Growing fodder for chickens

[pawtraitart]

No soil. I put about 1/2 inch of soaked seeds in the plastic tray. The trays can be purchased at greenhouse/garden supply places. I got mine online.

 

[Keeahskreations]

Actually, this sounds like a perfect idea? Is it hard to grow? and How would I go about beginning this?

 

[TERRY4]

Anyone wanting to see how to sprout, go to youtube and search "sprouting wheatgrass". It'll give you the idea to do about any sprouts.

 

[mrsteiner]

Couple of questions--how much seed do you need per flat? Pounds? Cups?

I know I would use this fodder to supplement the standard (organic) feed I give my hens. Any recommendations about how many chickens per flat of sprouts?

 

[side yard farm]

Hello my name is Keith I am a small market gardener and I also grow micro green , if you spread your seed out in your tray and use a mister to keep them damp and cover the seeds with something dark another tray flipped over or a piece of cardboard just something to keep it dark this will represent the seeds being under soil and help keep them moist as seeds don't need light to germinate , as soon as the seeds sprout remove your light blocker and continue to use your mister I suggest using a small one gallon sprayer purchased from your garden center , I would also suggest buying a heat mat they are very affordable the seed temp or soil temp should be about 70 deg the air temp is not as important, I would also use warm water to mist with , I grow pea greens , sunflower greens and radish greens in about 4 days

 

[jermoatc]

how much would I need per day to feed 16 laying hens?

 

[1kokikoki]

I sprout alfalfa and sunflower for my chickens in large sprouting trays. My chickens love it. It makes quite alot of greens per pound of seeds. I will try the wheat and barley too. Here in arizona we have little grass and they need their greens.

 

[briansdogs]

Nice

 

[Candy442]

I have been sprouting Valor winter barley. It has worked well! My 13 birds love the fresh greens in our harsh Mid Michigan winter.

The bushel of Valor winter barley was $18.00, the six plastic dish tubs from dollar store were $8.00 and I bought 5 1020 trays with holes, 5 without for $20 and five 2" humidity domes for $15.00. I will use these same trays and domes to start my garden vegetables. So far, the best investment I have made for my flock

Here is the link to the system I use:

http://www.peakprosperity.com/wsidblog/80359/diy-home-fodder-system

Photos of my set up:







Nothing special, I have a regular shop light fixture set up with grow lamps, shelving in my laundry room. no heat mats and from soak to feeding the chickens is about 8 to 9 days.

 

[Concerned01]

The BOSS do they have she'll on to make the fodder? I am sorry bit I am not clear on this portion