Save BIG Money & Your Chickens! 

This works brilliantly, I use half gallon jars for my small flock on 3 day rotation and not only does it extend the feed but they also eat ALL of it and it doesn’t end up scattered wasted or in the mud for a rodent to find later. A+ ❤️

Being the cheapest woman alive, I love any video that promotes ways to save. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. (I don't even have chickens, but my neighbor does. Bet she'll think I'm a genius when I tell her this.)

I started this about 4 months ago. I have 22 hens and go thru 2 bags of feed per month, when I used to go thru 1 bag per week. I'm getting 16 eggs per day and my chickens are healthy and happy. It works...less waste, better quality eggs, saving money couldn't be happier.

This is how my parents did back in the Philippines when they had chickens but I didn’t know it’s way of rationing. I just thought that chickens like wet food 😂.

Now this is what I'm talking about. How to cut feed costs!

I called my dad to do some math for me this morning for cutting chicken feed cost🤣 He said For 15 chickens each chicken eats about 1 pd of feed a week so 1/3 cup per chicken a day..I drew a line on my scoop for our hens rationing has started 🤣 with all our animals and us! We will either be skinny or fat 🤪🤔🤣

People will be learning the difference between 'wants' and 'needs'.

I only have 9 chickens, they seem to waste A LOT of feed. I'm guessing this also cuts down on waste. I used to throw out the feed when it got wet due to rain, not anymore! I'm going to get other feeding containers and try this. It will take a while for my stepson who is autistic to understand what I'm doing. It's his job to feed the chickens and he needs trained for any change. Thanks for the tip!

I didn't hear you mention this but I have heard that fermenting the feed makes it more bioavailable so they aren't losing nutrients on less feed.

Thank you Patara :-) I put apple cider vinegar in the water for my chickens and rabbits and it slightly increases their bodies acidity to where parasites don't find it a pleasant place to exist. Also makes the doe rabbits extra frisky, lol....about a tablespoon per gallon...it also lowers the freezing temp of the water a little. Whole grains also store longer than ground grains...so whole wheat and corn. I also free range my birds so from spring to fall as long as there is no snow covering the ground, these birds come back to the coop with a full crop of all kinds of wild found goodies, lol, and they eat the feed as a last resort so my feed lasts amazing much longer when there is no snow on the ground. I have also found that if I let the crows have some scraps, they claim territory and chase the hawks away, and I love also my hawks because my chickens are all larger heritage breeds and the red tail hawks don't bother any of the full grown birds, AND the hawks keep the eagles away....I love eagles away from my farm, but as far as farms go, eagles are jerks, lol. Thank God they prefer the bigger rivers and lakes. I also have geese in with my ducks (also larger ducks) and the geese help deter air attacks because their size is intimidating. I have a large fenced area with a pond for them as unfortunately my geese love the center of the road because the male can see all the way up and down the road, and he has chases logging trucks light a junk yard dog, lol, so they have a large fence area to graze and free range. The fence was well worth it and the posts are old telephone poles that my smart man gathered every time they change a pole, here the land owner has a right to request they leave the pole for them to keep....they have many great recycled uses. I love that we can share ideas because everybody has something to add and nobody knows every thing :-) Love your videos and your personality. I am rural NY and we are not like the city folk....we are out numbered and surrounded by city minded folk; Us rural farm folk are more like you and nothing like the city folk. God Bless you and your family and farm. One more thing, the chickens have no fence but I out-stubborned them so they are trained not to pass by my house to get near the road. These birds are smarter than people realize sometimes.

I’m going to start doing this TODAY! Thirty chickens and eighteen ducks don’t get fed for cheap these days.

I ferment year round (in winter I bring it inside) I started it initially to reduce waste and to not attract varmints. It’s now years later and I find that they are healthier, the poop smells are way down, and I stretch feed so much.

I get such a kick out of watching your videos! I live in a high rise condo in a major city and dream of having a homestead someday. Alas, I will live vicariously through you for now. I’ve got a veggie garden going on my balcony though and you’ve inspired me to take it to the next level this year. Seeds already started indoors! Thanks for the great content. 😊

When I was interning at an educational organic farm, we fermented the feed & we also grew a grass that we fed them, as well as giving them scraps from the things we were growing. They also were free ranging in the orchard during the day. They were SUPER healthy birds.

