Growing fodder for chickens

[jeronica]

I finally got some fodder growing for my girls! Mine is at the Day 2 stage, looks just like the above photo so far. I soaked it for 24 hours and rinsed with a mild bleach solution, then dumped it out in a cheap little tupperware. I had punched some good sized holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail, and am using the tupperware lid as a drip tray.

I only have 6 chickens, 3 buff orpingtons and 3 australorps, so I'm starting small. I used 1/3 cup of hard red wheat, of which I bought 5 lbs from amazon for about $13. I looked at Walmart, but they wanted $20 for 5lbs

I want to say a big THANK YOU! to everyone who has been posting on this thread. I have learned so much! And I'm sure my birds will be very appreciative as well!

As a side note, has anyone tried sprouting any whole-grain layer feeds? I buy Scratch and Peck Organic/GMO free/Corn and Soy free layer feed, which is primarily wheat, barley, and field peas, with oyster shell and fish meal and stuff added in. I know it might slightly defeat the purpose to try sprouting it, considering all the rinsing will undoubtedly wash away the majority of the added vitamins and minerals, but I was curious if anyone had given it a shot.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Exactly how do you grow it? I would like to do that too. Lately I buy organic wheat grass at our local grocery store.

Go to page 1.

 

[tillyita]

You are likely to end up with a lot of mould if you try sprouting your layer feed. Mixed grains and legumes are fine but anything with "powders" or stuff that will break down in water will probably be an issue.

 

[WHmarans]

You are likely to end up with a lot of mould if you try sprouting your layer feed. Mixed grains and legumes are fine but anything with "powders" or stuff that will break down in water will probably be an issue.

beans are legumes and many sprouted legumes will be toxic, including kidney beans and soy beans especially.. this has been said before but I like to try to keep bringing these things up because there's no way everyone reads all the posts.

 

[Jackiesranch]

Where did you get those Trays, I use plastic shoe boxes, but they become brittle quick

 

[Jackiesranch]

How do you keep it from molding ?? I tried it, and my got all funky smelling, so now I just sprout

 

[ArtGirl]

Exactly how do you grow it? I would like to do that too. Lately I buy organic wheat grass at our local grocery store.

That looks like some fine fodder you've got there! I'd love to get into creating something like that for my girls, could you please share your process? Thanks!

very nice, what are using using to grow your wheat in? sorry if this q has already been asked

We got some oil pans from the dollar store to grow it in and just drill holes in them. The oil pans are nice because the plastic is soft enough that they don't crack. We use one for catching extra water and one you drill holes in for the seed. You also put something to keep seed pan out of the water in the lower pan. We just use chunks of wood. Here's a pic of one. It's not that pretty but it works good.

We use red wheat for our seed and where going to try to get some BOSS later on.
When we start we layer about 1/2 inch of wheat in the oil pan that has the drilled holes and rinse it of good. Then put the seed pan into the water pan, fill it with water and let it soak for 24 hours. After it's done soaking rinse it off again and put the wood in the bottom pan.
We rinse it twice a day until it has thick roots and then only rinse it once a day until we feed it. We haven't gotten mold only rinsing it once a day for the last couple days and it doesn't get to dry.

 

[dolfi]

beans are legumes and many sprouted legumes will be toxic, including kidney beans and soy beans especially.. this has been said before but I like to try to keep bringing these things up because there's no way everyone reads all the posts.

Thank you for sharing. You're right. Their is no way a person can read every thing. We should but we don't. Lol
I appreciate it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

We got some oil pans from the dollar store to grow it in and just drill holes in them. The oil pans are nice because the plastic is soft enough that they don't crack. We use one for catching extra water and one you drill holes in for the seed. You also put something to keep seed pan out of the water in the lower pan. We just use chunks of wood. Here's a pic of one. It's not that pretty but it works good.

We use red wheat for our seed and where going to try to get some BOSS later on.
When we start we layer about 1/2 inch of wheat in the oil pan that has the drilled holes and rinse it of good. Then put the seed pan into the water pan, fill it with water and let it soak for 24 hours. After it's done soaking rinse it off again and put the wood in the bottom pan.
We rinse it twice a day until it has thick roots and then only rinse it once a day until we feed it. We really had mold only rinsing it once a day for the last couple days and it doesn't get to dry.

Great idea, so far my problem is finding something thick enough to keep from splitting the container when drilling the holes, thanks for visual sure does help and very pretty greens there.

 

[Tambo26]

I only have three hens so I don't need a huge amount of fodder. I just use it as a treat for them every day AAANNNNDDD it keeps them busy as I think they enjoy pulling it apart and flinging it everywhere!
I was growing it in small flats (BARLEY) and pulling pieces off.
THEN I got this funny egg carton! Now I start 4-6 spots every couple of days and just give the girls a few of the full grown clumps every day. I have a perfect, never ending supply that doesnt take up a ton of space! One side I can close like a little mini greenhouse when I'm starting the barley.