Fodder seed recommendations?

TrystInn

Crowing
14 Years
Sep 16, 2009
1,048
39
291
Western Massachusetts
We're hoping to start our own fodder system this weekend and the only thing really holding us back at this point is choosing the right fodder seed. A few questions for discussions:

1) What fodder grasses would you recommend? We can go with a couple of options. We're currently looking into chicken wheat, barley and oat grass.

2) Where should I buy the seed from? Our feedstore doesn't offer ANY of those!

3) Any advice, recommendations (or admonishments), etc?

I was looking into Azure Standard, but while I see Chicken Wheat on their website - as stupid as this may sound as a question - is that bulk seed? I don't want to buy a bulk bag of feed. I need the seed!
 
Here is a good article for you. http://themodernhomestead.us/article/Growing-Poultry-Feeds-1.html

But I have to say that I dont agree with the comfrey and nettle.
I would think clovers, dandalion, rape, mustard, alfalfa, a hard wheat and a soft wheat. And a stand of corn if you plan to harvest and grind. The corn and wheat cover will provide plenty of insects (especially grasshoppers) for the chickens as well.
 
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That site looks wonderful, thank you! I've bookmarked and begun reading. I already grow a TON of comfrey and I certainly don't want nettle growing on my property.

Would you believe we don't seem to have grasshoppers up here? I think its too wet for them? A fodder system doesn't actually field grow anything, so no grasshoppers even if we had them, but I was planning to get a few sunflowers going in any case. :D The rest is pretty good - dandelions grow pretty good here, the cottontails spread them around, I can add mustard and rape from local nurseries.

Any idea about Azure Standard's chicken wheat? I got their catalog and I can't even find it in there. I may end up having to call them on Monday.
 
Go down to the feed store and buy yourself a copy of The Capitol Press. In the back, in the classified, you will find lots of ads for seed, direct from the farmer.

It's a bit seasonal. More is available during harvest season, but that's where I buy my pasture grass seed.
 
Hi Tris,
You could buy whole grain wheat, oats or barely from the store (for people consumption) and plant it. I would buy it bulk in a health food store to get the amount you want. I would get organic, it would be less processed and more likely to germinate.

BTW-Azure's chicken wheat is the floor sweepings of the people wheat. And they hardly ever have it in stock!
We're hoping to start our own fodder system this weekend and the only thing really holding us back at this point is choosing the right fodder seed. A few questions for discussions:

1) What fodder grasses would you recommend? We can go with a couple of options. We're currently looking into chicken wheat, barley and oat grass.

2) Where should I buy the seed from? Our feedstore doesn't offer ANY of those!

3) Any advice, recommendations (or admonishments), etc?

I was looking into Azure Standard, but while I see Chicken Wheat on their website - as stupid as this may sound as a question - is that bulk seed? I don't want to buy a bulk bag of feed. I need the seed!
 
We've managed to get 5 pounds each of rye grain and BOSS, so we're gearing up to begin soaking tonight. We found great American-made bins at our local dollar store - in a lovely shade of blue that matches the house (the rack is going on the back porch, so I sort of mind). We have an off-brand Metroshelving unit, a tarp wrap around and some drainage pans, hubby is drilling holes in the bins now.

So excited, I need pics! :D
 
I saw a hydro-ponic setup for whaet grass on farmtek a few weeks ago..... as well for lettuce and greens
 

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