Growing fodder for chickens

Okay, my husband said I'm not being "scientific" enough! LOL

I didn't measure or weigh my grain before I started sprouting it, so I have no comparison on how well I'm doing.

I told him my first three little trays were "experimental" just to see if we could do it. He insists that my "next experiment" be tracked better. LOL

So, I'm wracking my brain trying to figure out what we can use to grow a decent amount of fodder in that we already have here at the house.

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Edit to add ... I think I "might" have found something that will work. It'll be a bit tricky at the start since the seeds aren't "matted" yet but I think I can work around that.

The tray I'm using weighs 2.3 oz and I've added (or will after they soak) 4 oz. of seed. Hoping that the math works and I end up with 1.5 lbs of fodder.

LOL...So Ijm drillling more holes in my trays and starting a tray bleaching regimen between batches because I'm experiencing mold growth. Also trying to scrape off the plastic tags that happpen when you drill so that there are less places for the mold to hide...using a knive to scrape so if I turn up dead with a self inflicted knie wound, someone please telll the authorities that I didn,t mean to do it! LOL...

gah....it's so hard to type on this dumb thin....no,I am not intocicated. just using my Xbox

I started barley for sprouting a few days ago and I have my first sprouts. Yay! Now to keep the root mat from molding. I tried to sprout barley 6 moths ago, but couldn't even get it to sprout, so I've purchased new barley and so far, so good.

I would like to thank everyone on this site. I reviewed it from front to back and decided to build a fodder system for my 325 girls and 20 boys. The absolutely love the fodder, however they have not quite conjured up to eating the greens and roots as well as the seeds. I am currently experimenting with Wheat seed and BOSS along with a bird seed mix and putting in a cup or two of whole corn and oats. A little different mix daily (keep it interesting). Here is a picture of my final product. I only go five days, but thinking about adding a top shelf so the grass will grow a little higher and thicker.

KenzHenz Hatch said:

I would like to thank everyone on this site. I reviewed it from front to back and decided to build a fodder system for my 325 girls and 20 boys. The absolutely love the fodder, however they have not quite conjured up to eating the greens and roots as well as the seeds. I am currently experimenting with Wheat seed and BOSS along with a bird seed mix and putting in a cup or two of whole corn and oats. A little different mix daily (keep it interesting). Here is a picture of my final product. I only go five days, but thinking about adding a top shelf so the grass will grow a little higher and thicker.

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Your FS looks awesome!

~ Aspen

thanks Aspen!

KenzHenz Hatch said:

thanks Aspen!

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NotAFarm said:

.....oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I don't use artificial lighting or heat in my coop to make them lay that many eggs.

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Well then you really ARE getting a lot of eggs!

KenzHenz Hatch said:

I would like to thank everyone on this site. I reviewed it from front to back and decided to build a fodder system for my 325 girls and 20 boys. The absolutely love the fodder, however they have not quite conjured up to eating the greens and roots as well as the seeds. I am currently experimenting with Wheat seed and BOSS along with a bird seed mix and putting in a cup or two of whole corn and oats. A little different mix daily (keep it interesting). Here is a picture of my final product. I only go five days, but thinking about adding a top shelf so the grass will grow a little higher and thicker.

Click to expand...

Wow nice job! Beautiful!