Yet another question I live walking distance from folks who have chickens..would it be a good idea to ask them if they would like my scraps and ask what they would use?

I'll be getting my first chickens ( chicks) in a few weeks. I can see fermenting will be the way to go for cost effectiveness. Boy howdy, my head is swimming with chicken info. I've learned a lot and have so much to learn yet.

I have been fermenting all winter indoors. Great idea! I add garlic powder; powdered squash; biotin & apple cider vinegar w/mother. Works great. Wonderful advice about the D.E. I also sprinkle D.E. in the nesting boxes to alleviate mites & other tiny bugs.

Yes, I counted 8 chickens. Be Blessed. I began fermenting the chicken scratch last week. I have 3 Bantams and 2 Barnfelders. I am using plastic Maxwell Coffee containers. 2 cups of scratch with 3 cups of water and let it sit 2 days for each container. My hens have names and are pets and my reason to get out of bed in the morning. They also get scraps from the kitchen and have their own row of broccolli leaves. #PressOnRegardless.

I saw a video a guy took gutters from a house and used it for feeders. Thought it was awesome.

I help my 93 year old aunt take care of her 23 cats. I can tell you by experience that if they run out of dry food in their food bowl, they get really, really agressive with each other. Anyways, my aunt also wets her dry cat food and lets it sit, to mix with wet food cans. She says it saves food and extends it. 🤔 Thanks for the video, I've learned a lots, and always laugh in the process.

I have 30 chickens & 6 ducks and I've been feeding my ladies fermented feed for the past 4 years. They love it!

Sweet Proverbs 31 sister in Christ !!! On vous aime de France !!!

i have 5 hens... suburban chicken gal here.. i am planning to throw more scraps to them to instead of putting all my scraps into the compost bin.

As usual Pantera you hit a very important point in surviving coming rough times. Love to all. Wouldn't hurt to remind folks that the advertising term "Hangry" means hungry + angry which as you're describing with the chickens Applies to Humans as well: short tempers, bullying, depression, ... Will have to be watched for as you ration your family's food... Best start Now while the tiniest bit of flex is possible. Do they need more carbs? Do they need more protein ? Do they need heavier snacks, more beverages ? My food plan is 2 full meals and 2 heavy-lite snacks depending on seasons and work loads. And DRINKS : water, flavored or plain, juice.... All day long.

I bought bags of individual grains through azure standard and I’ve been sprouting them for my ducks. They like it when I scatter the sprout in their water- they have fun scooping them up. Makes a little grain go a long way and it’s a fun treat for them.

I work a a butcher shop. An idea, though I don’t know how healthy it would be for the birds, is to ask your local butcher for the stomach contents from the beef and sheep they slaughter. I intend on testing it out on some meat birds this summer. I’ll keep you posted if I remember.

I love it when your feather babies fly out the coop ❤

Blue elderberry? Awesome! Another you tuber said that soaking/fermenting grains will remove the coating and help the chickens take in more nutrients.

Been soaking feed for more than 20 yrs. I keep buckets of wheat seed, oat seed, corn, scratch, all going until they ferment, then feed the bubbly stuff......chickens love it. In the winter I soak 20% (large) breeders cubes which are cheaper and soak up into a lot of feed; they get that daily. Same with laying pellets. They do not waste nearly as much as when fed dry. (I have about 150 chickens and guineas.)

Blessings Mrs Patara. I plan on doing this as well on our homestead. I have been watching many other chicken owners do this. Now is the time to pinch Pennie’s and save as much as we can when we can. I have elderberry in pots that I have planted I am planting in ground too. Love watching you and I love your spirit and knowledge thanks for sharing.

