Growing fodder for chickens

[mi2bugz]

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.

Such a neat idea! I have to find one like that!

 

[ArtGirl]

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

Thanks

 

[SavageDestiny]

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.

This is GENIUS! How much seed do you put in each little "cup"?

 

[mi2bugz]

Such a neat idea! I have to find one like that!

We have a ton of baby food plastic containers in the house so I am going to attempt to use those. Will post pics if it works.

 

[theabee]

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.

Wow that is one of the best ideas i have seen so far for people with 3 or 4 hens! I am going to do this someday!

 

[lularat]

I feed my first barley fodder to my girls this morning and it was a huge hit. I love spoiling my girls and seeing them happy. I've already started another batch.

 

[lidstoy]

I just recently purchased a 4 way fodder seed mix from a local feed supply. I will let you know how it goes

 

[JodyDI]

scratch and peck offers "3 grain scratch", which is whole grain, wheat, oats and barley. no rinsing or losing other nutrients, but still a little more expensive. I have that on hand and going to try it for the first time.

 

[jeronica]

scratch and peck offers "3 grain scratch", which is whole grain, wheat, oats and barley. no rinsing or losing other nutrients, but still a little more expensive. I have that on hand and going to try it for the first time.

Let me know how it turns out! I am very pleased with Scratch and Peck's grower and layer ration, but like you said, a little expensive. I supplement with vegetable peelings and oatmeal (and soon, fodder!) and other healthy "treats," but always leave the S&P Layer out free choice.

 

[JodyDI]

jeronica, lucky you live there. I just started reading this post, got through to pg. 36, then skipped to pg. 313. I've been getting S&P for a few months now. I wanted to get started right away, and didn't have anything else. Although it does contain oats, and the posts say that doesn't do so good. So I will be finding a source for wheat. I'm pretty sure you could find some feed grade wheat? Search feed stores and call them all!