Are you wondering exactly how much fermented feed your chickens need? You’re not alone. When I first started fermenting feed for my small backyard flock, I was completely confused about proper portions. After some trial and error (and a few overflowing feed containers!), I’ve figured out the perfect balance.
Fermenting chicken feed offers amazing benefits, but getting the quantities right can be tricky. Let’s break down exactly how much fermented feed per chicken you should provide and why it differs from dry feed.
The Quick Answer
For fermented feed, start with about 1/3 less than what you’d use with dry feed So if your chickens typically eat 1 pound of dry feed daily, begin with about 2/3 pound of fermented feed This is because fermented feed expands, provides better nutrition absorption, and chickens need less of it.
For individual chickens, start with approximately 1/4 cup of fermented feed per bird and adjust based on observation.
Why You Need Less Fermented Feed
Fermented feed works differently than dry feed in several important ways:
- It expands during fermentation – The grains absorb water and increase in volume
- Nutrition is more accessible – Chickens digest fermented feed more efficiently
- Higher nutrient density – The fermentation process enhances nutritional value
- Better digestion – Birds process fermented feed more thoroughly
Because of these factors, your chickens will naturally eat less fermented feed than they would dry feed This makes fermenting not only healthier but also more economical in the long run!
Starting Quantities Based on Flock Size
Here’s a simple guide to help you start with appropriate amounts
| Number of Chickens | Starting Amount of Fermented Feed |
|---|---|
| 5 Chickens | 1.25 cups |
| 10 Chickens | 2.5 cups |
| 15 Chickens | 3.75 cups |
| 20 Chickens | 5 cups |
Remember, these are just starting points! Your specific chickens’ needs may vary based on:
- Breed and size
- Activity level
- Climate and season
- Whether they free-range
- Age and production status
How to Determine the Perfect Amount
Finding the ideal amount of fermented feed for your specific flock requires some observation. Here’s my approach:
If You’re Already Feeding Dry Feed
- Start by using the same amount of feed you’ve been using for dry feed, but fermented.
- Observe how much is left at the end of the day.
- Gradually decrease the amount by small increments until you find the sweet spot.
After a few weeks, you’ll notice they need significantly less—usually about 1/3 less than their dry feed consumption.
If You’re Just Starting Out
- Begin with 1/4 cup of fermented feed per chicken.
- Watch closely to see if this is sufficient.
- Adjust by reducing the amount in small increments (like 1/4 cup total for the flock) until you reach the right amount.
The Adjustment Period
When I first introduced fermented feed to my hens, they looked at it like I’d served them alien food! Don’t worry if your chickens seem hesitant at first—this is totally normal.
Give them time to adjust. Most chickens will quickly develop a preference for fermented feed once they try it. If they’re resistant, you can temporarily limit access to dry feed to encourage them to try the fermented option.
Signs You’re Feeding the Right Amount
How do you know you’ve found the perfect amount? Look for these indicators:
- Empty feeders by evening – But not too early in the day
- Alert, active chickens – They should be energetic and healthy
- Good egg production – Consistent laying without decline
- Minimal waste – Little to no feed left to spoil
- Normal weight – Chickens maintain appropriate body condition
If feeders are empty too early, increase slightly. If there’s consistently leftover feed, decrease the amount.
Feeding Schedule Options
You have flexibility in how you schedule fermented feed:
Option 1: Once-a-Day Feeding
Feed a slightly larger portion in the morning and let it last through the day. This is simpler but may result in some waste.
Option 2: Twice-Daily Feeding
Feed smaller portions in morning and afternoon. This reduces waste and keeps feed fresher but requires more time.
Option 3: Hybrid Approach
Provide fermented feed in the morning and keep dry feed available as backup. This ensures chickens always have access to food while you’re learning the right amount.
My Personal Experience
In my own flock of 12 mixed-breed chickens, I’ve found they consume about 3 cups of fermented feed daily, which is significantly less than the 4.5 cups of dry feed they used to eat. Your results may vary, but that’s roughly a 33% reduction!
I’ve also noticed they produce less waste, have shinier feathers, and lay eggs with stronger shells since switching to fermented feed. The poop is less messy too, which is a huge bonus when cleaning the coop!
Common Questions About Fermented Feed Quantities
Can you overfeed with fermented feed?
Yes, overfeeding is possible but less likely than with dry feed. Excess fermented feed can spoil quickly, so it’s important to dial in the right amount. Start with slightly less than you think you need and adjust up if necessary.
Should chicks, pullets, and laying hens get different amounts?
Absolutely! Growing chickens need more protein and calories proportionally than adult maintenance birds:
- Chicks: Typically need more protein, but follow slightly different fermentation guidelines
- Pullets: Require more than adult maintenance birds but less than actively laying hens
- Laying hens: Need more than non-laying adult birds to support egg production
Can I mix fermented and dry feed?
Yes! Many chicken keepers (including myself) use both. You might provide fermented feed in the morning and keep dry feed available for the rest of the day while you’re figuring out quantities.
How do seasonal changes affect fermented feed requirements?
Chickens typically eat more in winter to maintain body temperature and less in summer. You might need to increase amounts by 15-25% during cold weather and decrease slightly during hot weather.
