One of our favorite lines of organic feeds here at the Snohomish and Monroe Co-Op is made by Scratch and Peck, milled locally in Burlington, Washington. Wanting to lead the sustainable food movement by example, all of Scratch and Peck feeds are non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Organic. Find a variety of organic feeds from Scratch and Peck available at the Snohomish and Monroe Co-Op like chick starter and grower, Broiler Grower for meat birds, Turkey Grower, and even organic Goat Feed.
Unlike pelletized feeds, all Scratch and Peck feeds are raw and unprocessed. Due to the wholegrain formulation and natural enzymes, all of their feeds can be sprouted and fermented. Fermented feeds boost protein content, creates friendly bacteria for strong immune systems, increases vitamin and nutrient absorption, improves digestibility, reduces waste by integrating the powdered feed supplements, and requires less feed per serving.
Because of the whole grain nature of Scratch and Peck feeds, which includes supplements in powdered form, chickens can often leave behind the finer parts of the feed. One way to not lose out on the health benefits of the powdered supplements is to simply mix Scratch and Peck feeds with water. Once it’s an oatmeal consistency, feed it to your chickens in a feeding pan or trough-style feeder.
If you’ve already started mixing your Scratch and Peck poultry feed with water, it’s not too much more effort to ferment your feed.
Fermenting feeds creates Lactic acid bacteria, like the probiotics you find in yogurt, to help make feed more digestible, increase protein and nutrient absorption, and stretch your feed dollar further. Follow these easy steps to ferment feeds from Scratch and Peck:
- Measure out what your flock will eat in one day. Place the feed in a clean containerlike a mason jar, or a 5-gallong bucket with a loose-fitting lid.
- Pour non-chlorinated water over the feed and mix thoroughly. You want about two parts water to one part feed.
- Make sure the water is covering the feed completely. The feed needs to be submerged to prevent mold from developing.
- Put the lid on the container, leaving it slightly loose. Leave enough room in the container for the fermented feed to expand.
- Let your mixture sit at room temperature for one to three days. Stir the mixture at least once a day.
- Bubbles will form when the ferment is ready, and there will be a slightly sour smell, similar to sourdough bread. The ferment can take one to four days to fully develop, depending on room temperature. The cooler the temperature, the slower the ferment.
- Feed the fermented mash slightly wet, but not soupy, in a trough-style feeder, or feeding pan.
- Continue to start a new batch every day to keep your flock supplied with fermented feed that has unlocked all the nutrition in whole grains, and provides natural probiotics to support overall health.
Fermenting poultry feeds is cost-effective and is one of the healthiest options for your birds. The grains absorb the water and increase the weight and volume of the feed. Your birds will take in more water because the feeds are soaked, helping to prevent dehydration. Fermented feeds will go further than dry feeds. Your birds will receive more nutrition and will eat less because of the efficiency of fermented feeds.
Visit us at the Snohomish and Monroe Co-Op and bring home a bag of Scratch and Peck feeds today. With a few easy steps, you can unlock the nutritional benefits of fermented feeds.
