Fermented Poultry Feed-Step-by-Step

How to Make Fermented Feed: Step-by-Step

1. Dechlorinate the Water

Fill a bucket with water and let it sit for 24 hours with a loose cover so the chlorine can evaporate. Using well water? You’re already ahead—it’s naturally chlorine-free.

2. Add the Feed

Pour a day’s worth of feed into a container with a loose-fitting lid. Leave some space at the top—you’re fermenting, not playing chicken Jenga.

3. Add Water

Pour your dechlorinated water over the feed until it’s fully submerged. Some feed will float like it’s on a lazy river, and that’s fine. Save the leftover water—it’ll be your fermentation sidekick next time.

4. Wait Three Days

Let the container sit at room temp (your countertop, not your sauna room).Stir at least once a day. If the feed starts rising like a floater at a pool party, top it off with that saved water.

5. Serve It Up

When it’s ready, drain off the extra liquid and serve the fermented goodness to your flock. Congratulations—they’re officially riding the fermented feed train.

Important Things to Know

1. The Smell Test

Each day, crack open the lid and take a sniff. A tangy, slightly sour smell = good. Rotten, funky, or boozy = NOPE. Toss it and start fresh.

2. Watch Your Chickens

Channel your inner poultry detective. Keep an eye on your birds for a few days—make sure everyone’s eating, active, and adjusting well. If they’re hesitant, you may need to go “cold turkey” (no dry feed) for a bit to help them fully transition.

3. Track Your Progress

Before you become a full-blown fermentation fanatic, check your results:

• Are they eating better?

• Are eggs increasing?

• Is your wallet getting a little heavier from feed savings?

You’re basically a chicken scientist now.

4. Liquid Gold

The leftover liquid can jumpstart your next batch, shaving about a day off fermentation time. Just remember—it spoils faster than plain water, so it should always smell clean and sour, not questionable.

5. Get Organized

A rotation system keeps things smooth. I use three water buckets and three feed buckets—like a tiny chicken feed assembly line. Efficient and it looks impressive.

Good luck and happy farming!

By Leif Nevener

NRR Hatchery