Fun watching everyone fly out of that chickdoor 👍

Don’t have chooks or ducks but my family did! Found the whole conversation from everyone fascinating! Loved all your animals! I just vegetable garden for myself in containers! Love it! Aussie Lady

I think you have a few more than 8 ??? Lol 😆 I really appreciate all your work and sharing it with others. Thanks

My dad used to boil up vege scraps, potato skins etc, in a big pot ,then he would add the mash stir it Up ,then feed it to the fowls ,steaming . The hens loved it, great in the winter and I loved the smell.😉♥️🇳🇿

I like that Rose reef behind you ...nice.

Water is a preservative at least with grains. I worked at a feed mill for 17 years and would get waste corn, milo, soy etc and put it in 55 gallon drums to feed pigs and chickens. Its stinks but as long as its under water, keeps a long time.

I gotta say, I don't agree with all of your views, but I enjoy your channel and love to hear everyone's point of view...

Great info! I love all EIGHT of your birds! 😂

The chickens coming out of the hen house is like a Ma and Pa Kettle show.

Great idea - I'll give it a try. Here in France bakers sell big bags of stale bread very cheaply, so I soak that and give it to my hens. They love it.

Betty White is so sweet. Sweet kitty! Love black cats too. Love the chick. I noticed my elderberry is waking up also. Mia is beautiful, so colorful ... lol somebody is hungry. lol

Oh just love hearing those Cardinals in the background!! U sure do miss them. Thanks for your awesome information!

Love the information! Had to laugh when all the chickens were pushing out the door like there was a sale going on at Macy's!..lol

In like a lamb. Out like a lion. March on forward towards spring. I saw a honey bee on flowers today in NJ

Getting closer to new life. Full bloom.

Lol at the chickens rushing out!

Loved Mr Charles!!

New subscriber, newish prepper,just found your channel and so glad I did. I live on 1/2 acre in suburbia. I’ll be binge watching to learn and maximize the space I have to with.

Our small flock during the spring and summer almost don't even touch their feed. Too many goodies out around the house for the to forage on. Its also the time our egg yolks take on the super orange glow. We basically only need to purchase pellets and scratch for the late fall and winter months.

That is helpful information on wetting the chicken's food, I find that my chicken's waste so much of it when it's dry, it usually ends up on the floor of their coop!

I did this. The chickens stayed to eat it, even when I opened the gate to let them out into the pasture. Usually they run over my feet to get out. They love it. Thank you as always you are a blessing.

Yup, I only counted 8 chickens when you opened the door to the coop. Lol. I have that problem too.

Saw this video when I woke up & having Coffee. Made me Laugh! Thanks for Sharing your Life with me💞

Awesome timing, Patera. I just had to buy more feed yesterday and I was shocked at prices.

Oh Lordy! I could have sworn you said “Ferment your FEET!” More coffee needed before I watch instructive videos!!!

Great idea! We have been doing this with our dogs....trying to add vegetables and they seem happy 😊....have a great day!! Love your videos!!

Split your comfrey plants and grow many more. I use it to feed my hens and goats.

DE is still useful when wet, but only as a small quantity of minerals. I don't use it with the rabbits, ever, because it's already so dusty here, I don't want them sneezing all the time.

Thank you! You were suggested to me when I was asking a chicken question. Please set up a Rumble account so I can watch you there!🙏

Patara, Thank you so much for this! We are new to this, and this wasn't anything we'd come across in our learning thus far. We've been hyper focused on a clean coop and dry feet, we hadn't gotten to how to make our feed stretch! Much appreciated!

I love your version of "bucket of chicken" LOL

The birds can also get DE if you have a sandbox for the to take their dry bath. We add a scoop of DE and a scoop of ashes in a tub of sand that they can keep debugged and clean. They will also peck at it and eat it. No internal or external parasites.

I thank you as well for sharing this!!! I have been wanting to do this and you going over everything with us right now is just the kick in the pants I needed to get it a goin'. I really like reading all the comments, helps me bunches too!

That little peeper got my dog stirred up. Lol

I keep dry laying pellets in front of them 24/7 in the coop. That is mixed with oyster shells and DE. I been thinking about growing fodder for them when the weather is right. I have 8 birds just like you, and get about 12 dozen eggs a week. You are ahead of us in weather, as I am in SE corner of Connecticut. I wanted to feed them fodder, I just am not ready to try it yet. Retired but still never enough hrs in a day! Keep at it GF, I know you will make it, you work hard. I can't wait to flip my compost pile and clean out the coops and get the garden going. Starting seeds soon.

