Fodder seed recommendations?

[TrystInn]

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!

 

[TrystInn]

I started an article on our fodder system, we'll be updating as we go.

Soaking the seeds:



As requested, here's our setup, the fodder rack!



And the bins.



Sprouts!



Today's Rye sprouts, starting to form the biscuit:

 

[hancockseed]

Hi all! Please check out www.hancockseed.com for all of your seed needs for fodder. We are a farmer direct wholesaler for all types of seeds and are really getting excited about the benefits of fodder for our animals. We have many seeds that local feed stores just don't carry and know that it is hard for most to find a good source for top quality seeds. Thanks all and let me know if I can help in anyway;-)

 

[SproutGuy]

For those who want to know what the basic fodder system is-
Besides that it saves a TON of $ - it also gives chickens better food. Add some minerals and you have the besy food your chickens can eat.

Here's a basic of how-to make fodder-

Get your seeds. Mixes for birds should be high in protein so go with things like beans (not soy). peas (green or yellow), alfalfa, and I add some chia.
Add your grasses - oats (not first choice but do-able), wheat, barley, rye or corn (yes - corn should sprout). Buckwheat and other available seeds can also be added.
Add a booster of sunflower, flax . . .or chia (hey - I like chia!).
For layers - get calcium ready. For both meat & layers- have some azomite or kelp around to increase mineral content.

The system you use will depend on how many chickens you are feeding-
For:
a few chickens - use a mason jar and nylon screen (cut up a nylon and screw it on a jar)
a dozen chickens - a Auto-Fodder-Feeder could work.
a lot of chickens - you will need a shelving system, trays, a water catch basin on the bottom and most likely a automatic pump system.

To start- soak a 10th of the size of the container of seeds overnight. then start rinsing the seeds 2 - 3 times a day for 6-7 days. Add some minerals/kelp and calcium before feeding.

Better food at a fraction of the cost.

 

[TrystInn]

We have sprouts!

 

[Fodder]

With test beds being performed on growing Barley in the system. We are happy to announce our first batch will be ready to harvest in one day! We are a dealer of Half Pint Homestead Fodder Systems and we have had a learning curve with the system so that we can better help our customers work through any fodder issues that arise!

We are very excited! and want to thank fellow fodder friend and fellow Half-Pint Homestead dealer Sarah Vogeley together we have been testing the system and looks like we are heading on the right road!

We are here to help answer any of your questions about these systems. If you wish to know pricing information and what type of system is right for you please let me know . Thank you for your time.

 

[bairo]

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.

 

[TrystInn]

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. 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.

 

[Oregon Blues]

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.

 

[daze333]

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!