Growing fodder for chickens

[keepmumsane]

My rabbits LOVE the fodder! But they only eat the green parts...and my chickens will only eat the seeds and root part...so I give fodder to the rabbits and what they leave behind goes to the chickens! My turkeys, however, eat it ALL! So far, my muscovies have not taken to it, so we'll see! I have my setup in my bathroom in my garden tub because we have a separate stand up shower and don't really use the tub. I got those little food storage containers from the dollar store and my hubby loaned me his saudering (sp) gun to put the drain holes in! I can fit up to 30 trays in the area but I really need double that because I am growing for the pigs as well! They all sit on one of those plastic, stackable shelves and the shelves have holes so the water can drain away, and it goes right down the drain...no muss no fuss!! I am growing barley but I'm almost out and then I will start the 50# bag of wheat I have! I may move the set up outside eventually, but it seems to be working out ok for now. And I like being able to bring them green food when they can't forage (they are locked up right now because of fox issues! Grrrrr...

I have a bathtub outside,, was thinking about a worm farm but if I covered it properly would be great for sprouting..at least until mid winter.

 

[Lacy Blues]

My rabbits LOVE the fodder! But they only eat the green parts...and my chickens will only eat the seeds and root part...so I give fodder to the rabbits and what they leave behind goes to the chickens! My turkeys, however, eat it ALL! So far, my muscovies have not taken to it, so we'll see! I have my setup in my bathroom in my garden tub because we have a separate stand up shower and don't really use the tub. I got those little food storage containers from the dollar store and my hubby loaned me his saudering (sp) gun to put the drain holes in! I can fit up to 30 trays in the area but I really need double that because I am growing for the pigs as well! They all sit on one of those plastic, stackable shelves and the shelves have holes so the water can drain away, and it goes right down the drain...no muss no fuss!! I am growing barley but I'm almost out and then I will start the 50# bag of wheat I have! I may move the set up outside eventually, but it seems to be working out ok for now. And I like being able to bring them green food when they can't forage (they are locked up right now because of fox issues! Grrrrr...

I have a tub like that. I never thought of using it. Could you show some pictures please?

 

[Kassaundra]

Has anyone looked at the underside of their ironing board lately?????? I ask b/c mine broke and I was about to toss it, but before I toss anything I ask myself can this be repurposed for anything useful. So as I stared pondering, I had a lightbulb moment, flat, metal, sectioned w/ drainage holes!!!!!!!!!

 

[beverly evans]

What I sprout most is lentils. I buy the one pound bag at the grocery store and pour half of it in this pencil bag. I soak it for about 4 hours and then rinse it out. I rinse twice/day and within like 3 days, I think, I have a bag full of lentil sprouts. My birds LOVE them. I mix them into their fermented feed that is ready to be served. I haven't tried growing them into a mat like the barley makes. If I was going to do that, I'd have to remove them from the bag and spread them into a tray. I may do that soon using the whole pound and see how much it makes.

LacyBlues, I followed your lead but my chickens ate the lentils and left the roots from 3-4 days sprouting. Next time I'll leave them there until they sprout green leaves and see what happens then. But I understood that all the extra greenery does not add to their nutrition and it is best to feed them the sprouts early on. Someone out there, what's right? : )

 

[nab58]

Has anyone looked at the underside of their ironing board lately??????   I ask b/c mine broke and I was about to toss it, but before I toss anything I ask myself can this be repurposed for anything useful.  So as I stared pondering, I had a lightbulb moment, flat, metal, sectioned w/ drainage holes!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a great repurposing opportunity! Even better if you have a spare bathtub to sprout in. Otherwise, you'd have to sprout outdoors.

 

[Lacy Blues]

LacyBlues, I followed your lead but my chickens ate the lentils and left the roots from 3-4 days sprouting. Next time I'll leave them there until they sprout green leaves and see what happens then. But I understood that all the extra greenery does not add to their nutrition and it is best to feed them the sprouts early on. Someone out there, what's right? : )

I think once they get to see them more often, they'll go for the entire thing. I let mine sprout until they have the tiniest little twin leaves on top. As far as I understand it, the extra greenery is good for them too... the chlorophyll thing and extra vitamin A which is what they will be sorely lacking in the winter. It may not add to their nutrition but I don't think they lose nutrition as the sprouts get another day or two older.

