stirrer
Instructions:
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Add your feed to a clean container. Only fill it partway — fermented feed will expand!
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Add non-chlorinated water until the feed is covered by about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches).
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Loosely cover the container with a lid or cloth. You want air to escape, but keep bugs and dust out.
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Stir the mixture once a day, and top up with water if the feed starts to dry out.
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After 2–3 days, you’ll notice bubbles and a slightly sour, yeasty smell. That means it's ready!
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Serve it up to your flock and watch them gobble it down with glee!
💡 Feeding Tips
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You can use fermented feed as a daily replacement or just offer it as a supplement a few times a week.
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Start by fermenting about 85 grams of dry feed per chicken per day.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a few days, or continue the fermentation cycle by topping up the mix.
💰 Bonus: It Saves You Money!
One of the best things about fermented feed is that chickens eat less of it — around 1/3 less — because their bodies absorb more nutrients per bite. That means your feed lasts longer, and you spend less on keeping your flock well-fed and healthy. Win-win! 💸
Final Thoughts
Fermenting chicken feed is an easy habit that delivers serious benefits — for both your chickens and your wallet. With just a bit of prep and patience, you’ll be giving your flock a nutritious boost they’ll truly enjoy.
Have you tried fermenting feed before? Let us know your experience or tips in the comments below!
🧡 Happy fermenting, and happy chickens!
– The Chook Manor Team
