anybody raise sprouts to feed the chickens?

[ChicksterJo]

I finally got started with sprouting hard winter wheat (red) and growing wheatgrass. I fed both sprouts and wheatgrass to the chicks, both big and small, and they all enjoyed them. Seems as though they like the wheatgrass better but the sprouts are easier to make. I bought a sprouter that's really easy to use. It makes some great treats, for the chickens and for me

 

[vmdanielsen]

they sure do love their sprouts!!!

 

[JellyBeanCee]

I saw a little sprouting bag at my local co-op; looked like a little cotton muslin produce bag, to sprout your grains in. I'm going to try that once I get my girls (I have 3 new babies coming next week!). I was just wondering how many sprouts do you feed? Is there such a thing as giving them too much of it?

 

[vmdanielsen]

I only sprout when there is no green outside.....I will start in about a month. Now they can find green forage on their own. I suppose that you can feed to much. Think balance. I do not consider feeding my birds sprouts as a treat(they do LOVE them!). I consider them as part of a balanced diet.

 

[gophert]

So I sprouted a bunch of black-eyed peas I had lying around. My chickens will not eat them! They tried them, but didn't seem to like them. Any tips or thoughts? maybe they would prefer sprouted grains? Also, I did not let them green up...maybe I should leave them in the sun for a bit?

The chickens eat lots of veggies and greens so it's not like they are not used to this sort of thing.

On the other hand, my 3-year-old son thinks the sprouts are yummy! Funny. They taste good to me, too.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote:
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Go back and read pages 25, 26 and 27 of this thread. All your questions are answered in detail with references by members of the list.
Really good stuff, Honest!

Best,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[Tracydr]

Fenugreek is my baby chicks favorite. Got two pounds from an online spice store for cheap. It's high protein and stimulates the appetite.

 

[vsmenagerie]

My chicks and chickens LOVE sprouts. Im planning on sprouting BOSS for them next. but they arent a fan of the wheat until its sprouted. Great thread!!

 

[Tracydr]

Is there anything that can be used to prevent molding/ souring besides grapefruit extract? I've had some of the slower sprouting seeds mold. Would vinegar or lemon juice work?

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
check out kassaundra's bags post #188 I have had better luck sprouting this way. my seeds would always sour. this method is better for me
Ginny

edited to hopefully spell kassaudra's name right!