Waste to Feed: Justin Rhodes' DIY Chicken Feed System

Justin Rhodes, a permaculture practitioner, outlines his method for converting various organic waste materials into a nutritious feed source for his chickens, emphasizing the economic and ecological benefits of this approach. His system is designed to be largely self-sustaining, reducing reliance on commercially produced feeds and minimizing waste from his homestead.

The core of his strategy involves several key components, starting with a robust composting system. He utilizes a multi-bin composting setup, allowing for continuous processing of organic matter. This includes kitchen scraps, garden waste, and even animal manures, which are all layered and turned regularly to facilitate decomposition. The resulting compost, rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients, forms a foundational element of the chicken's diet.

Beyond traditional composting, Rhodes incorporates a system for cultivating black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). These larvae are highly efficient decomposers of organic waste, particularly food scraps. He maintains a dedicated bin for BSFL, where food waste is introduced, and the larvae rapidly consume it, converting it into protein and fat. Once mature, the larvae self-harvest by crawling out of the waste and into a collection bin, making them easy to gather. These larvae are then fed directly to the chickens, providing a high-quality, live protein source that chickens naturally forage for.

Another significant aspect of his waste-to-feed system involves growing specific plants that are beneficial for chickens. He cultivates various greens, such as comfrey, alfalfa, and certain types of brassicas, which are highly palatable and nutritious for poultry. These plants are grown in dedicated areas, often utilizing compost and chicken manure as fertilizer, creating a closed-loop system. The chickens are either allowed to free-range in these areas for limited periods or the greens are harvested and fed to them.

Rhodes also integrates a system for sprouting grains and legumes. By soaking and sprouting seeds like barley, wheat, or lentils, he significantly increases their nutritional value and digestibility for chickens. Sprouting also makes the nutrients more bioavailable and adds a fresh, living component to their diet, especially during times when fresh forage might be less abundant. This process is relatively simple, requiring only water and a suitable container, and can be done year-round.

Furthermore, he leverages the chickens themselves in the waste management process. Chickens are excellent at turning and aerating compost piles, as they scratch and peck through the material, searching for insects and seeds. He strategically allows his chickens access to certain compost bins at various stages of decomposition, not only helping with the composting process but also providing them with additional foraging opportunities.

The overall design of Rhodes' system aims to create a diverse and balanced diet for his chickens, mimicking their natural foraging behaviors. By combining compost, black soldier fly larvae, cultivated greens, sprouted grains, and direct foraging in waste areas, he provides a wide array of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This approach not only reduces the cost of feeding his flock but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable homestead ecosystem by transforming what would otherwise be waste into valuable resources. The emphasis is on creating a cyclical system where waste from one part of the homestead becomes a resource for another, embodying core permaculture principles.