Getting Started with KNF Chickens
A Foundational Guide for Backyard Growers
If you're raising chickens and looking to ditch store-bought supplements in favor of a natural, DIY approach, Korean Natural Farming (KNF) offers a practical and affordable path forward. This guide will help you start integrating KNF into your chicken care with simple how-tos, equipment tips, and an introduction to the living ingredients that make it all work.
Why KNF for Chickens?
KNF is built on the idea that nature provides everything we need to support healthy soil, plants, and animals. When applied to chickens, KNF helps:
- Strengthen immune systems
- Eliminate coop odor
- Improve egg production
- Reduce dependence on commercial feed and additives
Instead of treating problems, KNF focuses on creating balance using microbes, minerals, and fermentation.
Basic Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a lab or expensive gear. Here’s a basic list of low-cost items to get started:
- Various-sized jars (no metal lids, plastic lids or cheesecloth, paper towels, or coffee filter for breathable tops)
- Mixing bowls and strainer (I use an extra large pour over coffee maker)
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon Chips, seasonal herbs
- Clean rainwater or unchlorinated well water
- Raw milk, rice wash water
- Cooked rice and a good box (for IMO collection)
Most items can be sourced from your kitchen or backyard.
KNF Language Basics
These are the KNF terms you’ll come across as you build your system:
- FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice): Made from weeds and sugar, used to boost metabolism and provide plant-based nutrients.
- LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria): A probiotic used to improve gut health and break down waste.
- OHN (Oriental Herbal Nutrient): A tonic made with herbs like garlic and ginger to boost immunity.
- IMO (Indigenous Microorganisms): Local microbes that promote decomposition and balance in bedding and compost.
You can find printable recipe cards for each of these on the Recipe Cards landing page.
Microbes and Minerals at Work
Here’s what’s active in your KNF inputs:
- LAB: Lactobacillus balances gut microbes and breaks down ammonia.
- FPJ: Delivers plant hormones, enzymes, and trace minerals.
- OHN: Contains natural antimicrobials like allicin from garlic.
- IMO: Boosts composting and keeps bedding biologically active.
These ingredients don’t just support health—they build it.
Seasonal Input Schedule for Chickens
| Season | Purpose | Inputs |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Metabolism + gut health | FPJ, LAB, OHN |
| Summer | Heat + stress recovery | Cooling FPJ, LAB |
| Fall | Immunity + composting | OHN, IMO, LAB |
| Winter | Odor + digestion support | IMO bedding, LAB water |
Start small—one input per week—then layer as your system matures.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use clean tools and non-metal containers
- Label and date your jars, at everystage and always
- Start with one input at a time
- Observe your birds and bedding
DON’T:
- Mix multiple new inputs at once
- Skip the brown or raw sugar (it feeds the microbes)
- Use chlorinated water, EVER. It defeats the point.
Build as You Go
This is your foundational level—where you learn to observe, ferment, and support your animals with what’s already around you. KNF doesn’t require perfection, just curiosity and consistency.
Ready to go deeper? Start with LAB—it’s the backbone of the system and a great first fermentation project.
Coming up next: We'll walk through your first LAB fermentation and how to apply it to waterers, bedding, and compost.
For all current recipe cards, visit the Recipe Card Library.