 

[RentaPig311]

Wow...Talk about a massive thread! I hate to be that guy but I simply don't have the time to read all 256 pages on this thread. I wish I did though as there seems to be a lot of great ideas. I've read the first few pages and the last few pages and think I have most of this figured out enough to give it a whirl. Still I would highly encourage one of you in the know people to consolidate this into an article. This should definitely be a featured article in the learning center.

I'm having some problems figuring out what seeds to use and what to avoid. Is there any quick input out there as to what is more/less nutritious for the flock?

So far I've seen:
Barley
Wheat
Black oil sunflower seed (BOSS)

I'd like to try a mix of these. The next question is where to get them? In our local tractor supply I see a ton of feed but I'm not sure what will sprout. I went to the homebrew store and was fold all the grains were already malted and would no sprout. My only search results for BOSS has been Wild bird seed. Any suggestions?

 

[crazyaboutchickens]

Barley is highest in nutrition, and BOSS is highest in protein.
I have no idea about wheat, expect that it's probably the most common grain, so most people start experimenting with that.
A combination would cover things nicely, except that they have different soaking and sprouting times, therefore rotation would be a little complicated.

I get my seed from the local feed store, so I can't help you much on details of TSC feeds. :/

 

[AletaG]

I'd like to try a mix of these. The next question is where to get them? In our local tractor supply I see a ton of feed but I'm not sure what will sprout. I went to the homebrew store and was fold all the grains were already malted and would no sprout. My only search results for BOSS has been Wild bird seed. Any suggestions?

I rotate between barley (feed store), lentils (food grade from CashnCarry restaurant supply), and what's left of my wild bird seed mix (BOSS, millet, etc.). Unless a bird seed mix specifically says it's been heated/irradiated to stop germination, it should work. What you choose may depend on what's inexpensive in your area and how many birds you have! So, how big a flock are you feeding? What sort of climate (will they have no outdoor access for ranging, or range all through the winter)? If you have a feed store, do your 'guys' seem knowledgeable? They should know which will sprout and which won't...

-AG
Kassaundra... I am having the dickens of a time sewing my coffee sacks. They are about twice as big as I need, so thought I would make them smaller; tips/tricks? I usually sew easy stuff, out of fleece. Thanks!

 

[NotAFarm]

Wow...Talk about a massive thread! I hate to be that guy but I simply don't have the time to read all 256 pages on this thread. I wish I did though as there seems to be a lot of great ideas. I've read the first few pages and the last few pages and think I have most of this figured out enough to give it a whirl. Still I would highly encourage one of you in the know people to consolidate this into an article. This should definitely be a featured article in the learning center.

I'm having some problems figuring out what seeds to use and what to avoid. Is there any quick input out there as to what is more/less nutritious for the flock?

So far I've seen:
Barley
Wheat
Black oil sunflower seed (BOSS)

I'd like to try a mix of these. The next question is where to get them? In our local tractor supply I see a ton of feed but I'm not sure what will sprout. I went to the homebrew store and was fold all the grains were already malted and would no sprout. My only search results for BOSS has been Wild bird seed. Any suggestions?

The BOSS I get is "bird feed' in a 40 or 50 lb bag (my local feed store has it.....also got a bag at TSC once). I ferment grains/feed year around and use the BOSS in the ferment fall and winter to add protein as the birds are going through molts and can't find much when the snow gets here and the ground freezes. I have sprouted that same BOSS in the winter for "greens" without any problems....just don't make the layer of seed too thick....one or two seeds deep is plenty.....spread it out...

I have sprouted buckwheat, wheat, kamut, barley, BOSS and a seed mix that is intended to plant in the ground for a "chicken buffet" (small packet I got as a sample at a "chicken meet-up"). I have not tried any legumes. I will be trying some rye seed this winter.