Oh ...I miss Charles too! He sent me comfrey via the post as well!

Nice day thier, snow out my door Burr!

I have 9 elderberry cuttings from Riverhillharvest potted up. Growing well last 5 weeks; will be awhile before I can get em planted out. Thank you Patara for info on fermented feed.

Ferment my food also. The chickens LOVE it! Thanks

I live vicariously through you. We were in E. Tenn in June of 2020 to check out the area as we wanted to move from California. We have friends that have a ranch in Sharps Chapel and fell in love. Then the prices of homes blew up and housing is at a premium and sell within hours of listing We'll have to wait and see how things go, but for now I can enjoy watching you. Thank you!

Thanks for this reminder. My hens loved this last summer & fall. Like you, I do not feed this during winter, but you are right, it's time to get back to it!

You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth right on top of it and that will be just as effective. I wouldn't mix it in although you can. I do that with my dogs and cats but for the chickens I just sprinkle a little on top every once in a while.

What pretty kitties and bunny………animals.

💖 I love that flower and the rustic light grey door.

Planted a whole 25 ft hedge of them last fall, also have 5 bushes that I put in 2 years ago !elderberries are great for keeping you healthy !

I love your birds! 💓💓💓

yeah, it was a60 something a few days ago in Illinoins but it showed this morning.

Eight birds?! Oh Ms Patara you sooooo funny 😉 💕

Thank you for the reminder. I’m definitely going to get this going for my meat birds this year.

Love how you take care of your family and fur babies.

Luv seeing and hearing your healthy flock of chickens.

Look at all those beautiful birds!!! Thank you for sharing!

While cleaning out the run recently I realized the massive amount of food waste I have going on! I was shocked so I'm going to try this for sure!

We feed our sows and boar this way. It is easier for them to eat and they waste less. We still keep our hogs for butcher on a dry grain in a feeder but, pan feed all the rest.

I asked and you did it ! You ROCK Patara! Everyone thanks you

Also, I just showed this video to my husband and we will be trying this. Thanks a million!!!

I am so addicted to your videos because I learn something every time! Thanks Patara ✌😎👍❤❤

Great info!! We will start tomorrow. We only have 13 birds but I just bought an incubator to grow our flock. I have production reds and they won't sit. So this is timely info for sure!

Such solid advice ! I’ve been thinking of doing this ! Thank you patera !

This is great! I had started doing this a few years ago but leaving it 3 days. If I only need an hour its so much easier. Feed here is $30 a bag as the cheapest.

This is an excellent way to raise meat birds. There's a whole section about it on Backyard Chickens website. I think it's something like "fermented feed for meat birds".

Your animals look so happy, love to watch your little farm!

Love the idea of doing a test run before starting the actual fermenting process. We didn't ferment over the winter either and we have more birds this year. Time to get it figured out and start saving a little money. You just reminded me I need to order more DE. We're down to a half a bag. Love those sloggers. I was going through a pair of those rubber Tractor Supply boots about every six months. Just not made to last. My daughter bought me a pair of those things and I am almost at the 18 month mark and they are still going strong. Wishing you a blessed day!!!

This will be useful information for the future. Thank you so much for sharing Patara.

Thank you 💗 my girls are cooing to you and your family now...it was good to see the bucket demonstration. Just now giving it a try! Our feed prices haven't been to bad yet but other stuff... Oh my goodness!!!

Ty. I ferment oats and scratch to add it helps.

So envious of the sunshine and warmth you all are getting down south😊. I'm staring out my window at waist deep snow and 5-7ft high snow hills that the tractor left on my yard. We won't be planting here till end of May.

This works great and the birds love it. Sending love and hugs from middle Tennessee ❤️🤗

Thank you thank you for explaining how it fills them up more. I have been looking into making mash, but never really knew how it was beneficial. Now it makes so much sense.

I love seeing your chickens come out of the coop❤️