Growing fodder for chickens

[MandalaMaMa]

Excited to try this for my 6 girls for the first time. Just started soaking some wheat tonight. You have all been very helpful with learning about fodder.

 

[chixmix]

Ive read quite a bit of this thread. I haven't seen any one mention using metal containers. They have at TSC 3 gallon hog pans that would seem a perfect fit for this, and they are only 4 bucks each. Here is a link to them. They would last a very long time indeed, and you could simply stack them 6 high and let them drain through each other and then into a basin at the bottom for emptying. Seems like it would make it so easy and only a very minimal investment to boot. Spending hundreds of dollars is a waste of money in my opinion.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/behrens-utility-pan-3-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005

 

[TnAndy]

Once you put a hole in a galvanized pan, it will start rusting out.

Rubbermaid 4 5/8gal plastic dish lugs are $7.93 from Amazon, and will never rust. Heavy plastic, easy to clean, and very durable. IF you want something that will last for many years, this is it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006381RK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[chixmix]

I didn't know that, thanks for catching that so fast, and also for the link.

 

[chixmix]

Yep....local farm co-op here has wheat at $13.50 for 50lbs and barley for about 18. I figure about pound or so (dry seed) a day is more than enough for my 16 chickens. 100lbs would do all winter.

The price for wheat here is 8 bucks for 50#, can't find Barley anywhere tho.....

 

[JodyDI]

The price for wheat here is 8 bucks for 50#, can't find Barley anywhere tho.....

I can't find barley either. I think I saw some dish pans or containers at Dollar General for around $4. I didn't need ones so big. So I got the Glad food storage bowls, pack of 3 for $5. they had a larger rectangle one for 2 for $4.50. I was in a hurry to start so I didn't search it out.

Besides it's fun growing green things in the winter!! We are having snow in Atlanta NOW!!

 

[chickenlindz]

I just started and was successful I would say. I have learned a lot from this thread but do have a question about mold.

If you find mold can you still use? I am the type who throws out bread and cheese the minute I see a speck but my DH is the opposite and will simply pick off the visible mold and then use. Was wondering what applies for fodder?

What are some tips for reducing mold? Did I water too much, not often enough, more drainage?

 

[MandalaMaMa]

I just started and was successful I would say. I have learned a lot from this thread but do have a question about mold.

If you find mold can you still use? I am the type who throws out bread and cheese the minute I see a speck but my DH is the opposite and will simply pick off the visible mold and then use. Was wondering what applies for fodder?

What are some tips for reducing mold? Did I water too much, not often enough, more drainage?

I had read to use a cap full of hydroxide peroxide in the soak water and that would kill all the mold spoors. That's what I did but I'm really new at this. Just started mine last night.

 

[chixmix]

I can't find barley either. I think I saw some dish pans or containers at Dollar General for around $4. I didn't need ones so big. So I got the Glad food storage bowls, pack of 3 for $5. they had a larger rectangle one for 2 for $4.50. I was in a hurry to start so I didn't search it out.

Besides it's fun growing green things in the winter!! We are having snow in Atlanta NOW!!

There is Barley on ebay, but it's over a buck a pound..... I found some really nice containers at Dollar General today, they are big, but I have around 60 chickens, so I need to go large or go 12 tray haha. 6 May be a little easier. I still plan on doing a small test run to figure out the measurements tho.

 

[chixmix]

I had read to use a cap full of hydroxide peroxide in the soak water and that would kill all the mold spoors. That's what I did but I'm really new at this. Just started mine last night.

Can you keep us newbs updated plz?