Fermented Bed Chicken (Duck)
What is a Fermented Bed Chicken?
Fermented bed chicken, also known as ecological or indigenous chicken, is a modern and sustainable farming method where chickens are raised on a special bedding made from organic materials like sawdust, rice husks, and straw. This system allows for zero waste of manure, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cage farming. In conventional setups, chickens are often confined in small spaces, which not only disrupts their natural behavior but also creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria due to poor ventilation and hygiene.
The fermented bed method brings chickens closer to nature, offering them more freedom to scratch, peck, and move around. This natural lifestyle improves their overall health and well-being. One of the key benefits of this system is that the fermentation bed rapidly breaks down chicken manure, eliminating the need for daily cleaning and reducing unpleasant odors such as ammonia. The decomposed manure also produces bacterial protein, which can be used as additional feed, significantly lowering feed costs.
Moreover, the environment created by the fermented bed promotes a healthy microbial balance, which helps suppress harmful bacteria. Beneficial bacteria introduced through feed further support gut health, boost immunity, and reduce disease incidence by over 30%. This leads to lower veterinary expenses and healthier livestock.
Chickens raised in this system tend to grow faster and lay better-quality eggs. Studies show that hens produce more eggs, while broilers and ducks reach market weight 3–7 days earlier. The meat and eggs are not only tastier but also healthier, giving farmers a competitive edge in the market. After slaughter, the fermented litter can be turned into high-quality organic fertilizer, completing the cycle of sustainability.
Designing a Fermented Chicken Bed
The design of the chicken shed for fermented beds is similar to traditional methods but with some key differences. The ideal length-to-width ratio is 5:1 or 6:1, with the length ranging from 30 to 70 meters and the width between 6 to 10 meters. The height should be around 2.4 to 3.0 meters, and the total area is usually around 200 square meters. Good ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of about 20°C.
Producing the Fermented Bed
The materials used for the fermentation bed can vary depending on the region. Common choices include rice husks, chopped straw, or a mix of both. If using straw, it should be cut into pieces of 10–15 cm. A layer of 10–15 cm of these materials is spread out, followed by 5% uncontaminated soil and 0.3% coarse salt. Then, a starter culture is sprinkled at 0.25 kg per square meter. After one week of fermentation, the bed is ready for chicks. If any bad smells appear later, a small amount of starter culture can be added to restore balance.
Management Tips for Fermented Bed Chicken Farming
1. Maintain a stocking density of 5–6 chickens per square meter. Overcrowding can overload the microorganisms and lead to foul smells.
2. Keep the moisture level around 30%. If the bed becomes too dry, spray a diluted fermentation solution (1:200) to maintain optimal conditions.
3. Avoid using chemical disinfectants or antibiotics in the shed, as they can harm the beneficial microbes and reduce their effectiveness.
4. Implement regular disease prevention measures to ensure the health of the flock.
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