anybody raise sprouts to feed the chickens?

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
Yes, it sprouts very well and they like it.

 

[NightsInWhiteSilkies]

Could you sprout using the mesh white bags that are used for wild finches that you fill full of thistle seed?
I was thinking of trying to sprout trying those type of white mesh bags and wondered if anyone else has used them before or would they even work well rather than sprouting in a jar soaking in water or using dirt.
Any thoughts?

 

[3riverschick]

There are sprouting instructions on the Net for using seed between single layers of burlap bags.
Best,
Karen

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Some people sprout in bags. Here's a link to a bag for sprouts for people. http://sproutpeople.org/supply/sprouters/hempbag.html

Some people also use big bags to sprout wheat for larger flocks. They just hang them up between rinses.

I think a lot of different types of bags would work.

 

[3riverschick]

See pages 24 thru 28 of this thread for info on sprouting(how to and which graisn are best), nourishment of sprouted oats (historically counseled as the best grain to sprout for fowl), how to feed as either grain feed (sprouts 1 thru 3 days old) or green feed (sprouts 4 days and older) .
Best,
Karen in western PA

 

[chickeneyfoot]

Sometimes I grown seeds (any type) and feed to my birdies. I try to grown in their coop only. It's better for them to eat at night. Just stick a growing plant in coop. Voila!

 

[cottagechick]

Now the oats that were soaked overnight and then cooked in the morning...were those whole oats? I was thinking I could try that right now...but I only have breakfast type oats??

 

[lroth217]

Just started sprouting for my chickens after reading an article in the latest issue of Backyard Poultry (page 40). She uses Mung beans which I just started on Saturday and they sprouted quite quickly.

Of course after reading that article I searched on BYCF and found this thread so I then started a new jar each day of different beans and seeds.

So far I have given my flock lentils, which they devoured, and I have black eyed peas, mung beans, and alfalfa to give them over the next few days. I tried Black Oil Sunflower Seeds but they didn't sprout very well. But they might have been too old.

My 22-week-old hens just started laying last week and during that week we got 13 eggs. Not bad for 7 newly laying hens in December!! (I have 2 more of age but so far they are not laying) I think that giving them sprouts and any other type of HEALTHY treat will help, along with the oyster shell and Laying Formula feed, and having their coop lights go on a few hours before the sun comes up.

My dh and I celebrated our week's "harvest" by having omelets last night for dinner. Some of the eggs were smallish of course but one had two yolks so that was a surprise. And they were delicious!!!!

Yes, I love my chickens, but having fresh eggs was, after all, the point of having chickens in the first place. (at least that's what we told people . . . .

)

 

[3riverschick]

Quote:
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Then you are doing the right thing.

Sprouted oats are one of the very best ways to bring hens into lay . They should be fed all winter at the rate of one cubic inch per day per bird. Plotspike Forage Oats(available at Tractor Supply) is a good brand for this. They are specially line-bred, but not GMO. Created at Louisana State University. One 50 lb. sack (about 24.99) makes 330+ lb. of sprouted oats.
Use forage oats, not feed oats. Forage oats are seed the farmers and hunters plant in pasture and to attract deer. Feed oats are for animals to eat and have a anti-funguscide added to them which keeps them from sprouting in water. They mold instead. Sprouted oats whcih are moldy are slimy and often smell bad. Sprouted oats also invigorate the roosters sperm which he passes on to his get in more robust chciks.
Best Regards,
Karen in Ligonier
Waterford Sussex and Marans

 

[Kassaundra]

I think that may depend on the brand or something, I am in my second winter of sprouting and just buy the regular whole grain oats from the feed store (about $10 for a 50lb bag) and have never had any problems sprouting them. (I also get wheat, corn, boss etc.... same thing just regular feed types whenever the mood strikes me to add to the oats and never had a problem sprouting those either.)