Special Considerations for Different Feeds
The type of feed you’re fermenting matters too:
Whole Grains
- Generally considered best for fermenting
- Expand less than pellets
- Retain more of their nutrition through the fermentation process
Pellets and Crumbles
- Expand significantly during fermentation
- Can become quite sloppy
- Still beneficial but may require even less volume than grain-based ferments
Mixed Feeds
- Provide balanced nutrition
- May have different expansion rates for different components
- Often the easiest to transition to from dry feed
Tips for Success
After fermenting feed for several years, I’ve learned these helpful tricks:
- Start small – It’s easier to increase than to deal with excess fermented feed
- Be consistent – Feed at approximately the same time each day
- Keep records – Note how much you feed and how much is left until you find the perfect amount
- Observe your chickens – They’ll tell you through their behavior if they’re getting enough
- Consider fermentation stage – Feed at peak fermentation (when bubbling) for maximum benefits
- Account for treats and foraging – If your chickens get kitchen scraps or free-range, they’ll need less fermented feed
The Bottom Line
Fermenting chicken feed can significantly reduce your feed costs while improving your flock’s health. The key is finding that sweet spot where you’re providing enough without waste.
Remember: Start with about 1/4 cup per chicken or 1/3 less than your dry feed amount, then adjust based on your observations. After a few weeks of tweaking, you’ll find the perfect amount for your unique flock.
Have you tried fermenting feed for your chickens? What differences have you noticed in how much they consume? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take chickens to adjust to fermented feed?
Most flocks adapt within a few days to a week. Some picky eaters might take longer, but persistence usually pays off.
Can fermenting reduce my overall feed costs?
Yes! Most chicken keepers report feed savings of 20-30% after switching to fermented feed due to improved nutrient absorption and less waste.
What if I’m going on vacation?
You have options! You can either:
- Train someone to continue your fermentation schedule
- Gradually transition back to dry feed before you leave
- Prepare extra fermented feed and store it in a cool place if you’ll only be gone a few days
Is fermenting worth the extra effort?
In my experience, absolutely! The feed savings, improved health, and better egg quality more than make up for the small amount of daily time it takes to manage fermented feed.
By dialing in the perfect amount of fermented feed for your chickens, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and raise healthier birds. Happy fermenting!
General Fermented Feed Tips
- Chicken feed that contains whole grains ferment the best and is the most nutritional.
- You may see a few bubbles as soon as 24 hours of soaking, however, don’t expect any major bubbles until the second day of fermenting.
- A sour, acidic, or slightly yeasty smell if perfectly normal for fermented feed.
- If the feed looks moldy, smells moldy, or is otherwise contaminated, don’t serve it to your flock!
- Try to use glass, wood, or plastic containers and utensils when dealing with fermented feed. Metal objects can sometimes hamper with the fermentation process.
- Always ensure all of the feed is below the water level. If left dry and exposed to the open air, mold spores can collect on the moist feed and cause it to mold.
- However, don’t drown your fermented feed in water! While you can’t have ‘too much water’, you should strive for a balance of enough water to cover the feed but not having too much excess water sitting above the feed. It should be a thick, soupy consistency.
- Having excess water above the feed can hamper your ability to see bubbles or notice any strong signs of the fermenting process.
- Use cheesecloth or a porous material to cover the fermented feed jar with. You want the small wild yeast particles to be able to be collected but you also want to keep large debris particles out of the feed.
- The best place to store your fermented feed while it’s fermenting is in a location that is protected, dark, and somewhat cool. It should be easy to access but not in a high traffic location. A pantry often works well.
- If you are done fermenting feed for a few days, clean out the fermented feed jar with a splash of vinegar and some warm water.
- If you are serving the fermented feed using the straining method, you can strain the feed the night prior to the day you want to serve the feed. Just cover it with an airtight lid and keep it stored in a cool location until you serve it in the morning.
Serving Fermented Feed
So now that your feed has completed a 3-to-4-day ferment, it’s time to dish up this delicacy to your flock! There are a couple of ways you can serve fermented chicken feed. The method that you choose will depend on how your flock likes their feed.
The first method involves using a slotted wooden spoon to strain out the feed. After the feed has fermented, you will use the spoon to strain out the feed into a serving bowl for your flock. Some liquid will remain with the soaked grains, but for the most part you will be serving your flock a bowl full of moist, soaked, and fermented chicken feed. If you choose this method, then you can either dump out the remaining liquid or save it to start a second batch of fermented feed. If you save the liquid and start a second batch of fermented feed, then the second batch will ferment faster and be a stronger ferment since some of the wild yeasts and cultures will already be present in the leftover liquid.
The second serving method involves dishing up the fermented as is. You can strain any extra water off the top and then serve up the fermented feed in a bowl for your flock to enjoy. The feed will be similar to an oatmeal-like consistency. This method works best if the fermented feed is already thick or contains a lot of small feed particles that would be hard to strain out.
As with introducing any new food, your flock may need little adjustment period to get used to eating fermented feed. Most chickens actually like moist feed better than dry feed, so fermented feed will be appealing to them. Sprinkling some Grubblies snacks on top of the feed provides a little supplemental protein and encourages your flock to dive in! If you are nervous that your flock won’t like fermented feed, then you may just try fermenting a small portion of feed. Once fermented, offer the feed to them as a treat rather than their daily portion of feed. If your flock devours the fermented feed, then you know you are safe to ferment their entire daily ration of feed!
If you are serving the fermented feed as a daily ration of feed, then you will want to remove their usual feed source for the day. Your flock can munch on the fermented feed throughout the day just like they would normally do with the dry feed. Any feed that is leftover at the end of the day should be tossed. Leftover fermented feed can easily attract unwanted organisms and molds very fast because the ingredients are already damp. If your flock leaves a lot of food in the dish at the end of the day, then you may consider cutting back on how much food you ferment. Fermented feed is more filling and less of it needs to be consumed than dry feed, so your flock may not eat as much as they normally do of dry feed. Adjust the amount as needed so that there is minimal leftovers and waste.