Raising chickens means that you have to sacrifice a lot and one of the sacrifices is to subject them to dry or fermented feed. If you are in love with little-feathered birds like chicken, then the amount of fermented feed per bird should be a concern to you. I thought you should know that 1/4 –cup of fermented feed should be given to everything; general rule.
Though, the rule changes with fermented feed and that’s when you will start asking questions like how much fermented feed per chicken. Worry no more because all these doubts will be cleared.
Fermented feed is relatively heavier compared to other feeds because it features more water content. This means that there is no need to feed your chickens with more of it. I don’t know if you are an amateur or you’ve been keeping chickens around, this article is suitable for you.
Fermented feed to chicken ratio (suitable amount to start with)
I have never come across recognized criteria for measuring the amount of fermented feed per chicken. This is because the measurements vary depending on the flock type, climate, among other factors. This therefore means that what is more important is to ensure your chicken properly feast to drive them through the day.
You have to understand that chickens love to eat, meaning that if they may start consuming anything they come in contact. Unless you are ready to purchase new beddings, plants; but you can replace their eggs!
1. For amateurs
If you want to introduce fermented feed to your chickens or you are rearing them for the first time, then this section should help you. Starting with ¼-cup of the feed can be just enough per chicken. From here, you can now start to estimate the required feed based on the flock type; you may even end up reducing this amount.
You should therefore be keen on the leftover at the end of every day and make adjustments accordingly. Have composed a reliable table, maybe you should have a look at it. These ratios should be based on the number of chickens in the backyard.
|
|
Feed |
Number of chickens |
|
1. |
1.25 cups |
5 Chickens |
|
2. |
1.5 cups |
6 Chickens |
|
3. |
1.75 cups |
7 Chickens |
|
4. |
2 cups |
8 Chickens |
|
5. |
2.25 cups |
9 Chickens |
|
6. |
2.5 cups |
10 Chickens |
|
7. |
2.75 cups |
11 Chickens |
|
8. |
3 cups |
12 Chickens |
|
9. |
3.25 cups |
13 Chickens |
|
10. |
3.5 cups |
14 Chickens |
|
11. |
3.75 cups |
15 Chickens |
|
12. |
4 cups |
16 Chickens |
|
13. |
4.25 cups |
17 Chickens |
|
14. |
4.5 cups |
18 Chickens |
|
15. |
4.75 cups |
19 Chickens |
|
16. |
5 cups |
20 Chickens |
From these ratios, it is now easy to estimate even if you have 1000 chickens. If you find it difficult, you can seek more information from the feed seller; but this table is everything.
2. For pros
This is for those fellows who have been keeping the little birds in their yard and have been feeding them dry feed. I suggest you start with the ratio you always use with dry feed to determine the suitable amount of fermented feed for your chicken.
At the beginning the chickens will consume less, but as the days go by, they are likely to consume more than what you have been giving them. After some days, you will realize that their level of consumption on fermented feed starts to reduce. The most important thing is to carefully watch the amount of fermented feed as leftovers.
Instead, you may use 30% less than the amount of dry feed you usually feed your chicken. Be keen on how fast they will empty the feeder and plan to add it the next day. Try increasing the amount of fermented feed every day to achieve the correct portion. One of the advantages of using fermented feed is that the leftover can be used the next day; no wastage.
Tips when determining the correct amount of fermented feed per chicken
- To spare your pocket, collect the fermented feed leftover and use it the following day.
- Carefully watch the remaining bit of fermented feed every day to assist you in determining the correct amount you require per chicken.
- Avoid reusing fermented feed that has stayed for more than two days as leftovers. It has a sour taste and may subject your chickens to health complications; it’s unappealing.
- Have dry feed as the back in case there is not enough fermented feed so that your chicken can be kept satiated.
- In occasions where you use dry feed for backup, you should be careful on the amount of the dry feed you give your chickens throughout the day. You can try to mix the feed, but dry feed should be less compared to the fermented.
Tricks for fermenting successfully
- Try to utilize a mix of seeds, oats, grains, pellets, or crumble. You can formulate your own poultry feed or opt for an available commercial brand.
- Use a glass container covering that is slightly loose (most of the recommended ones are food-grade stoneware or BPA-free plastic).
- De-chlorinated water is highly recommended; you may opt for distilled water or just use well water.
- While fermenting, the grains should be covered with a few inches of water. Keep on adding water as required to make sure the grains are covered. Or you may just use tap water, but you should leave it overnight.
- Stirring should be done severally within the day for better results.
- Don’t rush to feed your chickens prematurely. Give it enough time until bubbles are formed on the surface.
- Storage of your fermented feed for chickens is also a concern as you have to store it in a cool and dark place; avoid in direct sunlight or outside.
- If you plan to use fermented feed on ducklings and chicks, you must make sure they’ve grit. This will help in the smooth digestion process.
- To determine that you are having an appealing fermented feed, it should have a tangy-sweet smell, resembling sourdough bread.
FAQs:
- How often should I give my chicken fermented feed?
I don’t know the number of chickens you are keeping in your backyard, but you should mix the feed with water. Whatever amount you decide to feed your chickens with depends on you, but you have to ensure they are satisfied and full over the day. Generally, you should fill the chicken feeder with enough feed.
- Do I really have to buy chicken feed?
Yes, fermented feed has undergone a fermentation process which is essential not only in preserving the vitamins in the grains, but also creating vitamins B like riboflavin, folic acid, thiamin, niacin, etc. Therefore, offering fermented feed to your chickens is a big investment as it results in better health, reduced feed cost, and better eggs.
Final words
Chicken rearing is the best and profitable business that many people have opted for. However, sometimes feeding little feathered friends becomes a problem especially when determining how much fermented feed per chicken. Hopefully, the above discussions have helped you to arrive at the correct amount of fermented feed to feed your chickens.
Additionally, we have provided various tips and tricks on fermenting your own feed. Doing so will reduce the feed cost and also make you an experienced grounds man.